わたしとガラスの
未見に出会う
The Glass and I
Discovering the
future
Discovering the
future
ABOUT TIGA
Guided by many professionals a strong foundation for a diverse
glass life is laid.
glass life is laid.
Toyama Institute of Glass Art (TIGA) was founded in 1991 as Japan's first public educational institution specialized in glass art.
Fascinated by the charm of glass, talented students from all over Japan and overseas are studying here in a creative environment with excellent facilities for artwork production. Day after day they work hard to improve their skills and foster creativity with an aim of establishing themselves as professionals. Many of our graduates who studied with us in the two-year curriculums are successfully working as independent artists, as staff members of studios in and out of Japan or as teachers in universities, high schools and technical schools in a wide-ranging field including art, craft, architecture and design.
Fascinated by the charm of glass, talented students from all over Japan and overseas are studying here in a creative environment with excellent facilities for artwork production. Day after day they work hard to improve their skills and foster creativity with an aim of establishing themselves as professionals. Many of our graduates who studied with us in the two-year curriculums are successfully working as independent artists, as staff members of studios in and out of Japan or as teachers in universities, high schools and technical schools in a wide-ranging field including art, craft, architecture and design.
FEATURES
FEATURES
Five professors including two from overseas teach throughout the year.
TIGA’s environment is ideal for learning new techniques and ideas of global relevance.
Five professors with rich experience teach their subjects of specialization for two years. Two professors from overseas teach through the year, adding an international perspective to the program. TIGA provides an international and highly professional learning environment.
One of the best equipped facilities in Japan and a creative environment abundant in nature.
TIGA has facilities for all specialized areas of glass art. It offers an excellent environment for learning highly specialized techniques. The institute is housed in a building standing at the edge of Mt. Kureha and surrounded by rich greenery, which provides a nice setting for the students to concentrate on the production of glasswork while discovering through the process.
Learning by watching professionals at the adjacent Toyama Glass Studio.
In the Toyama Glass Studio, which stands adjacent to the Institute, the students can watch professional glass artists create their work. It also offers part-time work opportunities for students as well as employment opportunities for graduates. The Toyama Glass Studio rents out equipment at a lower rate than anyone else, which is advantageous for the students who continue glassmaking after graduation.
Learning from artists in active production.
TIGA has a very high teacher/student ratio, which makes students feel close to teachers and allows them to watch teachers producing their work at a close distance from time to time. All the TIGA teaching staff work in active production and present their work in exhibitions and other occasions.
Students also have the chance to talk to artists and curators in various genres who are invited to do special lectures and critiques.
Students also have the chance to talk to artists and curators in various genres who are invited to do special lectures and critiques.
Please note!!
You will need to have a specific level of Japanese language ability to get a student visa. We strongly encourage applicants to obtain the language requirement before applying. You should refer to the homepage of the Immigration Bureau of Japan, and please ask about the procedure and the requirements at your local Japanese Embassy. For more information, please e-mail TIGA.
COURSE OF STUDY
- Glass Certification
Studies Program - Advanced Research
Studies Program - Visiting Scholar
Program
Glass Certification
Studies Program
Studies Program
First Year
Students will learn basic theory and techniques of glass art. Emphasis is placed on learning the basic fundamentals of art, such as sketches and designs.
Second Year
The primary aim in the second year is to cultivate students' individuality and creativity. Students will produce artwork of their own choice. By doing so they will develop skills for giving a wide range of expressions and forms to their work.
HOTWORK
Hotwork I
In this course students will gain a strong foundation in the hot shop. They will obtain a deep understanding of form and color through demonstrations, lectures and practical training sessions. During the practical training sessions, the students will learn to cooperate with each other and to work as a team. They will gain experience and skills for expressing themselves in the art of blown glass with confidence. Personalized guidance is also provided in order to foster the merits of individual students.
Hotwork I / Dylan Palmer and Makiko Nakagami
Hotwork II
Students will deepen the understanding of the basic techniques they learned in the first year. In carrying out assigned projects, they will question the characteristics of the material, make experiments and explore new possibilities. Students are encouraged to broaden their ideas and do research actively. In addition to attending demonstrations and lectures, they will engage themselves with molten glass through the production of their work.
Hotwork II / Makiko Nakagami and Dylan Palmer
KILNWORK
Kilnwork I and Kilnwork II
In the first year of this course, students will learn basic techniques for kiln work (the process of melting glass in an electric kiln) and deepen the understanding of the characteristics of glass. Based on the understanding of the kiln work techniques and material characteristics they acquired in the first year, students in the second year will create their own work, mindful of a particular area (modern art, sculpture, craft, design, architecture, etc.). Students and teachers together will explore new possibilities of glass art through the production of assigned projects.
Kilnwork I and Kilnwork II / Koichi Matsufuji
COLDWORK
Coldwork I and Coldwork II
In this course students will learn refining, sculpting, and decorative applications of glass. They will learn techniques through practice in the first year while focusing on conceptual exploration and logical thinking in the second year in order to establish their individuality and professional capacity. During each semester, the students will receive assignments, then do research, draw sketches and designs. Then the actual work will be produced and presented. The students will also promote their work and document the production process. The cold work courses are taught by a Czech artist, who brings benefits of cultural exchange and a high level of professional knowledge to the courses.
Coldwork I and Coldwork II / Jiri Suchy
FOUNDATION
2D
A careful observation of natural and artificial objects around us would reveal that a form consists of countless points, lines and planes, has color and shadow and presents itself to the viewer with texture and volume. In the 2D course, students will practice precise drawings of objects and thereby learn to be attentive to the elements of form that are deeply involved with artistic expression. In so doing they will develop their ability to grasp the essence of things.
2D / Haruko Nishi
3D
In the first semester, students will work on the theme of "nature" with clay and plaster to learn the basics of 3D art as an introduction to the systematic understanding and mastery of the esthetic components of 3D representation. In the second semester, students themselves will choose the theme and material for their work. Through the production of their work they will improve their expressive skills and enhance their awareness to the esthetic qualities of the materials.
3D / Susumu Kaji
ELECTIVES
Flameworking
Working with the oxygen/propane torch and borosilicate glass, students will experience new glass techniques to broaden their creative possibilities. Through an experimental approach, this course will foster discovery and development, while at the same time encourage critical thinking.
Runa Kosogawa
Stained Glass
Students will pursue the possibility of expressing themselves while they feel the existence of light revealed by the glass, going back and forth between their handwork and inspiration, and conducting a dialogue with the glass. Stained glass is used as a means of inquiry into artistic expression.
Zen Hachida
Metalwork
In this course students will practice metal processing with a focus on welding techniques and learn the characteristics, theory and mechanics of metal welding as well as the different types of gas welding. The students will also learn other techniques such as forging, cutting and creating tools used for producing glass art.
Takio Nakamura
Jewelry
In this course students will learn metalwork from the basics to be able to make jewelry by joining glass and metal. The goal is to gain a good command of expression of a theme of their choice.
Hiromi Morita
GLASS MATERIALS
This lecture series is given by a material scientist, who will give students scientific knowledge on material characteristics of glass. The series takes place every other year and consists of four lectures.
Toru Yoshino
HISTORY OF GLASS ART
This lecture series deals with the history of glass ranging from the origin of glass to modern times. The series takes place every other year and consists of four lectures.
Kozo Hatakeyama
One-week workshop with a glass artist from overseas, held twice a year.
To broaden the students experience, TIGA invites a renowned artist from overseas in spring and fall every year for a one-week workshop. It provides a special opportunity for the students to interact with the artists through a collaborative project, a party organized by the students and other activities. To coincide with the fall workshop, an intramural exhibition is held to display student work. Further, demonstrations and lectures are open to the public on the Open Day, which is also arranged during the fall workshop.
Advanced Research
Studies Program
Studies Program
First Year
In the first year, students will examine their work and develop ideas according to themes they research.
Second Year
In the second year, students will further investigate the originality of their work and complete graduation work.
APPLIED MODELING
This is a course for the first year students of the Advanced Research Studies Program. By working on an assigned project every week and examining the work in a group, students will establish their originality as artists and develop ideas for the work. They will also learn wide-ranging expressive techniques through the use of different materials.
Jin Hongo
RESEARCH I II III
Students will make their own production plan based on their individual research theme. During the production they can receive advice on technical aspects from the teaching staff specialized in them and work under the guidance of their supervisor with respect to art creation. There are regular evaluation sessions that all teaching staff and Advanced Research Studies Program students attend. The students' works are examined in order for them to develop applicable techniques and ways of thinking as professionals.
Jin Hongo, Makiko Nakagami, Koichi Matsufuji, Jiri Suchy and Dylan Palmer
One-week workshop with a glass artist from overseas, held twice a year.
To broaden the students experience, TIGA invites a renowned artist from overseas in spring and fall every year for a one-week workshop. It provides a special opportunity for the students to interact with the artists through a collaborative project, a party organized by the students and other activities. To coincide with the fall workshop, an intramural exhibition is held to display student work. Further, demonstrations and lectures are open to the public on the Open Day, which is also arranged during the fall workshop.
Visiting Scholar
Program
Program
Visiting Scholar Program
This is a course for those having a professional working experience in glass art for at least two years. Visiting Scholars study for three or six months (three months in the case of overseas applicants) and during that time they produce work based on a research theme of their own choice. They produce their work taking advice from the faculty, so that they can expand the scope of their work and deepen their research. Applications are accepted occasionally. Admission is approved based on an examination with a prior consultation, taking into account the student enrolment at the time and the applicant's research plan. For an application, please request a prior consultation to check the availability of the program.
Visiting Scholar Program
This is a course for those having a professional working experience in glass art for at least two years. Visiting Scholars study for three or six months (three months in the case of overseas applicants) and during that time they produce work based on a research theme of their own choice. They produce their work taking advice from the faculty, so that they can expand the scope of their work and deepen their research. Applications are accepted occasionally. Admission is approved based on an examination with a prior consultation, taking into account the student enrolment at the time and the applicant's research plan. For an application, please request a prior consultation to check the availability of the program.
APPLICATION
GUIDELINES
GUIDELINES
Click here for the Application Guidelines of our Programs.
- Glass Certification
Studies Program - Advanced Research
Studies Program - Visiting Scholar
Program
Glass Certification
Studies Program
Studies Program
The Glass Certification Studies Program offers solid professional education with a two-year curriculum.
Students will learn basic theory and techniques of glass art, get engaged in the act of creation based on their ideas in the elective courses, and thereby obtain necessary skills for freely giving shapes and expressions to their work. Emphasis is placed on learning the basics of art such as sketches and designs.
Glass Certification Studies Program Application, Academic Year 2025
| Class |
Maximum Number of Students: 16 Period of Study: 2 years |
|---|---|
| Eligibility for Application | The applicant must have a high school diploma, be expected to have one by the end of March 2025, or have an equivalent academic competence. |
| Period of Application |
Admission based on Recommendation: From Monday, October 21, 2024 to Thursday, November 7, 2024. General Admission A: From Wednesday, November 13, 2024 to Monday, December 9, 2024. General Admission B: From Tuesday, February 19, 2025 to Monday, March 10, 2025.
The Office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. It is closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
If the application is sent by mail, the document must arrive at the Office by the end of the Period of Application. If the number of applicants for general admission examination A is reached, general admission examination B will not be held. |
| Admission Examination |
Admission based on Recommendation: Interview on Monday, November 18, 2024. General Admission A: Practical Skills Test (2D and 3D) on Friday, December 20, 2024. Interview on Saturday, December 21, 2024. General Admission B: Practical Skills Test (2D and 3D) and Interview on Monday, March 17, 2025.
If the number of applicants for general admission examination A is reached, general admission examination B will not be held.
|
| Announcement of Accepted Applicants |
Admission based on Recommendation: At noon on Friday, November 22, 2024. General Admission A: At noon on Wednesday, December 25, 2024. General Admission B: At noon on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
If the number of applicants for general admission examination A is reached, general admission examination B will not be held.
|
| Examination Fee | 18,000 yen |
| Admission Fee |
135,300 yen (required for applicants who are residents of Toyama City) 169,200 yen (required for other applicants) |
| Tuition Fee | 390,000 yen per year, or 32,500 per month (There is a tuition fee reduction and exemption scheme.) |
Click here to download the application guidelines
Advanced Research
Studies Program
Studies Program
The Advanced Research Studies Program offers the opportunity for students to establish their originality as glass artists and deepen their learning.
Each student will set their research theme and study plan for themselves taking guidance and advice from the teacher in charge and carry out the research according to the plan.
Advanced Research Studies Program Application, Academic Year 2025
| Class |
Maximum Number of Students: 5 Period of Study: 2 years |
|---|---|
| Eligibility for Application | The applicant must have completed the Glass Certification Studies Program at Toyama Institute of Glass Art, or is expected to complete it by the end of March 2025, or is regarded as having equivalent knowledge and skills. |
| Period of Application |
From Monday, October 21, 2024 to Thursday, November 7, 2024.
The Office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. It is closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
If the application is sent by mail, the document must arrive at the Office by the end of the Period of Application. |
| Admission Examination | Interview on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. |
| Announcement of Accepted Applicants | At noon on Friday, November 22, 2024. |
| Examination Fee | 18,000yen |
| Admission Fee |
135,300 yen (required for applicants who are residents of Toyama City) 169,200 yen (required for other applicants) |
| Tuition Fee | 390,000 yen per year, or 32,500 per month (There is a tuition fee reduction and exemption scheme.) |
Click here to download the application guidelines
Necessary Documents
Visiting Scholar
Program
Program
The Visiting Scholar Program provides glass professionals with a perfect setting for further development as an artist.
This course is for glass professionals with at least two years of experience. They can use TIGA's excellent facilities for pursuing their own artistic theme. Enrolled at TIGA as students, they will be able to broaden the range of their work and to produce experimental work as part of their research.
Visiting Scholar Program Application, Academic Year 2022
| Class | One year, six months or three months |
|---|---|
| Eligibility for Application | The applicant must have completed the Advanced Research Studies Program at Toyama Institute of Glass Art or is regarded as having equivalent skills and knowledge and has at least two years of experience as a glass artist. |
| Period of Application | There is currently no vacancy for this Program. |
| Admission Examination | There is currently no vacancy for this Program. |
| Announcement of Accepted Applicants | There is currently no vacancy for this Program. |
| Examination Fee | 9,000 yen |
| Admission Fee |
40,590 yen (required for applicants who are residents of Toyama City) 50,760 yen (required for other applicants)
※Admission fees for a student of the Visiting Scholar Program with a planned research period of 3 months will not be collected.
|
| Tuition Fee | 21,750 yen per month |
About the Artist-in-Residence program
Toyama Institute of Glass Art initiated its Artist-in-Residence program in 2010, aiming to promote glass art and cultural activities in Toyama City, to invigorate the local communities and to develop human resources.
FACULTY
Jin Hongo graduated from Tohoku University, Faculty of Engineering with a major in metal engineering. He learned glass art at the Tokyo Glass Art Institute. He became a teaching assistant at TIGA when it was founded. He has been teaching here ever since and held workshops as a glass artist in and out of Japan for the education of younger artists.
Head Professor
Jin Hongo
At TIGA you confront the glass, reflect on yourself and learn side by side with your fellow students. Everything you learn here will be the key for opening the door to the future. You have infinite possibilities. We will do our utmost to help you realize your dream and ambitions.
Makiko Nakagami is from Aichi Prefecture, Japan. She graduated from Aichi University of Education, General Modeling Arts Course with a major in glass art in 1994 and continued her study there as a research student under Michael Rogers.
She then completed traineeship at the Kanazawa Utatsuyama Craft Workshop and worked in various studios. She started teaching at TIGA in 2006 and has been an associate professor since 2016.
She then completed traineeship at the Kanazawa Utatsuyama Craft Workshop and worked in various studios. She started teaching at TIGA in 2006 and has been an associate professor since 2016.
Head Professor
Makiko Nakagami
TIGA is an exciting place where you can expand your possibilities and have a link with somewhere in the world. This is a marvelous place where you can connect with the world by means of glass and encounter diverse values, novel works, unique people and fresh ideas.
After graduating from Aichi University of Education in 1995, Koichi Matsufuji studied in the United States on a Researcher Overseas Grant from the Pola Art Foundation. He received his Master of Fine Arts degree from Illinois State University School of Art in 2001. Utilizing glass as the main material, together with natural objects, insect specimens and antique items, Matsufuji explores light in the context of the relation between humanity and nature, the potential power of land and substance, and the prayer that originates in imagination.
Professor
Koichi Matsufuji
It is important to choose carefully what you learn and where you learn it. You should come here if you want to learn glass art in Toyama even after you have found out about other glass art schools in the world.
Jiri Suchy received a degree in art-craft glass-blowing and than the Master of Art degree in architecture and design at the Academy of Art, Architecture and Design in Prague, the Czech Republic.
He designs and realizes original objects, sets and sculptures, mainly devoted to the creation of glass casted sculptures (mold melted glass), blown glass and combines other techniques. He designs interiors, creates acrylic and hot glass paintings, cooperates with many galleries, was a member of several symposia or publicly demonstrates his art. He also taught at the Glass School in Novy Bor in the Czech Republic for about 13 years.
He designs and realizes original objects, sets and sculptures, mainly devoted to the creation of glass casted sculptures (mold melted glass), blown glass and combines other techniques. He designs interiors, creates acrylic and hot glass paintings, cooperates with many galleries, was a member of several symposia or publicly demonstrates his art. He also taught at the Glass School in Novy Bor in the Czech Republic for about 13 years.
Dylan Palmer (b. 1975) is an American artist and Associate Professor at the Toyama Institute of Glass Art, in Toyama Japan. He earned an MFA in glass in 2005. Between 2018-2024, he taught across multiple disciplines in both the sculpture and ceramics departments at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and from 2021-24 served as the Foundry Director of SAIC. His work examines the vessel, craft, and pattern as records of culture; the creation of visual conduits between the material and immaterial, offering visual pleasure and moments of perceptual liberation.
Associate Professor
Dylan Palmer
Glass is among the most important and most transformative materials. It can be directed in any imaginable way towards art, architecture, and everything in between. The technical and conceptual knowledge students gain at TIGA prepares them for any avenue they choose as professionals working in this field.
Asa Hashimoto is from Toyama Prefecture. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Parsons School of Design with a major in fine arts. She completed the Glass Certification Studies Program at TIGA in 2018 and has been a teaching assistant at TIGA since 2019.
Teaching Assistants
Asa Hashimoto
TIGA is an exceptional place because you can learn glass art in an environment which is blessed with the abundant nature of Toyama and is international in character. Refine your artistic sensitivity fully and find many new possibilities.
Born in Aichi Prefecture, Ayano Yoshizumi is a glass artist based in Toyama. She graduated Toyama Institute of Glass Art in 2016, started working as a production glass blower for several years at Toyama Glass Studio.
From 2019-2022, she relocated to Adelaide Australia, for the Associate Training Program in the Glass Studio. After returning from Australia, She has been working as a Teaching Assistant at TIGA.
From 2019-2022, she relocated to Adelaide Australia, for the Associate Training Program in the Glass Studio. After returning from Australia, She has been working as a Teaching Assistant at TIGA.
Teaching Assistant
Ayano Yoshizumi
Toyama Institute of Glass Art is lead by knowledgable teachers and has an extensive facility. It is a unique place you can encounter the global glass community. I'm looking forward to meeting new talents.
Born in Gunma. She received Foundation Diploma in Art and Design from Chelsea College in London in 2009, and BA(Hons) Glass and Ceramics from University of Sunderland in the UK in 2018. Working at TIGA since 2023.
Teaching Assistant
Natsumi Amagasa
Glass world is very small. I am looking forward to seeing you spread your wings around the world with the skills, knowledge, and connections you have cultivated at this school.
Born in Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture.
Graduated from Akita Municipal Junior College of Arts and Crafts.
Graduated from Toyama Institute of Glass Art.
Staff member of Toyama Glass Studio.
Kanazawa Utatsuyama Kogei Kobo Completed.
Graduated from Akita Municipal Junior College of Arts and Crafts.
Graduated from Toyama Institute of Glass Art.
Staff member of Toyama Glass Studio.
Kanazawa Utatsuyama Kogei Kobo Completed.
Teaching Assistant
Emi Hirose
Enjoy facing the glass to your heart's content in this place equipped with the best facilities.
Don't forget to feel excited.
Don't forget to feel excited.
Creative Advisor/Instructors
OPEN
President
Tetsuji Tsunekawa
Senior Adviser
Atsushi Takeda
Creative Advisor
Ryoji Shibuya
Instructors
2DHaruko Nishi / 3DSusumu Kaji / FlameworkingRuna Kosogawa / Stained GlassZen Hachida / JewelryHiromi Morita / MetalworkTakio Nakamura / History of Glass ArtKozo Hatakeyama / Glass MaterialsToru Yoshino
LOCATION
- Name of Institution
- Toyama Institute of Glass Art founded by the City of Toyama
- President
- Tetsuji Tsunekawa
- Address
- 80 Nishikanaya Toyama-shi, Toyama 930-0143 Japan
- Phone
- +81-76-436-2973
(FAX +81-76-436-2974)
Address | 80 Nishikanaya Toyama-shi, Toyama 930-0143 Japan
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