Innovative TikTok Course for Fashion Students at Sugino Fashion University

An Innovative Approach to Learning TikTok Marketing

In a remarkable move to intertwine practical digital marketing skills with education, Sugino Fashion University has introduced a specialized TikTok course aimed at second-year students in the Fashion Business and Distribution Innovation course. Running from May 14 to July 23, 2025, this six-part special lecture series, conducted by the esteemed Ryota Okada, a Sub-Manager at Tetemarch Inc., promises to enlighten students on the nuances of TikTok marketing and planning through hands-on learning experiences.

Course Objectives

This innovative course is part of the academic curriculum titled "Learning SNS through Digital Marketing". It strives to equip students with pragmatic insights into marketing strategies utilizing TikTok, one of today's most dynamic social media platforms. Students are not merely spectators but are encouraged to adopt the perspective of content creators, allowing them to delve into elements such as the mechanics of how content spreads and the intentions behind its structure.

Structure of the Course

The course is organized into three phases, spanning six sessions, that systematically build students' skills:

1. Phase 1 (Session 1): Understanding TikTok from a New Perspective. Discover the secrets of content virality and analyze real-life videos.

2. Phase 2 (Sessions 2-3): Grasp structural components and create engaging content. Students will take part in practical video shoots.

3. Phase 3 (Sessions 4-6): Analyze posted content, reflect on learnings, and explore the next actions. Students will revisit their projects for re-shoots and re-posts based on feedback.

A Vibrant Learning Environment

From the very first session, students are welcomed into a lively and creative classroom atmosphere. In the initial lecture, Ryota Okada explains the intricate system of virality found within TikTok and discusses common attributes of trending videos. In the second session, students are split into teams to brainstorm video structures, with the goal of filming their own content before the next class.

In the upcoming phases, students will analyze their recorded videos, identify areas for improvement, and return to the drawing board for re-shoots and re-postings. This method not only cultivates a space ripe for spirited discussions among peers but also fosters immediate feedback from instructors, laying a solid foundation for developing their self-initiative within the realm of social media.

Faculty Insights

Yukiko Saito, the head of the Fashion Business and Distribution Innovation course, emphasizes the importance of digital marketing in contemporary fashion education. In her view, with the rise of live video selling in retail, mastering SNS operations is essential for students. She expresses confidence that through this course, students will learn the skills necessary to inspire consumer purchasing decisions through TikTok, preparing them to thrive in the professional world.

Insights from the Instructor

Ryota Okada shares his enthusiasm about the significance of this TikTok course, highlighting its role as a practical marketing education initiative. His ultimate objective is for students to recognize TikTok not merely as a source of entertainment but as a platform ripe for analytical and strategic insights. He believes that understanding the