15 Best Animation Schools in Japan

Having a career in Animation is not a bad idea because it is one of the well-paying careers in the world. Aside from that, it’s an interesting profession that comes with fun only if you are good at what you do. Find the Best Animation Schools in Japan that can help you build up your career.

These Schools in Japan for Animation students offer high standard and quality Animation courses, just like some Animation Schools in Canada, the USA, and other countries.

In a nutshell, Let me give you an overview of what to expect from this post. See the table of content here below.

Interestingly, you can check out our Top 10 Animation Schools in Canada if you want to study in Canada.

Study Animation In Japan

Anime in Japan means animation, which means all forms of animated media. Outside Japan, anime refers specifically to animation from Japan or as a Japanese-disseminated animation style often characterized by colorful graphics, vibrant characters, and fantastical themes

Anime is a diverse art form with distinctive production methods and techniques that have been adapted over time in response to emergent technologies. There are a lot of animation colleges in Japan. Anime combines graphic art, characterization, cinematography, and other forms of imaginative and individualistic techniques.

The production of anime focuses less on the animation of movement and more on the realism of settings as well as the use of camera effects, panning, zooming, and angle shots.

Being hand-drawn, anime is separated from reality by a crucial gap of fiction that provides an ideal path for escapism that audiences can immerse themselves in with relative ease.

Diverse art styles are used and character proportions and features can be quite varied, including characteristically large emotive or realistically sized eyes.

So, below is a comprehensive list of top-notch and best animation schools in Japan that can really give you what you want. Interestingly, in these top animation schools in Japan tuition Fees are quite affordable.

Best Animation Schools in Japan

• Tokyo Designer School
• College of International Design
• Amusement Media School
• Toei Animation Institue
• Tokyo Animation School
• Japan Manga Institue
• Kyoto Seika University
• Aoba Japan International School
• Tokyoanimeseiyusenmon School
• Multimedia Art School
• Tokyo Game Designer Institue
• Sapporo College of Anime
• Kodansha Culture Center
• Osaka animation school
• Fukuoka college of design

Note, The schools listed above will not be able to provide student visas as they are all specialty, trade, and technical schools. Students wishing to attend them will probably be able to go under a Japanese language or other cultural visas.

#1. Tokyo Designer School (Toukyou Dezaina Gakuin)

Location: 2-11 Suragadai Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101

This anime college is known as one of the best animation schools in the world, that offers quality programs on animation. The anime academy as a comprehensive design school covers all genres of design in order to meet the human resource needs of each industry. Highly specialized courses cultivate capable professionals.

Tokyo Designer Gakuin College is a well-known animation college in Japan. In addition to offering specialized education through 11 departments that cover all aspects of design, TDG is also engaged in collaborative activities that go beyond the classroom.

Courses Offered:

• Animation 2
• Game Creator 2
• Character Desing 1
• Computer Graphics 1
• Manga/ Comics 1
• Illustration 2

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#2. Yoyogi Animation School (Yoyogi Animeshon Gakuin)

Location: 1-20-3-CS-4 Yoyogi Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001

This Japanese school anime is Japan’s largest animation and art institute, considered to be one of the best in the world.

Hence, the requirement for admission into Yoyogi Animation School is high because of its high reputation. Obviously, candidates must be able to fully understand the Japanese language.

YAI admits qualified persons without regard to sex, race, or national or ethnic origin; however, This school primarily reserves the right to deny applications of persons suffering physical handicaps which may be obstacles occupationally.

Locations: Tokyo, Harajuku, Hachioji, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sendai, Sapporo, Hiroshima,  Shizuoka, Wakayama, Takamatsu, Miyazaki.

Note, that Yoyogi Animation Academy has 12 campuses in the main cities in Japan, with 860 students majoring in animation. Every campus has its own feature and environment. Also, the courses installed are different.

Courses Offered:

• Animation 2
• Digital Animation Artist (Digital Ink & Paint) 1
• Animation AV Operator 2
• Junior Novels 1
• Multimedia Creator 1
• Animation Camera 2
• Manga/ Comics 1
• Illustration 2

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#3. College of International Design (Kokusai Dezainkarejji)

Location: 2-22 Asahi-cho / Kouchi-shi, 780. Phone: 0888-75-0099

College of International Design is one of the best animation schools in Japan renowned for its quality and standardized courses on animation.

However, this is one of the manga schools in japan that provides 2 years program and 3 years of distance learning programs.

In addition to offering specialized education through 11 departments that cover all aspects of design, TDG is also engaged in collaborative activities that go beyond the classroom.

Courses Offered:

• Graphic Design 2
• Interior Design 2
• Architecture 1
• Manga/ Comics 1

Visit the School

#4. Toei Animation Institute (Toei Animeshyon Kenkyuujyou)

Location: Surugadai Bldg. / 1-2-5 Surugadai Kanda Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101 Phone: 03-5281-2730

Toei Animation Institute is one of the best animation colleges in Japan. Toei Animation is the pioneer of Japanese animation. However, the animation school has the world-class ability to produce, incomparable sales and development power. Offering one of the best animation courses in Japan, Toei has an outstanding reputation.

The institute is owned by Toei company and the company has produced numerous series, including Sally the Witch, Gegege no Kitaro, Mazinger Z, Galaxy Express 999, Dr. Slump, Dragon Ball, Saint Seiya, Sailor Moon, Slam Dunk, Digimon, One Piece and the Precure series.

Courses Offered

• Animation 2
• Planning
• Producer
• Director
• Digital Animation Artist (Digital Ink & Paint)
• Writer
• Background Artist

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#5. Amusement Media School (Amyu-zumentomedia Soukou Gakuin)

Location: 2-29-8 Higashi / Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0011, Phone: 0120-41-4600 Fax: 03-3406-5070

The next on our list of animation colleges in Japan is Amusement Media School.

Amusement Media Sougou Gakuin was established as a company in 1993 in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. It is a multimedia school and offers course systems in various entertainment fields, such as game creators, mangaka, writers and essayists, animators, computer and graphic designers, and also voice actors. It is part of the AMG Entertainment Group.

Osaka Amusement Media College is based on the philosophy of “industry-academia collaboration and on-site practical education”. At the school, you’ll have access to all you need to learn the techniques of animation in such a way that it is greatly utilized.

Courses Offered:

• Voice Acting 2
• Game Creator 2
• CG Animation Creator 1 
• Multimedia Creator
• Novels 2
• Animator 2
• Manga/ Comics 1
• Comics 2 

Visit the School

#6. Tokyo Animation School  (Toukyou Animeta Gakuin)

Location: 1-1-8 Shimoochiai Shinjuku-ku Tokyo 161-0033 Japan

Toyko Animation school is one of the best animation schools in Japan for students who want to become Animator, Voiceover, or Cartoonist. However, this anima school in Japan has More than 850 hours/year of course hours and the academic requirement is High school graduation.

Interestingly, this Japanese animation school runs a 2-3 years course program at quite an affordable cost to help students who are passionate about making a career in animation.

Also, the school offers scholarships to domestic and international students. the Eligibility for International Students Scholarship (you must meet at least 2 or more requirements below).

Note, the school anime has five departments including animation and illustration departments.

Courses Offered:

• Game Creator 2
• Illustration
• Animation Character Designer
• Novels 2
• Junior Novels
• Manga/ Comics 1
• Airbrush Illustration
• Writer

Visit the School

#7. Kyoto Seika University

Location: 137 Iwakura Kinocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8588, Japan

If you’re in search of a study in animation in Japan destination, Kyoto Seika University is an ideal choice. Kyoto Seika University is a private university in Iwakura, Kyoto, Japan. The university was founded in 1968 and was chartered as a university in 1979.

The school is noted for its faculties of manga and anime and for being involved in the teaching and training of future manga artists. SEIKA consists of five faculties: Art, Design, Manga, Popular Culture, and Humanities, and associated Graduate Schools

Among the best animation schools in the world, this school is recognized. The tuition fees for undergraduate students are 1.75 million JPY and a total number of 3,425 students are been enrolled each year.

The school is ranked 165 in Japan and 4264. (KSU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

Courses Offered:

• Game Creator 2
• CG Animation Creator 1 
• Multimedia Creator
• Novels 2
• Animator 2
• Manga/ Comics 1
• Comics 2 

Visit the School

#8. Aoba-Japan International School

Location: 7-5-1 Hikarigaoka, Nerima-ku (Hikarigaoka Campus)
2-11-5 Aobadai, Meguro-ku (Meguro Campus)

Aoba-Japan International School is an international school in Tokyo, with campuses in Nerima and Meguro.

Hence, at Aoba-Japan International School (A-JIS) we develop global leaders capable of leading positive change in the world. With two campuses in Tokyo (one in Meguro and another in Hikarigaoka.

However, A-JIS welcomes international students from their first days at school through their high school graduations and beyond. With support from our educational partners, we encourage an entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and social responsibility.

This school’s anime number of students is 408 and the tuition fee is ¥2,773,500.

Furthermore, Aoba-Japan International School believes that students should reach their full potential as international citizens who are dedicated to learning and who are inspired to succeed in an ever-changing world.

Through its international curriculum, the school aims to develop future global leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators, effective communicators, wise risk takers, and effective problem solvers.

Courses Offered:

• Voice Acting 2
• Game Creator 2
• CG Animation Creator 1 

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#9. Tokyo Media Academy (Tokyo anime seiyu senmon School)

Location: 3-1-5, Ebisu-minami, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Tokyo Media Academy is a homey school that supports students in a way that makes their dreams a reality. This School offers a voice artist animation course a 2 years program. And also, the school enrolls 155 students a year.

The tuition fees range from 50,000 yen to 300,000 yen tuition and can be remitted from the tuition when enrollment.

Tokyo Media Academy will help you fulfill your dream to be a voice actor in animation.

Courses Offered:

• Vocalization, pronunciation, breathing techniques, and syntony. Voice Acting: performance, character Expression: emotionally rich-acting and dynamic expression Game Creator 2
• CG Animation Creator 1 
• Multimedia Creator
• Novels 2
• Animator 2
• Manga/ Comics 1
• Comics 2 

Visit the School

#10. Amusement Media School

Location: 2-29-8 Higashi / Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0011, Phone: 0120-41-4600 Fax: 03-3406-5070

Amusement Media Sougou Gakuin was established as a company in 1993 in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. This animation school in Japan offers course systems in various entertainment fields, such as game creators, mangaka, writers and essayists, animators, computer and graphic designers, and also voice actors. It is part of the AMG Entertainment Group.

Courses Offered:

• Voice Acting 2
• Game Creator 2
• CG Animation Creator 1 
• Multimedia Creator
• Novels 2
• Animator 2
• Manga/ Comics 1
• Comics 2 

Visit the School

#11. Kodansha Culture Center (Kodansha Karucha Senta-)

Location: 1-15-12 Toranomon Minato-ku, Tokyo 105

Amusement Media Sougou Gakuin was established as a company in 1993 in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. It is a multimedia school and offers course systems in various entertainment fields, such as game creators, mangaka, writers and essayists, animators, computer and graphic designers, and also voice actors. It is part of the AMG Entertainment Group.

Courses Offered:

• Illustration 24
• Manga/ Comics 1
• Comics Illustration 

Visit the School

#12. Osaka animation school

Location: 3 Chome-29-18 Tarumicho, Suita, Osaka 564-0062, Japan

Osaka animation school is also one of the best animation schools in Japan. The school offers courses that help cultivate personnel who can work in the front line of the Animation industry, such as an Inbetweener who joins original drawings to make smooth motions, or an Animation Supervisor who takes overall control over the picture production.

However, the school runs more than 850 hours /year and the requirement for application is high school graduation.

Courses Offered:

• Voice Acting 2
• Multimedia Creator
• Novels
• Animator
• Manga/ Comics 1
• Comics 2 

Visit the School

#13. Fukuoka Design College

Location: 2-29-8 Higashi / Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0011, Phone: 0120-41-4600 Fax: 03-3406-5070

Kyushu Institute of Design in Fukuoka, Japan, is one of Japan’s prestigious national universities and was founded in April 1968. The university combines the disciplines of Architecture, Industrial Design, Visual Communication Design, Acoustic Design, and Art and Information Design.

In October 2003, Kyushu Institute of Design became Kyushu University’s Graduate School of Design. Until 2005, however, all KID graduates have been issued diplomas from the Kyushu Institute of Design.

Courses Offered:

• Shop Design
• CG Animation  
• Illustration and Character Design 
• Shop Design 
• Graphic Design 
• Furniture Design
• Editing Design

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#14. Sapporo College of Anime

Location: 2-75 Kita 1 West 8 Chome Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0001

Sapporo College of Anime is one of the best animation colleges in Japan that offers quality programs both for national and international students.

To be able to apply for any course in this school, you must have a high school degree. Furthermore, the school has 3 departments which include the Department of Digital Technology, Creative Design Course, and Department of Entertainment General.

Courses Offered:

• Manga Major
• Comic Illustration
•  Major voice actor
• Anime Song
• Animator

Visit the School

#15. Japan Manga Institute (Nihon Manga Gakuin)

Location: 1-3-98 Nishinakanobe Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142

Nihon Kougakuin is one of Japan’s best animation colleges. With 7 faculties boasting over 35 departments of studies, a student has many choices when it comes to majoring in what they are most interested in.

The intensity of learning in the school gives students a perfect balance between study pace and free time. This means that you’ll be able to enjoy your life in Japan, while still being able to effectively progress your studies.

Japan Manga Institute’s cost ranges from ¥450,000 to ¥1,500,000 

Note, that the student visa first intake deadline for all cities is the 4th of October. The school comprises 35 departments in seven colleges, including Creators College, Design College, Music College, IT College, Technology College, Medical Care College, and Sports College. We are here to fulfill your intellectual curiosity.

Courses Offered:

• Animation
• Manga/ Comics 1

Visit the School

Conclusion

The blend of courses, high quality of education and affordability of animation colleges in Japan animation is exactly what makes animation schools in Japan the best.

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