Lab Introduction
LABORATORY LIST Laboratory (laboratory and atelier training) introduction
Our faculty offers seminar classes commonly referred to as "labs." Their official name is "Lab Atelier Training," and they are a unique class format not found at other universities or faculties. These are internship-style, irregular seminar classes based at the faculty's affiliated research institute, the Aoyama Community Lab (ACL), and sometimes leave campus to work in collaboration with external organizations such as the local community, companies, and government agencies. Unlike regular seminars, students can participate in the "workplace" of a company.
Sibuya Karuizawa Media Management (MM) Lab
Person in charge: Norio Iguchi
This project focuses on Sibuya and Karuizawa as vibrant creative and cultural cities, and involves students taking ownership of local media management, from researching story ideas to conducting online meetings. Specifically, the following two projects are envisioned.
A. Secure a program slot on "Sibuya Radio" and handle the planning, research, interviews, and appearances for that program.
B. Propose a program at "FM Karuizawa" that leverages the sensibilities of Generation Z, and conduct related research, interviews, and appearances.
Incidentally, FIACS (International Cultural City Development Organization), JIDF (Japan Cultural Design Forum), Sibuya Radio, and FM Karuizawa are participating as external collaborators in the above project. If possible, we would also like to consider launching a website and YouTube channel as an extension of the above.
Planning and Implementing Classical Music Concerts (commonly known as "Music Management Lab")
Person in charge: Chikako Itagaki
Last year, we participated in the "Hayato Kadono Upright Piano Project" as a music management lab. We installed an upright piano at Building 17 Restaurant (Ichinana) Shokudo, providing many people with the opportunity to play the piano. As a result, we were able to create many interactions through music.
This year, as with our social activities, we will continue to consider the meaning of "delivering music" and plan and carry out concerts at places such as nurseries and facilities for the elderly.
(Video) Business Producer Development Lab
Person in charge: Takashi Uchiyama
Every year, we will provide practical training in the series of processes involved in "producing" video as a business (not as a hobby), from development, pre-production, "production," post-production, distribution, and multiple use (the content and areas of training will change depending on the year). We will provide appropriate opportunities and invite experts each time.
Film x Business Strategy Lab – A practical program to influence society through storytelling –
Person in charge: Teru Kinouchi
This lab is a practical program that views film not merely as artistic expression, but as a "business" that creates social value. Students form teams and experience the entire film production process, from planning and fundraising to production, screening, and evaluation. They structurally analyze narratives through film criticism and analysis, design project plans and fundraising strategies including crowdfunding, and gain experience in short film production and on-set filming. Furthermore, they practice PR activities such as dealing with talent agencies and the press, managing preview screenings and exhibitions, and using social media.
Every year, we hold a residential internship at a traditional Japanese inn in Hakone, where we intensively discuss project refinement and strategic planning. The aim is to cultivate the ability to move people and resources through storytelling, while bridging the gap between creativity and a business perspective. Students interested in the film industry, advertising and media, entrepreneurship, and business management are welcome.
Research and practice of music-specific web media
Person in charge: Osamu Tokairin
Students will be managing an online media outlet specializing in music (). In addition to planning, editing, interviewing, and other production duties, students will also be involved in various practical aspects of management, including promotion and other marketing activities. In particular, when planning projects, students will be conducting cultural research to explore the background of the works and artists, and in addition to acquiring basic knowledge, they will also develop ways of thinking and the ability to communicate their own ideas to others. In addition, every year, guest speakers are invited, mainly from companies in the music industry, to learn directly about the actual workplace.
"The Power of Words" Lab
Person in charge: Hideo Honda
Where do words come from? Strangely enough, sometimes when we momentarily shift our attention away from the words we've been searching for in front of our computers or papers, and instead come into contact with the soft air outside or the sunlight filtering through the trees, words suddenly "come to us from the other side." However, for words to come to us from the other side, we must not lose the time we spend alone worrying, hesitating, and contemplating various things.
In written language, the power of words is honed by carefully examining multiple facts, thinking as you write, setting those thoughts aside for a moment to take a detour, imagining different lines of thought, forgetting, reconsidering, and evolving with the brilliance of details that were not initially anticipated.
In this lab, you will learn various writing and editing methods, including essays, articles, and commentaries. Write to your heart's content, challenge your thinking, and create and share your ideas. This lab is also open to those who wish to refine their spoken language skills.
Engaging with the world through video translation (commonly known as "Video Translation Lab")
Person in charge: Junichi Miyazawa
We will practice "video translation" (mainly subtitling) and hold independent screenings.
Students will learn how to appreciate video works, understand the significance of video translation, and deepen their interest in foreign cultures and global issues (particularly refugee issues and social discrimination). At the same time, they will learn the true essence of "project management" and teamwork through the practice of holding independent film screenings.
As in previous years, we plan to participate in creating subtitles for films entered in film festivals that our cooperating organization (Japan Video Translation Academy, abbreviated as JVTA) is involved in (such as the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia and the Refugee Film Festival organized by the Japan Association for UNHCR).
Digital Storytelling Lab
Person in charge: Kazuki Miyata
Crossing the boundaries between virtual and physical, we create new "experiences" through technology. The Digital Storytelling Lab is a place for such challenges.
In the metaverse space, we are working on the "MetaVoyage Project," which involves creating 3D live performances with professional virtual singers. Students are responsible for event planning, production, and public relations, gaining practical experience in 3D modeling and metaverse space creation and direction, while challenging themselves to create unique virtual expressions and experiences. In the real world, we are also focusing on developing VR-based educational programs and collaborating with the local community through our manufacturing hub, "Aogaku Aoyama Creative Learning Lab"Tsukumana Lab"." Furthermore, we have begun experiments in robot control using AI and robotics, expanding the creativity cultivated in the virtual world into society.
We welcome people who want to use technology to plan and bring new experiences to life.
Fairtrade Lab
Person in charge: Yutaka Morishima
After understanding the concepts of fair trade and the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), students will take the initiative in planning and implementing fair trade awareness activities on campus.
Every year we carry out the following projects:
1. We will hold a Fair Trade Week in both semesters to promote fair trade products such as coffee on campus.
2. Planning by students. The planning team plans ways to spread fair trade and collaborates with the school cafeteria, store and companies.
3. We introduce Fair Trade Lab's activities to other universities, junior and senior high schools, and other organizations.
Creative Lab
Contact person: Rie Yamazaki
This lab provides a platform for working on practical projects with companies and creators, alongside instructors who are PR planners and marketers. The goal is to learn the creative output process while being exposed to engaging and inspiring content, events, and information from both Japan and abroad.
Students will use their unique sensibilities to shape ideas and gain experience from planning to execution. They will hone their ability to understand the true feelings and trends of society and create "projects that are needed now." The problem-solving skills cultivated here will be a lifelong asset that will be useful in any field in the future.
Experiencing a professional environment may make you realize how narrow your own perspective is, but that stimulation is the key to growth. By refining your sensibilities through these activities, take the first step in carefully considering "how you want to live" and finding your future goals.