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What are the top Japanese schools with animation degree programs?
| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tokyo Animation College | Tokyo |
| 2 | Kyoto University of the Arts | Kyoto |
| 3 | Digital Hollywood University | Tokyo |
| 4 | Kyoto Seika University | Kyoto |
Our 2025 rankings of the top animation degree programs in Japan.
For this ranking we only consider formal degree programs (bachelor's degree or equivalent). For an explanation of our ranking criteria, click here.
1. Tokyo Animation College, Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo Animation College provides two-year Animator and CG Animation programs, as well as three-year Animation and CG options. Programs culminate with a full-length, industry-ready animated production. Graduates have gone on to work on productions such as the manga series Witch Watch and the anime series Lycoris Recoil.
2. Kyoto University of the Arts, Kyoto, Japan
The Faculty of the Arts at Kyoto University of the Arts (KUAD) provides several paths to study animation. These include the Character Design BA in the faculty’s Department of Character Design; the Illustration BA in the Department of Information Design; and the Film Production BA in the Department of Film Production. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in animation, film and television, game design, fine art, and advertising, among others.
3. Digital Hollywood University, Tokyo, Japan
The Faculty of Digital Communication at Digital Hollywood University (DHU) has an Anime program that takes students through the entire animation production pipeline from concept to industry-ready film. Leading to bachelor’s degree, the program culminates with a final project to be displayed at the Graduate Exhibition. DHU graduates enjoy a 92% employment rate. Anime alumni are prepared to pursue advanced roles in all areas of animated film production.
4. Kyoto Seika University, Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto Seika University (KSU) is the first and only university in Japan to house a dedicated Faculty of Manga. Within the faculty is the Department of Animation, which provides an Animation bachelor’s degree. The program culminates with a team-based animated feature film. Graduates are prepared to pursue advanced roles in traditional and Japanese animation. Program alumni have landed positions with long-running manga series and animated tv shows. They are animators, directors, game artists, sound technicians, video production artists, and computer graphic designers.