Kanazawa College of Art

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In respect to the fine and applied arts, the college's manifested ideals are to educate creative talents, develop an artistic mind and decadent humanity while bringing national and international cooperation into fruition, and consequently contribute to the development of art culture in our society.
Kanazawa is located in the middle of the Japanese archipelago. Kanazawa College of Art embodies a blending of rich Japanese tradition dating back hundreds of years with harmonious natural surroundings.
In the late 17th century, Kanazawa functioned as the capital of Kaga Han, which was the local government. It exploited a policy of culture, including various arts, to avoid confrontation with the central government. This history led to the foundation of culture in Kanazawa, which flourishes even today. For the past few centuries, Kanazawa has been the center of art and science along the Sea of Japan coast. Many universities, cultural institutions, and hospitals are located in this city with a population of 450,000.
One more significant reason is that the city has cherished its own rich culture and is heralded as a center of art and traditional crafts. Kanazawa was one of a few historical places undamaged during World War II. Thus, we can learn from important heritage sites such as old houses and streets, not merely works of art. With this rich and valued historical background, Kanazawa residents show their support for Kanazawa College of Art (the school is locally known as Bidai). Bidai brings together students from across Japan and overseas and gives a new vista to the future's artistic city. Due to its location in such a historical city like Kanazawa, Bidai has attracted much attention from the art and culture community abroad.
The college was established in 1946, immediately after the end of World War II. Some artists yearning to create a peaceful country by art started the school by working on the Kanazawa municipal authority, which led to the foundation of Bidai. The movement was supported by citizens who were proud of the cultural climate of appreciating arts and crafts.
Bidai is blessed with an ideal study environment. There is a high teacher to student ratio, which means the feasible fostering of student and teacher communication, interaction, and mentoring. Enrollment in programs is opened annually to 145 undergraduates, 32 for the master's program and 7 for doctoral program participants.
Students enjoy their lives in historical Kanazawa. For instance, galleries and performance spaces are available for students at inexpensive rates. There are studios run by artists (Bidai graduates themselves), craft museums, and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art affiliated with Bidai. This artistic atmosphere in Kanazawa is unique to Bidai when compared to other art schools in Japan. People appreciate the variety of arts, including music and performing art. From classical ensembles to live jazz, and from theater to Japanese traditional performance art such as Noh plays, Kanazawa is truly a haven for the arts.
Local residences offer great hospitality and encourage students to put forth their potential ability. Housing is also inexpensive, and the Ishikawa prefecture dorm for international students is one of the lodging choices. Daily living costs are lower than in other big cities.
Geographically, Kanazawa is bordered by mountains and the Sea of Japan to the west. The city is built upon a hilly landscape, bisected by two rivers Sai and Asano, both of which host various wetland plants and songbirds.
Kanazawa enjoys dramatic seasonal weather. Gorgeous are the spring blooms, while the fall foliage season features brilliant colors and comfortable temperatures. The most extreme is winter because the scenery of the city landscape is blanketed in snow. A cold air mass from Siberia delivers snow and thunder along the seacoast. Although it snows a lot, the temperature does not go low. The temperature rarely dips below 0 degrees Celsius. Thanks to the climate, winter sports in nearby mountain areas are popular. It is easy to reach Kyoto and Nara from Kanazawa by bus or train so that you have a great chance to learn from Japanese historical sites.

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