Universities in Japan Offering Calligraphy Programs

2024.10.05

Japan boasts a diverse array of universities where you can study calligraphy, each with its unique features. Here’s a guide to universities with calligraphy programs, divided into national and private institutions.

National Universities

Arts Programs

University of Tsukuba

The program aims to develop specialists in calligraphy, including practitioners and researchers. Leveraging its comprehensive university background, it provides in-depth expertise and a broad perspective to contribute meaningfully to society.

Education Programs

Iwate University

Offers practical education and research in arts and culture, including calligraphy. It aims to revitalize regional culture and contribute to cultural dissemination.

Tokyo Gakugei University

Provides a comprehensive study of calligraphy, including practical skills, history, theory, appreciation, and teaching methods.

Niigata University

Offers a broad curriculum covering Japanese language, literature, Chinese literature, calligraphy, and language education. The program enhances specialized skills necessary for teaching

Nara University of Education

Trains educators to nurture students who are emotionally rich and capable of contributing to society through the traditional art of calligraphy.

Osaka Kyoiku University

Develops educators capable of fostering children’s character through art and calligraphy education, focusing on expressive and appreciative activities.

Hokkaido University of Education

Focuses on developing skilled and innovative thinkers in the arts, including calligraphy. It promotes art culture and regional revitalization through a broad understanding of the field.

Kyoto University of Education

Provides both practical and theoretical education in calligraphy within the culturally rich city of Kyoto.

Fukuoka University of Education

The only program in the China-Shikoku-Kyushu region that trains high school art teachers specializing in calligraphy.

Private Universities

Literature Programs

Nishogakusha University

Provides extensive study of calligraphy from practical skills and theory to related fields.

Daito Bunka University

The first specialized department in Japan to explore calligraphy both as an academic discipline and as an art form.

Kogakkan University

Enhances expressive abilities through various calligraphic styles and teaches the necessary knowledge and techniques for becoming a calligrapher or teacher. It also covers classical Chinese texts and their cultural impacts.

Kyoto Tachibana University

Offers high-level calligraphy education that often achieves excellent results in exhibitions. It fosters concentration and originality, which are valuable in real-world applications.

Yasuda Women’s University

  • Location: Asaminami Ward, Hiroshima City
  • Faculty/Department: Faculty of Literature, Department of Japanese Literature, Calligraphy Culture Major
  • Average Score: 41–44
  • Common Test Score: 56%
  • https://www.yasuda-u.ac.jp/course/shodou/

Focuses on writing with aesthetic awareness and systematically learns various calligraphy techniques and theories to deepen expertise while enhancing thinking and communication skills.

Hanazono University

Learn calligraphy from leading practitioners in the historic city of Kyoto.

Shikoku University

An unprecedented program exploring East Asian calligraphy culture comprehensively.

Cultural Programs

Gifu Women’s University

  • Location: Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture
  • Faculty/Department: Faculty of Cultural Creation, Cultural Creation Major, Calligraphy Culture Course
  • Average Score: 38–40
  • Common Test Score: 40%
  • https://gijodai.jp/syodou/point.html

Allows students to aim for prestigious exhibitions like the Nitten, and participate in various public competitions.

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