Art schools in Japan

[JudderDust]

Hello there, first post.

Yeah ok, I'm looking to study in Japan. I have an interest in art so figured I'd look up some art universities but there's a couple of problems there. A) the private colleges are crazy expensive (way out of my league) and B) the government-run ones are full with geniuses. I don't want to punch above my weight too much so the best option for me seems to be art-orientated "special training school". I'm wanting to look up information on the subject ie. the fees etc..

Also, as I live in the UK I'm eligible for the Working Holiday Visa (which I keep being told is the easiest Visa to obtain for staying in Japan) but that only runs for a year. If I was to go with that would I have to leave Japan at the end of the year or could I renew it or anything?

Thank you!

Edit - Oh yeah, some basic information in case you need it. I'm 19, self-studying Japanese but am currently not commuting to an college or school (so one of those study-exchange things isn't an option).

[solemnclockwork]

Originally Posted by JudderDust

Hello there, first post.

Yeah ok, I'm looking to study in Japan. I have an interest in art so figured I'd look up some art universities but there's a couple of problems there. A) the private colleges are crazy expensive (way out of my league) and B) the government-run ones are full with geniuses. I don't want to punch above my weight too much so the best option for me seems to be art-orientated "special training school". I'm wanting to look up information on the subject ie. the fees etc..

Also, as I live in the UK I'm eligible for the Working Holiday Visa (which I keep being told is the easiest Visa to obtain for staying in Japan) but that only runs for a year. If I was to go with that would I have to leave Japan at the end of the year or could I renew it or anything?

Thank you!

Edit - Oh yeah, some basic information in case you need it. I'm 19, self-studying Japanese but am currently not commuting to an college or school (so one of those study-exchange things isn't an option).

You can get an student visa, but be warned it ether allows to work very very little, OR not at all (I'm not an expert on the subject but that is what I've herd repeated on this forum).

That said, being talented in art is no way impossible OR above ANYONE. One thing to state about the subject, no matter it looks it still is unique and worthy of the same space of one "more detailed". So I will advise to get ride of the self defeating attitude that will only hurt you in the long run ( being to negative and arrogant in art will kill it for you). To be an Genus in Art you only need to understand what your trying to do and apply three basic rules to the "style". One color theory , two experience (technique too), three knowledge about said subject (ie painting an human, understanding the way the human is built). Know those really do get thrown out of the window in some areas of art (picoso). To which I only say you should know what your message/goal is.

I also can not say how important it is to have pictures of things you try to paint, and also to look at others work and see what they did. Most artists cannot set there and come up with an vivid picture off the top of there head (really requires and vivid imagination which can be brought upon by experience).

[JudderDust]

solemnclockwork, thank you very much for your response.

I've just searched the student visa and found the following at japan-guide.com. Everything seems to be as you said:

Students

Foreigners, who wish to study in Japan (except for short term studies at language schools), need to get a student visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate outside of Japan in order to enter the country on a status of residence that permits long term studies.

There are a few such statuses of residence, differing on the type of study, e.g. pre-college, college or cultural activities. Sponsorship from an educational institution in Japan and proof of sufficient funds to cover all your expenses during your stay are required to qualify for a student visa. Residence permission is granted in periods of six months, one year or two years and is extendable.

Students are not allowed to engage in any paid activities, unless they get permission from their school and the immigration office. Even then, students may work only a set maximum number of hours per week.

- Immigration to Japan

Also a good source of studying in Japan-related article: Japan Student Visa Information

The charge for the visa is way cheaper than I expected (3,000 yen / US$25???). Couple of things I'm not too sure on. What exactly is the "sponsorship from an educational institution in Japan?" Does that mean some sort of proof from the school you want to apply to? And also "proof of sufficient funds to cover all your expenses during your stay." How do you know what the funds are going to amount to beforehand?

I might have a couple more questions but I'll leave them for now.

Also, about the art, thanks a lot for the advice. I'm sorry if I sounded like I was belittling the subject. I really want to take it seriously and portray my ideas. I'm just a little skeptical about my own abilities at this point in time. I hear it's common for students to attend specialised schools for several years before attending a university. If I can eventually make it with the best then I'll be unbelievably happy but I feel I have a lot of experience to gain before that.

[Columbine]

You might try checking in on your nearest Japanese embassy website; they'll have all the up-to-date information you will need about visas, and may also be able to supply you with study information, including whether or not you could get scholarship.

How is your Japanese? If you are able, you could try e-mailing art-schools direct, and see what advice they can offer about applications and help.

good luck!