Animation Game Design in Japan

Canal in Osaka with buildings on each side

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Animation Game Design in Japan

On this exciting 14 day program, Animation Game Design students will experience Japanese culture, including museums and Animation and Game Design related studio visits. Students will reflect on the history and culture of Japan and how this relates to the field of Animation and Game Design.

Apply Now! Applications for Summer 2027 are open! Apply by December 7, 2026 to participate!

Location

Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, & Nara, Japan

Term

Summer

Housing

Hotel

Program Highlights

Explore Tokyo and Osaka with day trips to Mt. Fuji and Kyoto! You'll experience things like:

Suginami Animation Museum
The National Museum of Art, Osaka
Traditional tea ceremony
Japanese cooking class
Guest lectures and company visits

Program Contact Information

Desiree Dube

Assistant Director, Education Abroad

Email: ddube1@kent.edu

Office Phone: 330-672-7989

Important Dates

Program Dates: May 22 - June 5, 2027

Application Deadline: December 7, 2027

Withdrawal and Commitment Deadline: December 11, 2027

Payment Deadline: The program fee will be billed to your �Ը�� student account. The program fee deadline aligns with the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center's summer due dates. You should refer to the first Summer 2027 due date.

Application Process

You will need to complete a �Ը�� Education Abroad application. These quick steps will help walk you through the process.

1. Start an Education Abroad Application

When you click the "Apply Now" button (located towards the top and bottom of this page), you will be brought to the Education Abroad application system where you can view program costs and start an application. Be sure to submit your application before the deadline!

2. Guest Application (If applicable)

Are you a student at another university? To apply for a �Ը�� education abroad program, you will first need to apply for admission to �Ը�� University as a “Guest Student”. Please apply as either an “Undergraduate Guest Student” or as a “Graduate Guest Student”, depending on your course level.

Once you have applied and been accepted as a �Ը�� University student, you will receive an email with your FlashLine login credentials. Activate your account and then proceed to the next step, which is to apply to the Education Abroad program of your interest. You can return to this page and follow the “Apply Now” button to start that application.

You can also refer to the FAQs for Guest Students if you need further help.

3. Wait for Acceptance

Once you have submitted your study abroad program application, it will be reviewed by the faculty leader. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis. You should hear back from us within one month.

4. Commit to the Program

If you are accepted, you need to log back into your application by going to and clicking LOGIN. Once you see the name of your program, you need to click on it and commit (i.e., accept your offer of admission).

Academics

Course Information

Course Name and CRN: AGD 43096 Individual Investigation in AGD - Japan

Number of Credit Hours: 3

KSU Sponsoring College: College of Arts

Course Description:

In this course, students will travel to Tokyo, Japan, with other destinations as designated in the schedule. Students will experience Japanese culture, including museums and Animation and Game Design related studio visits. Students will reflect on the history and culture of Japan, and how this relates to the field of Animation and Game Design.

Course Outcomes:

Identify major movements, artists, and/or studios in the field of Animation and Game Design in Japan
Evaluate quality and impact of various Animation and Game design studios in Japan on the field as a whole
Identify cultural impacts of the Animation and Game Design field in Japan
Analyze the history and visual culture of Japan as it relates to Animation and Game Design

Faculty Contact Information

Professor's Name: Chris Totten

Title: Associate Professor

Email: ctotten@kent.edu

Phone: 330-308-7567

Tentative Itinerary

Below is a tentative itinerary; however, the exact sequence, sites, and departure city are subject to changes in availability and cost.

DAY 1:

Group flight departs from Cleveland

DAY 2:

Arrive in Tokyo and check in to hotel

DAY 3:

Program orientation & Japanese language class
Half-day city tour of Tokyo: Begin your visit at Kaminarimon Gate, the iconic red entrance that marks the start of the Asakusa district. Walk through the lively Nakamise Market, where you can browse traditional snacks, crafts, and souvenirs. The path leads directly to Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temple. Conclude the cultural experience with a visit to the nearby Asakusa Shrine.
Welcome dinner

DAY 4:

Company visit
Suginami Animation Museum: This is the first animation museum anybody can experience, study, and enjoy animation in a systematic fashion in Japan. The exhibition comprehensively covers all area of animation, from history to the future.

DAY 5:

Excursion to Mt. Fuji: Visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, known for its intricate kimono art and peaceful garden setting; Chureito Pagoda offering a striking view of Mt. Fuji framed by seasonal scenery and Arakura Sengen Shrine, a historic site with cultural significance and a popular photo vantage point. The trip also includes the Mt. Fuji Ropeway area, to gain a broader understanding of the natural and cultural landscape.

DAY 6:

Guest lecture on anime design
Company visit
Explore Akihabara: Akihabara is the center of Japan's otaku culture, which is famous for small and large electronics, anime and manga stores. The culture on anime and cosplay, as well as idols is propagated in the district.

DAY 7:

Explore Shibuya City: Visit the Meiji Shrine, Shinjuku Gyoen and the Animation & Gaming Culture Hub at Shibuya PARCO 6F (including Nintendo TOKYO and Pokémon Center), walk along the Harajuku Street, the birthplace of Japan's fashion trends, set foot on Shibuya's iconic crossing and say hi to Hachikō.
Tea Ceremony with Kimono Wearing: Dress in a traditional kimono, with guidance provided on proper attire and etiquette and take part in a Japanese tea ceremony, experiencing the step-by-step rituals involved.
Cooking class

DAY 8:

Free day

DAY 9:

Travel to Osaka
Half-day city tour of Osaka: Begin the afternoon with a visit to Den Den Town, known for its anime, manga, and gaming shops. Continue to Shinsaibashi, a popular shopping area with a mix of local and international stores. End the day in Dotonbori, one of Osaka’s most lively districts.

DAY 10:

Excursion to Kyoto: Begin the day at the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its panoramic views over Kyoto. Stroll through the historic streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, lined with traditional shops, teahouses, and preserved wooden architecture. Continue to the famous Gion district to experience the charm of old Kyoto, then end the day at Fushimi Inari Taisha, renowned for its thousands of vibrant torii gates.

DAY 11:

Osaka Castle & Kuromon Ichiban Market Visit: Begin the day with a visit to Osaka Castle, a historic site surrounded by a large public park. Then continue to Kuromon Ichiban Market, a well-known market offering a variety of local foods and fresh produce.
Company visit

Day 12:

University Visit
The National Museum of Art, Osaka: The National Museum of Art, Osaka is one of Japan’s leading museums for contemporary art. It features an extensive collection of postwar and modern artworks from Japan and around the world, offering visitors insight into the development of contemporary artistic expression and design.

Day 13:

Excursion to Nara: Begins at Todaiji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for housing the Great Buddha and its wooden architecture. After exploring the temple grounds, the group will take a walk through the surrounding Nara Deer Park

Day 14:

Free Time
Farewell dinner

Day 15:

Depart for the U.S.

Location & Transportation

Tokyo and Osaka (Japan)

Tokyo is the perfect example of a city that merges modernity and tradition. With beautiful old temples and huge modern skyscrapers, the capital of Japan is packed with about 14 million people and is the largest city in the country. The city is always alive, with plenty of festivals and great street food, popular attractions, and little traditional neighborhoods. Famous symbols of the city are the sakura (cherry blossom) tree-lined streets, the anime culture, and its delicious cuisine!

Transportation

Roundtrip group airfare is included in the program fee from Cleveland International Airport (CLE)
Students are responsible for their transportation to and from Cleveland International Airport
Students will use public transportation for the majority of the program. Airport transfer is included, private coach transportation for the Mt. Fuji day trip is included, Shinkansen train travel is included from Tokyo to Osaka, and public transportation cards with JPY 15,000 are included for program-related travel.

Accessibility Information

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Whether your disability is visible or invisible, Education Abroad is committed to making educational experiences abroad possible for you. Early disclosure of personal needs and an open mind to different programs, locations, and services can help you identify the best opportunities abroad.

Things to Consider

What types of physical, academic, and mental health resources and accommodations are available in my host country?
What types of activities does this program involve? Will there be strenuous hiking? Will we be walking long distances? Will we be carrying significant weight?
What is the housing like on this program? Will I be sharing a room or bathroom? Is there AC/heat?
What types of foods are available to me on this program? Will I be able to find meals that meet my dietary needs?
What types of transportation does this program use? Will I be navigating public transportation? Is public transportation accessible?
What is the climate like in my host country? Will there be extreme heat or cold?
Are my medications controlled or banned abroad? Are there regulations on traveling with my medications, service animal, etc.?
Are there prescriptions that I need to fill before I leave? What medications are available abroad? Is there a refrigerator to store my medication if needed?
How does my host country view my disability?
How do accessibility regulations in my host country differ from the US? (Ex.) Are ramps, elevators, tactile markings, etc. required/available?
Can I use my US medical devices in my host country? Is the voltage different? Will my equipment fit through a standard door (height/width) in my host country?
If there are overnight field trips outside of my typical housing for the program, is it possible to maintain the same housing accommodations I may require?

Learn More �Ը�� Studying Abroad with a Disability

Watch this helpful video about .

Resources

Student Accessibility Services

Financial Aid & Scholarships

It is possible to use your federal financial aid to go on �Ը�� University-approved education abroad programs. You can learn more on the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center website.

It is also possible to use most �Ը�� scholarships for education abroad costs. You can find education abroad scholarships on ScholarshipUniverse.

If you have any questions about using your financial aid and scholarships for study abroad, you can contact the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center.

Health & Safety

Pre-Departure Orientation

Prior to your study abroad experience, you will participate in a mandatory pre-departure orientation hosted by the College of Honors and Global Education. During this orientation, you will be provided with information including but not limited to:

international travel procedures;
in-country resources;
health and safety resources and information;
culture shock and resources to help prepare for living abroad.

All students are encouraged to register with the prior to departure.

You can also review a wide variety of resources we’ve pulled together for you on our “Before You Go” page.

Country Profile

You can learn more about your destination(s), including travel advisories, through the .

In addition, we encourage you to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel page for for traveling to your destination(s).

If vaccinations or medications are needed according to the CDC, you should make arrangements for appointments with your healthcare provider or the DeWeese Health Center as soon as possible. Appointment openings at the DeWeese Health Center are limited and vaccines may need to be ordered, which takes time. Please note that not all immunizations are available at the DeWeese Health Center.

Costs and Funding

Costs for the program will differ for every student. You can use our Cost Calculator to get an estimate of what you might expect for your program. 

We encourage you to meet with the Financial, Billing, and Enrollment Center to see how your aid may apply to an international program. We also encourage you to meet with your Academic Advisor to discuss your Course Plan of Study and to evaluate if your planned coursework is eligible for federal financial aid.

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