Until the mid-nineteenth century, there were few distinctions between decorative and fine arts in Japan. Objects and adornment were considered components of cultural practices, unlike the Western divide between art and craft.
This course will explore material innovation, current design practices, and the remarkable transnational influence of contemporary Japanese design. We will examine the formal language of everyday Japanese life as exemplified by the holistic art form of Japanese tea culture that considers architecture, calligraphy, painting, ceramics, textiles, lacquerware, metalwork, and woodwork.
The Wintersession Travel Course 2027 application will open on August 3, 2026 and close on October 1, 2026. The opportunity to apply for scholarship is embedded in the course application.
Estimated dates—final dates to be announced.
Course Dates: Jan 5, 2027 — Jan 27, 2027
Open to RISD and non-RISD students enrolled in another art and design program with current cumulative GPA is 2.5 or above, and recent RISD graduates.
Estimated cost—final cost to be announced.
Included tuition, accommodation, in-country transportation, field trips, entrance fees, some group meals and international travel health insurance. Airfare is not included in the cost and participants are responsible for their own airfare.
Until the mid-nineteenth century, there were few distinctions between decorative and fine arts in Japan. Objects and adornment were considered components of cultural practices, unlike the Western divide between art and craft.
This course will explore material innovation, current design practices, and the remarkable transnational influence of contemporary Japanese design. We will examine the formal language of everyday Japanese life as exemplified by the holistic art form of Japanese tea culture that considers architecture, calligraphy, painting, ceramics, textiles, lacquerware, metalwork, and woodwork.
We will travel from Tokyo (contemporary capitol) to Kyoto (ancient capitol).
In Tokyo we will consider contemporary design practices, material innovation, and cultural exportation. We will view the original sketches and woodblock prints of Hokusai at the museum designed for his original work by Pritzker prize winner Sejima. And spend a morning at the offices of NIKKEN Seiki, the largest and oldest architecture firm in Japan.
While in Kyoto we will explore the aesthetic Japanese foundations: materials and the spaces created for their use, and traditional Japanese design philosophy. We will spend a morning at a Zen Buddhist temple complex with Rev Taka (Reverand Takafumi Zenryu Kawakami) in a discussion of Shinto and Zen Buddhist belief systems, and we’ll attend a private lecture on the history of manga and tour of Manga Library and Museum.
In Uji, we’ll consider ritual as a generator of aesthetic culture. We’ll participate in a tea ceremony, and visit the historic Byōdō-in temple as we explore tea cultivation and architectural minimalism.
The Wintersession Travel Course 2027 application will open on August 3, 2026 and close on October 1, 2026.
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Increasing financial aid is a central pillar of RISD’s equity, inclusion and diversity commitment. Through partnership with other campus offices, we are working to provide greater support and access to students interested in pursuing global learning experiences at RISD.
View detailsIf you are a RISD or Brown University student with a GPA of 2.5 and up, you are eligible to apply. Permission of the instructor is required and is based upon application and selection.
RISD reserves the right to cancel a course due to under-enrollment or for reasons related to health and safety.
Requesting to withdraw from a RISD global learning program, including Wintersession Travel Courses, prior to the start of the course is highly discouraged and requires a formal process outlined in the RISD course withdrawal policy.
Have questions? The RISD Global team is available to meet for a 1:1 advising session. We can give you more information about your study options, help you figure out which program makes sense for you, and assist you with the application process.
Schedule an AppointmentNo upcoming events for this program at this time.
No announcements for this program.