Tama Art University

Tama Art University, or Tamabi as it’s affectionately known, pulses with creative energy. It started not as a university, but as the Tama Imperial Art School in 1935. Imagine the era, a time of rising tensions, yet here was a space dedicated to art. Tamabi evolved, becoming a junior college in 1950 and a four-year university in 1953. This speaks to the university’s adaptability and its commitment to nurturing artistic talent. Tamabi boasts two main campuses. The Hachioji campus, opened in 1971, houses the Faculty and Graduate School of Art and Design. The Kaminoge campus, closer to Tokyo’s heart, serves as the administrative hub. A unique feature of Tamabi is its Seminar Houses. One nestles in the foothills of Mount Fuji, offering a serene escape for contemplation and creation. The other is located in Nara, a city steeped in ancient history and art. Tamabi isn’t just about tradition. It’s a forward-looking institution. It was the first art school in Japan to establish a Graduate School in 1964. The university even offers a Creative Leadership Program, showing its dedication to developing well-rounded artists. Tamabi has a distinguished faculty, past and present. Notable names like architect Shigeru Ban, industrial designer Naoto Fukasawa, and film director Isao Takahata have graced its halls. Alumni include influential figures like fashion designer Issey Miyake. Today, Tama Art University stands as a testament to the power of “Freedom and Will”, its motto. It’s a place where creativity flourishes, where tradition meets innovation, and where the next generation of artists are shaping the future of art.