Drexel Spring Break in Japan:
Japanese Crafts and Sustainable Design Process
Ready to experience the heart and soul of Japanese culture through “dentokogei” traditional crafts? Open to all students, this 11-day ICA (two days for travel) will introduce students to hidden gems in three cities: Tokyo, Osaka and Himeji, an unmatched and inspirational experience!
The Program Highlights:
- Japanese Edo papermaking workshop with a 5th-generation artisan
- Kirié, papercutting art workshop in the Kubo Museum
- Visiting Japanese artisans such as a bamboo screen maker (1,000-yr history), a 53rd-generation metalsmith, and a pattern-dye textile maker
- Field trips to temples, castles, unique urban architecture, and public arts
- Opportunity to shop at an outstanding bookstore and an unforgettable art supply/stationery store
Given Japan’s “super aging” society challenges, this course will address a major question: how will artisan/craft culture survive? Students will learn the historical background of the given crafts during each artisan visit through demonstrations, talks and by conducting interviews. They will also document each artisan’s stories, narratives and how their trade has evolved over the centuries. In addition, students will exercise their information gathering and processing skills as they appreciate the artisans’ dedication to perfecting their craft, and their commitment to passing on their traditional artform to the next generation. The similarities between the artisans’ iterative process and the experimentations/explorations in our own design practice will also enable students to develop cross-cultural and transdisciplinary insights into their creative endeavor.
Course Requirements
In addition to a pre-travel online orientation, there will be pre-travel assignments such as required readings, research, prepare interview questions. Post-travel assignments will include personal reflection/report, short essay and final presentation.
Credit/Registration
Students will be registered for VSCM T380, Japanese Crafts and Sustainable Design Process for 3 credits as part of their spring term course load. Students must leave space in their spring course load for this class.
Instructor
Lead faculty:
Shushi Yoshinaga
Associate Professor of Graphic Design Program
Westphal College of Media Art and Design
Pre and Post-sessions: There will be one mandatory, preparatory class meetings during the winter term as well as post-assignments presentation after the trip (Spring term)
Arrival: March 20 (depart US on March 19 to arrive March 20)
(NOTE: flight recommendations will be provided upon acceptance into the program)
Return: March 29
Tentative Itinerary
Thursday, March 20
Arrival to Haneda Airport, Tokyo
Travel to the hotel
Group dinner and orientation
Friday, March 21
Ogawamachi – papermaking workshop with paper artisan
Saturday, March 22
Asakusa and Edo Sudare (bamboo shades)
Museum visit
Sunday, March 23
Bullet train to Osaka
Tour of Osaka Castle
Monday, March 24
Kirié museum tour and a workshop with kirié artist, Kubo Shu
Group lunch with the artist
Tuesday, March 25
On-site visit of 53rd-generation metalsmith, Myochin, in Himeji
Himeji-castle tour (World Heritage site)
Wednesday, March 26
Museum in Osaka
Bullet train back to Tokyo
Thursday, March 27
Ginza Graphic Gallery, Ginza Six art installation and bookstore/stationery stores
Friday, March 28
Textile artisan visit
Free time in the afternoon
Saturday, March 29
Travel to Haneda airport
Free time at the airport before departure
Due Nov 15, 2024 - $500 Advanced Payment + $25 application fee
Due Jan 15, 2025 - $ 2345 Final Payment
All payments are non-refundable unless declined admission or program cancels for unforeseen reasons.
*This program has been subsidized by the Office of Global Engagement
Included in Program Fee:
- 9-night lodging in Japan (hotel)
- In-country transportation
- Chartered bus tour/excursion
- Entrance fees (museums, performances)
- 1 Special Japanese dinner
- Suitcase storage fee
- On-Call Emergency Assistance insurance
Not Included in Program Fee (Estimated):
- Airfare: $2,000**
- Food: $400
- Spending money: $200
- Passport: $135
**Group flight will be recommended, students are strongly encouraged to book the suggested flight
Visa: US Citizens are not required to obtain a visa for entry to Japan. Other nationalities should confirm visa requirements on the
Japan Embassy website.
Course Grading Scale
| A+ |
100%+ |
Outstanding Work |
| A |
95-99% |
Very Superior Work |
| A- |
90-94% |
Superior Work |
| B+ |
88-89% |
Above Good Work |
| B |
83-87% |
Good Work |
| B- |
80-82% |
Slightly Below Good Work |
| C+ |
78-79% |
Slightly Above Average Work |
| C |
73-77% |
Average Work |
| C- |
70-72% |
Slightly Below Average Work |
| D+ |
68-69% |
Below Average Work |
| D |
63-67% |
Below Average Work |
| F |
00-62% |
Failure. Work Unacceptable |
