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  • Locations: Himjei, Japan; Osaka-shi, Japan; Tokyo, Japan
  • Program Terms: Spring
  • Restrictions: Drexel applicants only
  • Dates / Deadlines
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Minimum Language Requirement: No Requirement Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction: English, Japanese
Click here for a definition of this term Minimum Cumulative GPA: 3.0 Click here for a definition of this term Class Eligibility: Junior, Pre-Junior, Senior, Sophomore
Type of Program: Intensive Course Abroad Click here for a definition of this term Program Advisor: Ahaji Schreffler
Program Description:
Program Overview | Academics | Program Calendar | Program Fee | More Information

Drexel Spring Break in Japan:
Japanese Crafts and Sustainable Design Process

JapanICA

Program Overview

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.


Academics

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


2025 Program Calendar

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


2025 Program Fee - $2845

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

More Information


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


Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Spring 2025 11/15/2024 11/25/2024 03/20/2025 03/29/2025