Message

Perceiving and Translating the World

Kyoto City University of Arts is Japan’s oldest university dedicated to the arts. It has been 146 years since its founding in 1880, during the early Meiji period. Countless artists, musicians, and researchers in the fields of fine arts and musicianship have set out from here. Having a long history means not merely that the years have passed, but that the traces of countless predecessors’ explorations have accumulated in this place. Diving into that accumulation is the very first meaning of studying here.

So, what do you learn here? While it’s true to say you learn technical skills, that alone is not enough. Of course, we thoroughly hone practical skills such as drawing, creating objects, playing musical instruments, and composing music. But at the same time, this is a place where you learn something even more fundamental: the “ability to perceive the world” and the “ability to translate what you’ve perceived into a form that can be shared with others.”

Modern society, the everyday life around us, the people we meet, the color of the sky above, and stories from distant countries on the news. The world is overflowing with beauty and charm, as well as awkwardness and contradiction. Rather than simply passing these by, you pause, take them in, reflect on them within yourself, and transform them into something you can convey to others. That act is “expression.” And as you repeat this process of expression, you begin to tentatively create “new sensibilities,” “new values,” and “new questions”—things that no one has yet noticed. That is “creation.” This university is a place where you can delve deeply into both “expression” and “creation.”

What’s interesting is that no one knows when the fruits of creativity will become “commonplace.” Some works resonate with people right this very moment, while others may not reach the hearts of many until 10, 20, or even 100 years from now. The world of art exists within this sense of time—a long, drawn-out one. That is the reason why there is no need to rush. You do not have to produce results right away. Here, you are shielded from society’s pressure to deliver immediate results, and you are guaranteed the time to deeply explore your own creative path at your own pace.

And there is one more thing you will gain at this university: the opportunity to meet “fellow students who have taken the leap into this world.” Every day, you will come face-to-face with people who have come here from all over, driven by the same urge to express themselves; you will share your work, discuss it, critique one another, and offer encouragement. These relationships will become an irreplaceable source of support—not only during your time here, but throughout the long journey of life after graduation. The faculty members, too, are active artists, musicians, and researchers. It is not just the classrooms—the entire university is a vibrant hub of artistic expression.

Furthermore, one of the university’s defining characteristics is that it is an arts university centered on both visual arts and music. The visual arts—including painting, sculpture, design, crafts, and film—and the auditory arts—such as performance, composition, and vocal music—thrive side by side on the same campus. Although students typically follow separate paths in their daily studies, chance encounters and collaborative projects create moments where different sensibilities and ways of thinking intersect. It is precisely these unexpected intersections that can lead you to discoveries you could never have made on your own. An environment where cross-genre inspiration and dialogue occur on a daily basis is a unique richness of this university.

In October 2023, our university relocated from Kutsukake in Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto City, to the area east of Kyoto Station. The new campus has been established in location that can be described as the gateway to Kyoto, known as a city of culture. The flowing Kamo River, rows of cherry trees, and the ridgeline of the Higashiyama Mountains—nestled within this beautiful landscape, the campus is a flexible and open space designed under the concept of being a “university like a terrace.” The campus features well-equipped workshops, a hall and practice rooms with excellent acoustics, and a library. However, these facilities are merely tools. It is your own exploration and activities that will nurture these spaces into unique and enriching places.

Your time at university is just a small part of your long life. When you graduate from here, you will finally stand on the “starting block” from which to dive into uncharted waters. Ahead of you lies an endless journey of exploration, with no clear destination in sight. Please use this time to build the stamina, skills, and friendships you will need to navigate that journey.

We are waiting for people who feel something and cannot help but express it.

Toru Koyamada
President
Kyoto City University of Arts