Japan Aesthetics Through Material Culture

This course will explore material innovation, current Japanese design practices, and the remarkable transnational influence of contemporary Japanese material culture. 

The Wintersession Travel Course 2027 application will open on August 15, 2026 and close on October 1, 2026. The opportunity to apply for scholarship is embedded in the course application. 

At-A-Glance

What
Programs
Where
  • Tokyo, Japan
  • Kyoto, Japan
When
Winter 2027

Estimated dates—final dates to be announced.

Course Dates: Jan 5, 2027 — Jan 27, 2027

Who
Open to RISD students, Brown University students

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.

Topics
  • architecture
Faculty
Academic Credits
3
Department
  • Interior Architecture
Cost
$6800

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.

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About this Travel Course

Course Description

This course will explore material innovation, current Japanese design practices, and the remarkable transnational influence of contemporary Japanese material culture. Historical practices continue to influence modern Japanese design thinking—as seen in the values attached to various materials—incorporating changing technologies and shifting contemporary perceptions.

In addition to the immersive and participatory interactions with material culture, this course emphasizes observational drawing, material analysis, and the making of a creative reflection from each student’s perspective.

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The Wintersession Travel Course 2026 application is now closed.

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Scholarships

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.

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RISD Students

Unless otherwise noted on the course page, all Wintersession Travel Courses are open to students in any year of study. Please check the course pages on this website carefully to learn about any restrictions specific to your chosen travel course.

If your current cumulative GPA is 2.5 or above, you are eligible for registration. RISD students seeking an exception to the GPA requirement academic policy should follow the instructions set by the Registrars’ Office.

Brown University Students

If you are a Brown University student with a GPA of 2.5 and up, you are eligible to apply. Admission for Wintersession Travel Courses is highly selective and approval from your Dean of Students (or equivalent) is required and collected in the course application. Please read carefully through the application materials and steps above to make sure you are preparing your application to the best of your ability.

As such, all students are advised not to purchase flights for participation in Wintersession Travel Courses until the travel is confirmed, which happens no later than one week after the final Wintersession Travel Course payment period.

In cases where Wintersession Travel Courses do not reach minimum capacity, the course may be cancelled after the last day of Wintersession Travel Course registration period. In case of cancellation, all payments will be refunded in full. Any cost incurred for travel reservations in such situations is the participant’s sole responsibility.

It is not possible for a student to drop a Wintersession Travel Course via the standard Add/Drop process after it has commenced. In the case of unforeseen and extenuating circumstances (and only after students have spoken with the faculty lead and RISD Global for approval to withdraw from the program), students should be aware that no refund will be issued.

RISD Wintersession Travel Courses follow the RISD withdrawal policy for off-campus global learning programs

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1:1 Advising Session

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.

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Events

No upcoming events for this program at this time.

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Announcements

No announcements for this program.