Tokyo University of the Arts Launches New Visual Research Center DoCK for Creative Collaboration

Tokyo University of the Arts Launches DoCK

Tokyo University of the Arts, led by President Katsuhiko Hibino, has officially inaugurated its new center for practical research known as the Visual Research Center DoCK, set to begin operations in March 2026. This innovative initiative aims to develop co-creative knowledge (DoCK) by nurturing international creators and producers, as well as researchers and educators across various domains.

The DoCK will provide a collaborative platform that transcends traditional academic and industrial boundaries, focusing primarily on the fields of animation and film. By leveraging the university's strengths in arts education and its global network, the center seeks to cultivate the next generation of content creators and share insights about the future of visual expression and culture with educational institutions, industries, and government bodies.

10 Innovative Programs

The programs offered at DoCK are designed to promote interdisciplinary learning based on specialized knowledge in animation and film. Here are the ten core programs that will be available:

1. International Animation Co-Production Workshop - A training program for developing animation creators through international collaboration.
2. International Animation Project Development Workshop - Participants will learn how to turn their animation ideas into tangible projects.
3. Animator Skill Enhancement Course - An exceptional program led by talented animator instructors aimed at discovering and nurturing future talents.
4. International Film Co-Production and Direction Workshop - This focuses on training directors with international perspectives and strong directing capabilities.
5. International Film Project Development and Screenwriting Workshop - It aims to nurture film producers and screenwriters active on the international stage.
6. International Film Filming and Post-Production Workshop - Trains highly specialized personnel responsible for advanced film technologies.
7. Producer Development Course - A program developed to cultivate the next generation of film producers.
8. Advanced Technology Creative Workshop - Participants will learn content development using new technologies in collaboration with industry partners.
9. Educational Material Development Project - Research and development aimed at supporting education in animation and film.
10. Educator Development Course - Preparing educators who specialize in teaching animation and film.

For the latest updates on the programs and activities of the DoCK, visit the official website.

Kickoff Symposium: A New Hub for Co-Creative Knowledge

To celebrate the opening of the DoCK, a kickoff symposium will be held featuring experts at the forefront of the visual arts. Here are the event details:

- Date & Time: July 12, 2026, from 14:00 to 17:30
- Venue: National Film Archive, Small Hall (3-7-6 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)
- Participation Fee: Free (Registration required; limited to 100 participants on a first-come, first-served basis)
- Registration: Sign up through the DoCK news page
- Language: Japanese
- Organizer: Graduate School of Film and New Media, Tokyo University of the Arts
- Funding: Cultural Arts Activity Foundation Strengthening Fund (commonly known as the Creator Support Fund)
- Collaboration: National Film Archive