Tokyo University of the Arts participated in the Experience Japan Exhibition 2016 that took place in London on November 19. It is an event hosted annually since 2011 by Keio University, along with the British Council as a co-host, to introduce the various opportunities to study, conduct research, and work in Japan. With the help of a TUA alumni Dr. Kaho Aso, who received her doctoral degree in Hogaku Hayashi (a form of traditional Japanese music) from the Graduate School of Music and is currently based in London to receive training as an actor, the TUA representatives provided information and hands-on advice to those who visited the university’s booth.

The event, for which reportedly more than 900 people had registered in advance, brought together college, university, and secondary school students and their parents, as well as university staff and people in other occupations, including artists, who were looking to study in Japan for their professional and personal development. An estimate of more than 100 visitors stopped by the TUA booth, eagerly asking questions about their fields of interest, application requirements, etc.

Fine Arts and Film and New Media, among other programs at TUA, were the two fields that visitors most frequently asked about at the booth, which may be an indication of the popularity of Japanese culture and art these days. The Graduate School of Film and New Media, in particular, seemed to be the biggest attraction for many visitors. In fact, some students showed excitement after finding out about the degree programs offered at the school, while some others seemed disappointed by the reality that no undergraduate programs are available.

The TUA booth kept receiving visitors until the very end of this six-hour event. It turned out to be very successful, as can be seen from the fact that some of the materials brought from Japan, such as the university and course brochures, run out before the closure of the exhibition.

The success of this event is an illustration that, just like in Japan, studying abroad is no longer considered something special, but rather a common option for many British students. It also confirms that TUA’s specialization in the arts is a unique feature of the university and its advantage at the same time.

To respond to these circumstances, TUA intends to continue its effort to enhance institutional infrastructure and improve admission procedures for accepting more international students.