University Overview
Hamamatsu- An International City Famous for Manufacturing, Music, Arts and Culture
Hamamatsu has a long history as a manufacturing center for textiles, musical instruments and automotive and motorcycle parts. Recently, new industries such as optical and electronic technologies are also on the rise. Hamamatsu’s technical expertise is recognized both in Japan and abroad.
Shizuoka University of Art and Culture is located in the heart of downtown Hamamatsu, where urban activities coexist with a rich natural environment. Hamamatsu is dedicated to the promotion of culture and Universal Design and the realization of becoming an international city open to the world.
Shizuoka University of Art and Culture was established in 2000. The University’s establishment and operation are a cooperative effort of Shizuoka prefecture, Hamamatsu City, and local industries. Supported by strong partnerships between public agencies and industry, the University continues to grow and produce graduates who possess creativity and practical skills in the workplace, fulfilling the needs of modern society.
The University is made up of two faculties, six departments and two graduate schools. Over 1,500 students attend the campus, which was designed to encourage a rich sense of creativity. Students come from all over Japan and learning takes place not only in country but also through a broad range of international exchange programs and activities. The faculty, which is composed of many distinguished individuals who are professionally active both in Japan and internationally, deliver a skills-focused education.
Along with traditional academic activities, Shizuoka University of Art and Culture students have many opportunities to enhance their artistic aesthetics and sensibilities through practical, hands-on learning experiences on traditional culture. Shizuoka University of Art and Culture contributes to society through its mission of being a center of cultural activity in the community as an open university that produces graduates who enter the workforce possessing knowledge and sensibility and through active involvement in the local community.
Founding Philosophy
Shizuoka University of Art and Culture (SUAC) upholds two ideals that we strive to achieve in education, research, and local and international exchange.
SUAC graduates will enter the workforce with practical skills.
We educate students to possess a rich sense of humanity and a keen awareness of society and the times. Graduates will join the workforce prepared to actively engage in many fields in international society.
SUAC will contribute to society.
We will contribute to the development of the local and international communities as an open university that functions as a place for education and research combining the local and international communities and multiple generations.
Encounter. Feel. Create.
Everything starts with an encounter.
Encounters give rise to feelings.
This sensibility creates the foundation of a new age and society.
Giving form to feelings leads to creation tied to the new values called for in these times.
Our Logo
The logo is a visual design symbolizing the University.
The wave of a new era is embodied in the logo, a wave that stands for the many waves sweeping over culture and art in overlapping layers.
We wish to spread our passion for culture and art to the world with this logo.
What Makes SUAC Special
A Fusion of Culture and Design
The University has two faculties: the Faculty of Cultural Policy and Management, the first of its kind in Japan, and the Faculty of Design, which has its foundations in the concepts of Universal Design. Through a close collaborative working relationship, these faculties engage in educational research that fosters a broad perspective. Starting from the concept of “challenging the frontier of cultural creation”, students design new lifestyles, create rich and fulfilling culture and transmit information about these things to both the local community and the world at large.
Universal Design Concepts
At Shizuoka University of Art and Culture we use the concepts of Universal Design to create objects and spaces that are easy for everyone to use regardless of age, gender or ability. Universal Design is not only adopted as part of the curriculum; its spirit is evident in the design and details of the campus buildings. The University aims to create design that is casual, beautiful and accessible.
An Open University
One of Shizuoka University of Art and Culture’s goals is to be an open university that functions as a place for education and research for the local community, the international community and across generations, responding to the diverse interests of modern society. We will continue to be an open university creating distinctive courses that reflect the current times, providing a place for lifelong learning for adult learners, opening our facilities to the public and participating in exchange with the private sector and the international community.
