Tokyo Communication Arts College: Creative Design Department ‣ Japan Study Abroad Network

Apply now for:: April 2024

Wifi Available

Rest assured that this school has wifi available.
Part-time Job Support

This school introduces part-time job opportunities so you can work while studying.
Higher Education Counselling

This school provides specialized counseling to prepare and apply to colleges and universities after graduation.
Career Support

Counselors are available to provide specialized support for full-time employment after graduation.
Dormitories Available

This school introduces affordable shared living spaces.
In-School Activities

This school organizes regular interactive & cultural activities in the school.
Out-of-School Activities

This school organizes out-of-school day-trips, excursions and events throughout the year.
Student Lounge

Space outside of the classroom is available for students to interact casually and/or study.

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School Introduction

The Tokyo Communication Arts (TCA) Technical College follows Three Educational Guidelines, which are: Vocational Education, Human Education, and International Education.

With a belief that in order to develop the talent that is needed in the industry, the student must work alongside the industry, TCA has practiced an "academia-industry collaborative education" since its establishment in 1988 by providing programs that work in close cooperation with companies, and by doing so has been successful in producing students that become immediately effective in the professional creative industry after graduation.

TCA stands behind its excellent professional education with a 3-year and 4-year curriculum that fosters a real & rich creativity based on the beauty of human ingenuity. This school is for the student who wishes to develop him or herself as a creator of the future.

Note that this school’s courses are all offered in Japanese only.

Class Size:	Max 20
School Staff Support Languages:	Japanese
Enrolment Terms:	April
Minimum Course Duration:	3 years

Department Introduction

The Department of Creative Design at TCA in Tokyo offers two distinct programs, each with a range of majors to choose from.

The first program, called "Design World" focuses exclusively on graphic design, while the second program, "Manga/Illustration World," offers three majors: Digital Illustration/Manga, Manga, and Comic Illustration.

The Design World offers a single major:

the Graphic Design Major. There, students will learn about design theory and practice, typography, layout design, branding, and packaging design. They will develop a range of skills and techniques to create effective visual communication designs using both traditional and digital tools.

The Manga/Illustration World is tailored for students interested in the art and craft of storytelling through visual media:

In the Digital Illustration/Manga Major, students will learn about character design, visual storytelling, and the latest digital illustration tools and techniques.
The Manga Major is focused on the specific conventions and techniques used in creating manga, while
the Comic Illustration Major is focused on the art and craft of comic book illustration.

All majors in the Department of Creative Design offer students a comprehensive education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills and hands-on experience. Graduates will be well-prepared to launch careers in a variety of fields, from graphic design and advertising to manga and comic book illustration.

The Department of Creative Design at TCA provides students with a range of exciting opportunities to explore their creativity, hone their skills, and prepare for successful careers in the creative industries.

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Main Features

Employment after graduating: TCA offers a complete system of support out of its Career Support Center, which has connections and relationships directly with the industry.
Fosters Real Abilities: Within your 3-year or 4-year program, you will push hard to acquire the practical power and skill required, from learning the basics to real applications that prepare you for the industry.
Corporate Projects that give real-life experience: Tackle issues that corporations are facing at the present day and create solutions in class just as one would in the real world through the guidance of teachers who are active creators in the industry.
W Major Curriculum expands your possibilities: In addition to the classes that fall under the major that you decided at the time of admission, through this system you are able to choose courses from other majors. This freedom expands your talents and interests and makes you a more versatile creator in the world.
Overseas Practical Training: Although you may be taking this course from oversees as is, in your 3rd year you have the ability to go abroad for further training in places such as Milan, Los Angeles, and Paris in order to further your worldly perspective.
Support whenever you need it: The school offers support to its students through consultation about daily school life from a team of responsible staff, in addition to professional instructors who guide and support students’ studies.

School Location

Nishikasai, where TCA is located, is a quiet and safe residential area of Tokyo. It offers a peaceful environment for studying and living, while being close to downtown Tokyo with excellent public transportation access.

Around the school, you will find many restaurants, cafes, grocery stores and stores for easy shopping and dining. There are also parks and green spaces where you can relax and take a walk after class. Just a short walk from the school, you will find Kasai Rinkai Park, which is Tokyo’s largest waterfront park, offering a breathtaking view of Tokyo Bay. You can also enjoy the Tokyo Disney Resort, which is only 15 minutes by train from Nishi-Kasai Station.

Nishikasai is a district of Edogawa-ku, known for its annual festivals, the most famous of which is the Tokyo Bay Fireworks Festival, taking place every summer and attracting thousands of visitors. All in all, students can enjoy a peaceful and convenient environment to study and live in, while having easy access to Tokyo’s entertainment and events.

Nearest station:

Nishikasai Station (1 minute walk)

Available Courses

Design World
Manga/Illustration World

Design World

Course Description

The Design World in the Creative Design Department at TCA is designed for students who wish to specialize in the field of graphic design. This three-year program offers comprehensive practical and theoretical training that enables students to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the design world.

The Design World offers a single major: the Graphic Design Major. This Major is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the dynamic and rapidly-evolving world of graphic design. Through a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on producing designs that sell, students will learn how to express concepts effectively and strongly across various media, including digital platforms.

In the Graphic Design Major, students will learn production know-how for selling designs and illustrations. In addition to the Major, students can take other majors for free in the W Major Curriculum. The program is designed to cultivate the ability to express concepts strongly and effectively according to media, and an interior design major is also established. The program boasts a 100% job offer rate with graduates finding employment at top companies such as Bandai Namco Pictures, GREE, DMM, Success, Sega Interactive, Craft Worldwide, Mash Design Lab, J.C. Staff, From Software, and Production I.G..

Graduates of the Graphic Design Major can work in various fields as graphic designers, web designers, illustrators, editors, writers, product designers, etc. They can find employment opportunities in a wide range of industries such as advertising, publishing, printing, web production, product design, interior design, and more.

Enrolment Periods & Duration

Intake	Duration	Application Start Date	Application Deadline
April	3 years	Early September	As soon as capacity is reached

Course Features & Electives

Creative Design for Captivating Designs

Learn the skills to create designs that capture people’s hearts through graphic design, illustration, and product & interior design. Benefit from small class sizes for personalized instruction, and have the flexibility to take courses from other majors with the W-Major Curriculum. Gain real-world experience from industry-leading professionals who provide direct guidance, and open up a world of possibilities for your future career with a 100% employment rate among graduates.
Personalized Instruction for Powerful Designs

Unlock your creative potential with individualized instruction in a small-class environment. Learn the secrets of creating “sellable” designs and illustrations, and develop strong conceptual and visual communication skills using various media, including digital tools. Take advantage of 24-hour access to computer labs for unrestricted creative exploration.
Diverse Curriculum for Holistic Design Education

Immerse yourself in a comprehensive curriculum that covers graphic design, illustration, and product & interior design. Expand your skills through the W-Major Curriculum, which allows you to take free courses from other majors to broaden your knowledge and career opportunities. Learn from top industry professionals who actively work in the field and gain practical experience through hands-on training.
Industry Connections for Real-World Learning

Learn from the best with direct guidance from top industry professionals who have designed popular products, logos, and advertisements. Benefit from the school’s strong connections with the industry, and interact with instructors during school visits and guest lectures. Gain practical experience through internships and real-world projects, and build a strong network for your future career.
Career Opportunities in Leading Companies

Prepare for a successful career with a 100% employment rate among graduates. Join the ranks of companies such as Bandai Namco Pictures, Gree, DMM, Success, Sega Interactive, Craft World Wide, Mash Design Lab, JC Staff, From Software, Production IG, and more. Develop the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the constantly evolving design industry and achieve your career goals.
Flexibility to Explore Your Interests

Customize your education with the W-Major Curriculum, which allows you to take courses from other majors for free. Expand your horizons and enhance your skills by learning from diverse disciplines that align with your interests and career goals. Discover new possibilities, broaden your perspective, and be well-prepared for the changing demands of the design industry.
Professional Instruction and Practical Experience

Learn from experienced professionals who are at the forefront of the industry and receive direct guidance to hone your skills. Gain practical experience through internships, workshops, and real-world projects, and learn how to create designs that resonate with people on an emotional level. Benefit from the school’s strong connections with the industry and gain insights into the latest trends and technologies.
State-of-the-Art Facilities for Creative Expression

Bring your visions to life with 24-hour access to cutting-edge computer labs equipped with the latest design software. Create stunning visuals using various media, including digital tools, and unleash your creativity in a supportive and dynamic environment. Develop your artistic skills in a space designed to inspire and foster your creative expression.
Small Class Sizes for Personalized Attention

Benefit from small class sizes that allow for individualized attention and personalized instruction. Develop your skills at your own pace and receive feedback from instructors who understand your unique strengths and areas for improvement. Join a supportive community of like-minded students who share your passion for creative design and collaborate on projects that push the boundaries of innovation.
Extensive Curriculum for Comprehensive Learning

Immerse yourself in a comprehensive curriculum that covers all aspects of graphic design, illustration, and product & interior design. Learn the secrets of creating impactful designs that communicate effectively in various media. Master

Tuition Fees

	Tuition fees
4 YeaRS	¥710,000 for the first year ¥810,000 for the 2nd, 3st and 4th year

	Other fees
Screening Fee	¥30,000
Admission Fee	¥100,000
Facility Fee	¥350,000 / year
General Practice Fee	¥410,000 / year
Career Education Fee	¥80,800 / year
Textbook, Equipment Fees	¥15,000 – ¥75,000
Health Management Fees	¥22,000 / year

Because our counselling service is free,
the tuition fees listed here will be the same as the school’s original tuition fees.

Manga/Illustration World

Course Description

The Manga/Illustration World is part of the Department of Creative Design. It aims to provide students with the skills and knowledge to become professional manga artists, illustrators, and comic artists.It offers three 3-year majors: Digital Illustration/Manga, Manga, and Comic Illustration.

Digital Illustration/Manga Major:

In this major, students learn to create attractive illustrations and manga using high digital illustration skills. They acquire the ability to be widely active as an illustrator and manga artist.

Manga Major:

This major focuses on helping students become manga artists who can sell their work in manga magazines, digital media, SNS, and the diversifying manga industry.

Comic Illustration Major:

Students in this major learn how to create attractive illustrations using both analog and digital techniques. They aim to make a debut as a professional illustrator or find a job using their illustration skills.

All instructors are active manga artists, illustrators, authors, and editors who provide direct guidance to students, and the “Corporate Project” allows students to experience the same work as professionals. The program’s “Debut Center” supports students in finding employment, and the college has a 100% employment rate for job seekers from 2000 to 2020, with graduates finding jobs at companies such as Bandai Namco Pictures, GREE, DMM, Success, Sega Interactive, and Production I.G. Upon meeting the requirements, students can earn the title of specialist recognized by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and a transfer system is available for those who wish to pursue further studies.

Enrolment Periods & Duration

Intake	Duration	Application Start Date	Application Deadline
April	3 years	Early September	As soon as capacity is reached

Course Features & Electives

Fast-Track Mastery

Study and acquire real ability in just three years, regardless of skill level.
Supportive System

Get guidance and support to aim for a professional debut as a current student with four unique support systems.
Diverse Learning

Learn how to draw professional manga and illustrations in the majors, and explore other majors for free in the “W Major Curriculum”.
Expert Guidance

Receive direct guidance from active manga artists, illustrators, authors, and editors.
Practical Experience

Hone practical skills by experiencing the same work as professionals through the TCA’s “Corporate Project”.
Debut Center

Receive support for achieving a professional debut and finding employment through the program’s “Debut Center”.
Successful Career

Enjoy a 100% employment rate for job seekers from 2000 to 2020, with graduates finding jobs at top companies.
Recognized Credentials

Earn the title of specialist recognized by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology upon meeting requirements.
Further Education

Pursue further studies with a transfer system available for interested students.

Tuition Fees

	Tuition fees
4 YeaRS	¥710,000 for the first year ¥810,000 for the 2nd, 3st and 4th year

	Other fees
Screening Fee	¥30,000
Admission Fee	¥100,000
Facility Fee	¥350,000 / year
General Practice Fee	¥410,000 / year
Career Education Fee	¥80,800 / year
Textbook, Equipment Fees	¥15,000 – ¥75,000
Health Management Fees	¥22,000 / year

Because our counselling service is free,
the tuition fees listed here will be the same as the school’s original tuition fees.

Our Free Services

We aim to support all students who are interested in coming to Japan to study & live.
For this reason, we provide all of these services at not cost to you.

School & Visa
Application Support
Free Japanese
Language Lessons
Accommodation
Setup
24-Hour
Emergency Assistance

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