Kyoto City University of Arts

{{More citations needed|section|talk={}|small={}|find={{#if:{}|{}|none}}|find2={{{find2|{}}}}|date=January 2025|name=More citations needed section}} The university was founded in 1880 as the in temporary quarters in the grounds of the imperial palace in Kyoto. Kyoto had lost its status as the nation's capital in 1867, at the beginning of Meiji Period, and the city was in danger of being left behind in the wave of modernization overtaking the country. In 1878, a group of painters petitioned the city government to establish a modern school of the arts to support the traditional arts and crafts, including painting, ceramics, and weaving. The school was founded with support from the city and national government leader Sanjo Sanetomi, and contributions from 93 Kyoto merchants. The University has produced many artists and educators, and its thorough, small-group education has nurtured many artists in the past. Some of our graduates include contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama, Shoen Uemura, the first woman to be awarded the Order of Cultural Merit, Yutaka Sado, Principal, Conductor of the Vienna Tonkünstler Orchestra, Emi Wada, the first Japanese woman to win an Academy Award for Best Costume Design, Etsuro Sotoo, chief sculptor of the Sagrada Familia, Akira Murayama, a living national treasure of woodwork, and Mr. Kunihiko Moriguchi, a living national treasure in Yuzen, an important intangible cultural property. Many students are employed by technology companies, and the number of students employed by Nintendo and SONY is the highest among Japanese art universities. Students employed by game companies include not only game character designers, but also Yosuke Fujino, who is involved in UI/UX design for Nintendo's mainstay online services, such as the Nintendo eShop and Nintendo Switch Online. In 1980, the Faculty of Fine Arts, located in Imakumano, Higashiyama-ku, and the Faculty of Music, located in Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, were integrated and relocated to Ooe-kutsukake-cho, Nishikyo-ku, near Rakusai New Town. In March 2013, the university submitted a proposal to the city government to relocate to the former Sūjin Elementary School site (about 1 hectare) just east of JR Kyoto Station. In March 2013, the university submitted a request to the city government to relocate the university to an area centered on the former Sūjin Elementary School site (approximately 1 hectare) just east of JR Kyoto Station and to secure a total of 4 hectares of land. The new building opened for use in April 2023. == Faculties ==