OpenFieldKyoto Arts and Crafts University (KYOBI)
Explore undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional Japanese architecture, cultural heritage preservation, ceramic arts, and Kyoto design scholarships at KYOBI.
Institution Overview & Profile
Kyoto Arts and Crafts University (KYOBI - Kyoto Bijutsu Kogeidaigaku), located in the cultural heart of Kyoto with campuses in Higashiyama and Nantan Sonobe, is Japan's only university dedicated exclusively to the fusion of traditional Japanese architectural preservation, fine decorative crafts (urushi lacquerware, ceramics, wood carving), and contemporary architectural and digital product design.
Key Academic Strengths
- Japan's premier university granting national First-Class Registered Architect (Ikkyu Kenchikushi) exam eligibility with traditional wooden construction mastery
- World-class master craftsmen teaching authentic centuries-old techniques in Japanese lacquerware (urushi), metalwork, and ceramic arts
- Direct restoration practicums on historic temples, shrines, and National Treasure structures across Kyoto and Nara
- Higashiyama campus located within walking distance of Sanjusangendo, Kyoto National Museum, and historic artisan quarters
Featured Academic & Degree Programs
Bachelor of Arts in Traditional Architecture & Heritage Preservation
Four-year curriculum integrating structural timber engineering, Japanese joinery (kigumi), seismic reinforcement of historic temples, and CAD architectural drafting.
Bachelor of Arts in Fine Crafts & Product Design
Four-year studio degree specializing in ceramics, lacquer art (urushi), traditional woodwork, and contemporary industrial product prototyping.
Master of Fine Arts in Architecture & Heritage Conservation
Two-year postgraduate research program focusing on advanced structural diagnostics of historic timber buildings and cultural heritage disaster mitigation.
Verified Academic Opportunities (7)
KYOBI Master Artisan International Talent Scholarship
Tuition discount scholarship awarded to international students demonstrating outstanding artistic portfolios in architecture, sculpture, or fine crafts.
B.A. in Traditional Japanese Architecture Enrolment
Four-year degree qualifying graduates to sit for Japan's national First-Class Registered Architect examination upon graduation, featuring hand timber joinery training.
Kyoto Historic Temple & Shrine Architectural Restoration Practicum
12-week on-site restoration internship working under master carpenters (Miyadaiku) restoring registered cultural properties in Kyoto.
B.A. in Ceramic Arts & Japanese Urushi Lacquer Enrolment
Four-year studio specialization covering Kyoto ceramic throwing (Kyo-yaki), glaze chemistry, natural urushi lacquer harvesting, maki-e gold inlay, and kiln firing.
Kyoto Traditional Crafts Preservation Project Grant
Monetary grant supporting student research projects documenting endangered artisan techniques in Kyoto textile weaving, wood carving, and sword forging.
M.F.A. in Cultural Heritage Conservation Enrolment
Two-year postgraduate research curriculum delivering advanced scientific material analysis, nondestructive timber ultrasound testing, and heritage policy.
KYOBI International Traditional Artisan Fellowship
One-year visiting artisan fellowship providing studio space, kiln access, and materials in Kyoto to create contemporary works integrating traditional Japanese crafts.
Notable Faculty & Researchers (3)
Prof. Masao Furuno
President & Professor of Traditional Architecture · Department of Architecture
Prof. Masao Furuno directs Kyoto Arts and Crafts University, leading academic and field investigations into traditional timber joinery, historic shrine preservation, and seismic strengthening of wooden heritage monuments.
Prof. Mitsuhiko Sasai
Professor of Traditional Urushi Lacquer Art · Department of Crafts and Fine Arts
Prof. Mitsuhiko Sasai is a designated master artisan instructing in natural Japanese urushi lacquer chemistry, traditional maki-e decorative ornamentation, and the integration of classical lacquercraft into contemporary international design.
Prof. Dr. Shinichi Takahashi
Professor of Architectural Structural Conservation · Division of Heritage Science
Prof. Dr. Shinichi Takahashi investigates nondestructive ultrasonic evaluation of historic wooden columns, structural decay modeling in Buddhist temple architectures, and microclimatic preservation inside museum archives.
Next Steps & Application Advisory
Prospective scholars are advised to review official Kyoto Arts and Crafts University (KYOBI) program requirements well in advance of published deadlines.