What are the top Japanese schools with animation degree programs?
Top Animation Schools in Japan - 2026 College Rankings
| 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 |
| 5 | Tokyo University of the Arts | Tokyo |
Our 2026 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- and three-year programs for animators. Options include Vocational Diplomas in Animation; CG Animation; Anime Production; Character Design; and Anime Sound Engineering. All programs take place in an immersive and collaborative studio environment, where students will complete professional-level animation projects. Other activities include industry seminars, workshops, and internships. Programs culminate with a full-length, industry-ready animated production. Graduates can be found at places such as Studio Ghibli, Toei Animation, Production I.G., Nippon Animation, Polygon Pictures, OLM, Sunrise Animation Studios, Madhouse, Bones Animation Studio, Kojima Productions, and Studio Pierrot.
2. Kyoto University of the Arts, Kyoto, Japan
The Faculty of the Arts at Kyoto University of the Arts (KUAD) provides two paths to study animation Options include BFA degrees in Character Design; Illustration; and Film Production. Across programs students benefit from state-of-the-art production facilities; collaborative projects; internships; frequent job fairs; and corporate partnerships. Programs culminate with a final project (animated short). KUAD alumni have been hired at places such as Nintendo, SHAFT Animation Studio, Capcom, MAPPA, Kojima Productions, Science SARU, and CyberAgent.
3. Digital Hollywood University, Tokyo, Japan
The Faculty of Digital Communication at Digital Hollywood University (DHU) has an Anime program that focuses on 2D, 3D, drawing, screenwriting, directing and production processes. Leading to bachelor’s degree, the program also highlights professional internship; access to state-of-the-art facilities; and study abroad experiences. The program culminates with a final market-ready film to be presented at the Graduate Exhibition. DHU graduates have secured positions at places such as Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Sony, Blue Zoo Animation Studio, Capcom, Square Enix, and Creative Assembly.
4. Kyoto Seika University, Kyoto, Japan
The Faculty of Manga at Kyoto Seika University (KSU) is the only school of its kind in Japan. Within the school is the Department of Animation, which houses an Animation bachelor’s degree. The school is also home to the Department of Character Design, which provides a Character Design bachelor's that explores animation. Both programs highlight hands-on learning; guest artists and speakers; access to state-of-the-art labs, workshops, and studios; professional internships; and career support. Programs culminate with a team-based animated feature film or other work. Graduates can be found at places such as Nintendo, Toei Animation, Bandai Namco Filmworks, Kyoto Animation, Capcom, and Wit Studio.
5. Tokyo University of the Arts, Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo University of the Arts houses the Graduate School of Film and New Media and the Department. Together, these academic units provide an Animation master's degree that highlights opportunities to collaborate on projects with students at Korea National University of Arts and Communication University of China. Other program benefits include professional internships; access to state-of-the-art studios and labs; workshops and seminars; partnerships with University of Southern California and Gobelins; and study abroad experiences at Ecole Nationale Superieure des Arts Decoratifs (ENSAD) in France, among other institutions. The program culminates with a final project (animated film). Graduates have secured roles at places such as Nintendo, Toei Animation, Polygon Pictures, NHK, Capcom, Sanzigen, Wit Studio, and Shogakukan.
