School Guide
Educational Philosophy
“Real Education”
Highly practical education that lets students experience the present state of design through cutting-edge educational content
NDS was established in Fukuoka 57 years ago. Together with its sister schools in Shibuya, Tokyo, and Malaysia, it has remained a vocational institution specializing exclusively in the creative fields, continuously producing numerous creators. Its graduates are expanding their professional presence both in Japan and overseas.
Educational Policy
As a design-specialized institution, we provide an education system focused on [design fundamentals + specialization]
Because design skills form the foundation of every profession our students aim to pursue.
No matter how advanced one’s digital skills or technical expertise may be, nothing can be created without first being able to visualize what one wants to make. For this reason, NDS students begin by thoroughly learning fundamental analog design skills that are understood through hands-on practice, such as drawing and two-dimensional composition. By then deepening their studies in each department’s area of specialization, we cultivate creators capable of expressing exactly what they envision.
Develop skills to give shape to ideas
Students steadily build the skills needed by professionals to express ideas, progressing carefully from fundamentals to advanced applications.
Students learn thorough fundamentals through curricula tailored to each field.
Develop skills to plan and propose ideas
We foster the ability to listen, think, and communicate, developing professionals who can contribute immediately in the field.
- Product commercialization projects with companies
- Learning real-world workflow through interdepartmental team projects
- How to prepare presentation materials
- How to deliver presentations and speak effectively using slides
Joint classes with other departments and idea development courses
At NDS, students learn through dialogue with instructors and peers, gaining exposure to diverse ways of thinking and ideas while developing the ability to create independently.
Distinctive Features of NDS
1 Practical Specialized Education
Receive direct instruction from professional creators, refine technical skills through practice-centered classes, and cultivate artistic sensibility.
Founded in Fukuoka 57 years ago, NDS has developed its own distinctive hands-on educational approach as one of Kyushu’s leading creative vocational schools. This highly practical education nurtures students into professionals who remain active in the industry for years to come.
2 An Environment That Nurtures Creators
Develop solid technical skills with state-of-the-art facilities dedicated to creative education and one of the highest class-hour volumes in Kyushu.
We provide a specialized creative learning environment where students can focus on what they want to study and grow through attentive instruction. Many award winners and professional debutants have emerged from our programs, and numerous graduates are active in the design and creative industries.
3 Career and Debut Support
We host exclusive company information sessions and portfolio review events on campus, while dedicated career support staff help students achieve their goals.
NDS organizes its own career guidance programs, company information sessions, and illustration and manga portfolio review events on campus. Dedicated career support staff provide continuous, personalized guidance toward each student’s desired career path, supporting the realization of their dreams.
