OpenFieldNagoya University of the Arts (NUA)
Nagoya University of the Arts (NUA - Nagoya Geijutsu Daigaku) is a premier private Japanese institution of visual arts, design, music, and performing arts situated in Kitanagoya, Aichi Prefecture. Established in 1970, NUA operates two expansive campuses: the East Campus (dedicated to Music and Performing Arts) and the West Campus (devoted to Fine Arts, Design, and Art Education).
Institutional Overview
NUA delivers Bachelor of Arts, Master of Fine Arts (MFA), and Master of Music (MMus) degrees across specialized disciplines including Instrumental Performance, Composition, Musical Theatre, Industrial Design, Ceramic Arts, Manga & Illustration, and Digital Media. Studios feature concert halls, professional recording suites, foundry casting facilities, and cutting-edge digital fabrication centers.
- Students
- 2,600+
- International
- 14%
- Faculty
- 190+
- Established
- 1970
Academic Strengths & Distinctive Focus
NUA delivers Bachelor of Arts, Master of Fine Arts (MFA), and Master of Music (MMus) degrees across specialized disciplines including Instrumental Performance, Composition, Musical Theatre, Industrial Design, Ceramic Arts, Manga & Illustration, and Digital Media. Studios feature concert halls, professional recording suites, foundry casting facilities, and cutting-edge digital fabrication centers.
Research Profile, Admissions & Scholarships
Admissions evaluate creative aptitude through specialized practical examinations (auditions for music, drawing and portfolio presentations for fine arts and design). International students apply via special entrance exams with JLPT N2 or equivalent Japanese competence. Tuition reductions, alumni memorial awards, and instrument loan subsidies support enrolled artists.
Current Verified Opportunities & Fellowships (7)
NUA International Creative Excellence Tuition Reduction Scholarship
Competitive institutional scholarship awarded to exceptional foreign creators entering undergraduate or graduate degree pathways in music, design, or fine arts.
Bachelor of Arts in Manga, Comic Illustration & Character Design
Four-year immersive curriculum taught by active manga artists and editors, covering panel layout, screen tones, narrative storytelling, and digital Clip Studio workflows.
Master of Music (M.Mus) in Classical Piano Performance
Two-year postgraduate performance degree with solo recital debuts in NUA Concert Hall, chamber ensemble coaching, and piano concerto competitions.
Aichi Ceramic & Traditional Glass Craft Visiting Artist Fellowship
Six-month residential studio fellowship at NUA's West Campus ceramic center, linking contemporary sculptural techniques with ancient Aichi ceramic kiln traditions.
Bachelor of Design in Industrial & Mobility Design Enrolment
Specialized design program located in Japan's automotive epicenter, teaching clay sculpting, Alias digital surfacing, ergonomics, and concept vehicle design.
Nagoya Philharmonic Orchestra Performance Practicum Internship
Side-by-side orchestral internship rehearsing and performing major symphonic works alongside professional musicians of the Nagoya Philharmonic Orchestra.
Masterclass in Sound Engineering, Mixing & Game Audio Production
Twelve-week intensive course in Dolby Atmos mixing, acoustic recording on Neve consoles, and interactive audio implementation in Unreal Engine.
Sourced Faculty & Research Advisors (3)
Prof. Shinichi Matsuoka
President & Professor of Fine Arts and Spatial Sculpture · Faculty of Arts / West Campus
Prof. Shinichi Matsuoka is President of NUA, holding international acclaim for monumental abstract bronze and stone sculptures exhibited throughout public spaces across Japan.
Prof. Yasushi Kawase
Dean of the Faculty of Music & Professor of Orchestral Conducting · Faculty of Music / East Campus
Prof. Yasushi Kawase is Dean of Music and renowned conductor, directing symphony orchestras across Japan and Europe while advancing orchestral pedagogy at NUA.
Prof. Yuka Sugawara
Professor of Mobility Design & Ergonomics · Department of Industrial and Media Design
Prof. Yuka Sugawara is a former senior designer for leading Japanese automotive corporations, directing mobility design studios focusing on sustainable interiors and autonomous human-machine interfaces.
Connect with OpenField Advisors
Our academic advisors provide free mentorship, admission guidance, and research proposal feedback for prospective scholars applying to Nagoya University of the Arts (NUA).