Tokyo University of the Arts (Geidai) Graduate School of Film and New Media
Japan's most prestigious arts university, with a graduate film program that has attracted faculty including Takeshi Kitano and produced award-winning filmmakers like Ryusuke Hamaguchi.
Overview
Tokyo University of the Arts (Tokyo Geidai) is Japan's most prestigious public university for the arts, with a history stretching back to 1887. The Graduate School of Film and New Media was established in the mid-2000s and has quickly become the country's leading film education program, combining Japan's deep cinematic traditions with contemporary approaches to filmmaking and new media.
Geidai's film program draws on the university's broader strength in fine arts, music, and traditional Japanese arts. The program emphasizes cross-disciplinary collaboration, with student directors working alongside animators, composers, and visual artists. This interdisciplinary approach produces filmmakers with a distinctive aesthetic sensibility informed by Japan's rich artistic heritage.
The program's faculty has featured some of Japan's most celebrated filmmakers. Takeshi Kitano served as an instructor in the early 2000s, and auteur director Kiyoshi Kurosawa taught at the school until 2023. The presence of working masters in the classroom gives students direct access to the highest levels of Japanese filmmaking craft and philosophy.
Programs Offered
- MA in Film Production -- directing, screenwriting, and production
- MA in Animation -- animated filmmaking in Japanese and international traditions
- MA in New Media -- digital storytelling, interactive media, and emerging technologies
- PhD in Film and New Media -- doctoral research in cinema and media
What Students Should Know
Geidai's film program teaches primarily in Japanese, and proficiency is required for most programs. International students with Japanese language skills are welcome, and the school's reputation attracts applicants from across Asia and beyond.
As a national university, Geidai charges relatively low tuition by international standards. Japanese national university fees are approximately 535,000 yen per year (roughly $3,600 USD), making the school extremely affordable. Tokyo's cost of living is high, however, and students should budget accordingly.
The program is small and selective. Graduate admissions are competitive, and the school values artistic vision and intellectual depth alongside technical skill. Students benefit from the intimate learning environment and from the university's broader artistic community.
Geidai's location in Tokyo places students at the center of Japan's film, animation, and media industries. The city's density of studios, production companies, and cultural institutions provides professional opportunities and creative inspiration.
Notable Alumni
Geidai Graduate School of Film and New Media alumni include Ryusuke Hamaguchi (Drive My Car, Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy), who won the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film and the Cannes Best Screenplay award. The program continues to produce filmmakers who are active in Japanese and international cinema.
See Also
For understanding Japanese cinema and its global influence, see International Film Markets. To explore animation fundamentals, use the Frame Rate Calculator.
