Bunka Fukusou Gakuin

Japanese:

文化服装学院

Field:

apparel

Region:

Tokyo

URL:

Bunka Fukusou Gakuin official site

Japan’s most respected fashion design college

Bunka Fukusou Gakuin (Bunka Fashion College) is without doubt the most respected fashion design school in Japan. Name a well-known Japanese designer and the chance is pretty big that this school’s name is on the resume. Based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, it is known for a strict curriculum and a relentless workload.

The college was founded as Namiki Dressmaking School in 1919 by Isaburo Namiki at a time when western-style clothes for women were ultra modern and expensive. In 1923, it became the first authorized vocational college of fashion. It contributed to popularizing western style garments in Japan through education and publication of books on dressmaking and fashion.

The school’s name was changed to Bunka Fashion College in 1936 when it also started publishing the now prestigious fashion magazine So-en, actually Japan’s first fashion magazine.

After WWII, Bunka shifted from tailoring to educating its students as commercial-oriented fashion professionals. Starting in the 1960s, many Bunka graduates entered the Paris Collections. Among the first to make their mark internationally were Kenzo Takada and Yohji Yamamoto. They paved the way for such promising new talents as Atsuro Tayama and Keita Maruyama.

In 2000,the Bunka Body Structure and Function Lab in collaboration with the Digital Human Body Lab, a national institute of advanced industrial science and technology, created a new female body-form that reflects precisely the body shape and proportions of today’s Japanese women. The body-form was hailed by fashion industries and schools. The Lab is presently developing a new male body-form.

Bunka established Japan’s first graduate school of fashion business and design in 2003.

It has over 70 branches all over Japan and has exchange programs with Central Saint Martins in London and Parsons in New York.

It is now part of Educational Foundation Bunka Gakuen

departments
General Fashion Department
Fashion Technology Department
Fashion Communication & Distribution Department
Fashion Craft Department

selected alumni
Cabaret Aki
Tamae Hirokawa
Toshikazu Iwaya
Chie Koike
Hiroko Koshino
Tokio Kumagai
Kenzo Kuroda
Keita Maruyama
Tetsuya Miwa (from the band Spitz)
Yuko Murata
Nigo
Naomi Nishida (actress)
Hiroaki Ohya
Yusuke Takeyama
Limi Yamamoto
Yohji Yamamoto

address:

3-22-1 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku
Tokyo 151-8522

phone: (81) 03-3299-2057

Taiwan office
address:
Full Building 4 floor
No.57, Sec.1, Chongcing S. Rd.
Taipei City 100, TAIWAN (R.O.C)

phone: (88) 06-2-2375-1951

Korea office
address:
Rm1715, Champselysees Center Bldg
Adong 889-5, Daechi Dong Kangnam-ku
Seoul, KOREA

phone: (82) 02-561-6708

related links:
Review in Japanese at Open-Clothes

Last updated on 08-13-2007 06:16 (Viewed 14671 times)

Review Bunka Fukusou Gakuin

want to know what language teaching in the class?

viyada givanon
Aug 26, 2007 (1104 days ago)

Hi Viyada, Bunka uses Japanese.

Kjeld Duits (author)
Aug 26, 2007 (1104 days ago)

I want to know wh language teaching in the class

Pidor
Apr 12, 2008 (873 days ago)

how can i get a scholarship

mavis f
Jul 20, 2008 (775 days ago)

Contact the school directly for questions about their program or scholarships!

Kjeld Duits (author)
Jul 20, 2008 (774 days ago)

i want to ask about shool for fashion designer

laila binas
Aug 20, 2008 (743 days ago)

hie..i want to know, so if we need to know japnese language to apply for the course??

zoul
Aug 22, 2008 (742 days ago)

Just like you need English to study at schools and universities in the US, UK, Australia, etc., you need Japanese to study at schools in Japan. Japanese schools teach using the Japanese language.

Kjeld Duits (author)
Aug 22, 2008 (742 days ago)

Would we have to pass in any professional test before we can become a fashion or jewelry designer in Japan? I may need more detailed informations about the courses of fashion and jewelry design in Japan, like qualifications and method of application, fee of the courses, the time of beginning and time needed to complete the courses. Would all the courses be full time only? Could you please post the response on this web page? Thank you.

nana
Sep 10, 2008 (723 days ago)

mmm in several international schools across Europe they teach in English as because are international and have many students from all over the world…

Giul
Sep 13, 2008 (719 days ago)

Nana: For more detailed information, please contact the school directly.

Giul: Japan is a country with 127 million inhabitants, which means that schools can find more than enough students in Japan to survive. As birthrates are falling, this may change and some schools may have to resort to teaching in other languages like some schools in Europe were forced to do in other to be able to compete.

Kjeld Duits (author)
Sep 13, 2008 (719 days ago)

Hi!

I want to ask how if I totally dont know Japanese and plan to take Japanese language course if it is needed while at the same time I also want to take fashion courses directly. Will I be accepted at Bunka?
Thanks

Irene
Oct 30, 2008 (673 days ago)

I believe that Bunka has their own Japanese language school. Contact the school directly for information.

Kjeld Duits (author)
Oct 30, 2008 (673 days ago)

O que preciso para obter uma bolsa de estudo?

Shirley Mochizuki
Nov 22, 2008 (650 days ago)

HI.
I’m a nikkei jin and right now I’m processing my japanese citizenship but I was born and raised in Philippines. we only have 10years of education then we proceed to college. In short I graduated Highschool in the philippines, I have my diploma with me, a proof that I can go to college/university already.
will this school accept me with my case?
I love arts and fashion also I’m progressing my japanese, attending free cramschools here in japan. but I only want to know if this school will accept me despite of my 10years of education.

thanks!xoxo.

YUKI
Jan 5, 2009 (605 days ago)

Dear Yuki,

I advice you to contact the school directly as only they can make this decision.

I wish you much success!

Kjeld Duits (author)
Jan 14, 2009 (596 days ago)

Shirley,

to get a scholarship, please contact the school directly at:

3-22-1 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 151-8522 JAPAN

Much success!

Kjeld Duits (author)
Jan 14, 2009 (596 days ago)

hii, How are you and your family,my message is to ask if I can be admit in your school to study fashion.
Thank you and hoping to hear from you soon

AKYAW

akyaw kwabena owusu
Feb 11, 2009 (568 days ago)

Akyaw,

We are not affiliated with Bunka Fukusou Gakuin, so please contact the school directly at:
3-22-1 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 151-8522 JAPAN

Kjeld Duits (author)
Feb 11, 2009 (568 days ago)

Hi,

I would like to know if it possible to purchase the Bunka female body-forms?

Amy
Mar 17, 2009 (534 days ago)

Hi I’m from Canada and i was surfing the Bunka’s web but I didn’t find an E-mail or fax to contact with them for more information only the telephone But it’s difficult for me to call because I don’t know Japanese
Do you know an e-mail o a fax to contact with them? And a question Bunka is a university or an institute or a vocational school?
Could you explain me that please?

I will very grateful for your answer

shimk
Mar 25, 2009 (527 days ago)

@Shimk:

From the Bunka site:

In 1976, Bunka Fashion College was classified as a post-secondary polytechnic college, or Senmon-Gakkou,in accordance with Japan’s new educational law.

In 2003, Bunka’s longstanding plans to establish Japan’s first graduate school of fashion business and design was finalized.

Phone:

The above mentioned phone number (+81332992057) is the phone number of the international section, so English should be OK. However, you must have a command of Japanese to be accepted at the school.

Kjeld Duits (author)
Mar 25, 2009 (527 days ago)

@Amy: Contact Bunka directly through the above phone numbers.

Kjeld Duits (author)
Mar 25, 2009 (527 days ago)

what about mext scholarship for fashion department?

why is it they are not giving e-mail address, but phone number? it would be more easier to communicate by mail, for some basic information.

d
May 27, 2009 (464 days ago)

This College leads students from Scholarship Mombukagakushou EXchange Training?

Sophía Polanco
Jun 26, 2009 (434 days ago)

Well if they dont give the e-mail you can send a letter like what I did . And I have some question Do you know how much time will take a Bac in Art Appliqué. And it is necessary to do it? Thank you for helpin

Sakuno
Jun 30, 2009 (430 days ago)

If there are any Bunka students who have unique garments I am interested in doing a photo shoot for my fashion book. Please contact me. Thanks

Alicia Fox
Jul 8, 2009 (421 days ago)

Hey reading from some of your replys. Do you mean that you have to be part japanese to attend the school? or you must have to know some japanese to attend the school? Please let me know.

Nee Nee
Sep 2, 2009 (366 days ago)

@Nee Nee: Bunka has students from all over the world, so you don’t need to be Japanese. But you must be able to read, write, speak and understand Japanese.

Kjeld Duits (author)
Sep 2, 2009 (366 days ago)

when is the school/course start?
and how can we get information about the housing for international students?
thank you

Glinka Siregar
Sep 4, 2009 (363 days ago)

HHmm…Hi!! i just have this confusion about the Bunka fashion College…is it the same as Bunka Yoshi day…..i am just having a hard time reading the kanjis and this home page in english isnt really helping at all….soo i will apreciate if you could explain it to me please^^
Thank in advance

Danny
Sep 14, 2009 (353 days ago)

@Glinka: There is some info about housing on their site (in English). Look for Dormitory.

@Danny: I don’t know Bunka Yoshi. I think it is best if you direct your questions directly to the International Admissions Office of Bunka at +81-3-3299-2057.

Wish you much success!

Kjeld Duits (author)
Sep 15, 2009 (353 days ago)

Thanks for information
Do you email address but Bunka FASHION COLLEGE
or where to contact instructors
do through

melis arslan
Nov 2, 2009 (304 days ago)

I visited this school during their open house when I was in Tokyo this summer. VERY impressed. Their sophomore student work was better than what I see in stores. _

kagitsune
Nov 17, 2009 (290 days ago)

Hi!
I’m Miu from Thailand. I’m now studying Japanese language in my country to be ready for studying in Bunka Institute of Language which is the institute under control of Bunka Fakushou Gakuin. I will go to Japan this april and get started around 15th or something. I’m so excited! I just graduated from university last year in field of communication and advertising. but i actually interested in clothing design and also costume design. so i decided to get into this college. This all is my short info. I really want to share more info. with you guys who interested in this college. If you have any information, pls e-mail me at miuruko@hotmail.com . I’ll be really please to talk to you guys!

Thanks to Kjeld Duits, your information enhanced my knowledge about this college! Thanks so much!

PS. In Thailand, there’s also a branch from Bunka Japan. But not a lot students attending the course. Maybe because of low PR communication. Anyway, people can contact directly to Bunka through the branch. What a luck!

MIURUKO
Jan 28, 2010 (218 days ago)

I just recive my acceptance letter from Bunka fashion college, I will start next april, I’m so excited about this chance, I have　come all the way from Bolivia just to get into this college, it worth it!! so I just wanted to know what kind of chance do I have once I graduate from bunka with a bags designer diploma, I mean how is it gonna be on the field??

RCV
Feb 18, 2010 (196 days ago)

Congratulations! I am really happy for you. A diploma is just a piece of paper. It is up to you what you put into it and what you do with it once you have it. Steal your teachers brains at Bunka, learn all you can and create a good network with people in the fashion industry, so you have good connections once you start looking for a job, or set up your own company. I wish you much success!

Kjeld Duits (author)
Feb 18, 2010 (196 days ago)

hi there… ^^
i’m ayame, i’m a japanese but live in indoneshia,, n now i’m a foreigner, is bunka accept some scholarships?? and is bunka accept foreign student too?? thnks u

ayame
May 10, 2010 (115 days ago)

Hi Ayame, many foreign students study at Bunka. You will need to understand Japanese. I don’t know if they offer scholarships—please ask them directly.

Kjeld Duits (author)
May 10, 2010 (115 days ago)

okay… thanks a lot 4 ur info kjeld san.. hope they offer scholarships..

ayame
May 14, 2010 (112 days ago)

@ayame: Sorry I couldn’t help you wit that. I will try to get more info in the future.

Kjeld Duits (author)
May 14, 2010 (111 days ago)

hi..I’am Indriyani…originally from Indonesia, but currently, I’m Living in Dubai, UAE. I visiteD Japan last month for education trip from with Esmod Dubai.
My question is.. is Bunka fukusou gakuin provide some scholarship for short course. eq; 1 month or 3 months onward. I really interested to get it. Specially in fashion designing.
Oh ya, back to 13 years ago, I graduated from gaikoku go daigaku, Nohon go gakka desu.
thank you so much in advance. looking forward for the info.

indriyani
May 18, 2010 (107 days ago)

I am interested to engage a few Japanese fshion students who are have talents in designing jeanswear i.e. jeans, t shirts and shirts for my brand in Malaysia. Willing to discuss a business deal. Intersted please contact me

Richard Lee
Jul 20, 2010 (44 days ago)

@ayame & indriyani: Hey, if any of you guys ever got in touch with Bunka, please let me know. I’m from Indonesia too..

@ Mr. Kjeld Duits: I wonder why bunka doesn’t have any email, it’s easier for me to contact them through email….Does Bunka offer bachelor degree for all courses?

Michelle Sugiarto
Aug 4, 2010 (30 days ago)

@Michelle Sugiarto: This is a problem with many Japanese companies and organizations; even if you send e-mail it is often not answered. Although it is slowly improving, calling is still the best. If you haven’t done so already, download Skype, get an account and call them that way. It costs extremely little to call to landlines and the program itself is 100% free.

Kjeld Duits (author)
Aug 4, 2010 (30 days ago)

i should try it, thank you for the info!

Michelle
Aug 4, 2010 (29 days ago)

I wish you much success!

Kjeld Duits (author)
Aug 4, 2010 (29 days ago)

Don't want to be a grey face? Get your own free gravatar. Click here!

JAPANESE STREETS: Japanese street fashion, street culture and catwalk fashion. Follow the fashion trends of Japan's trendy youths

Bunka Fukusou Gakuin

Review Bunka Fukusou Gakuin

Leave a Comment