Arts and Game Design in Japan with Professors Tobin and Amakawa

Join Professors Sam Tobin and Jon Amakawa on this exploration of the contemporary art forms: video games, Anime and Manga.
Students posing outside while abroad in Japan

June 1 - 15, 2025

Game 2001: Game and Arts 

3 credits

Course Counts for: Global Diversity Non-Western (GDAN), IHIP and AIA

This course explores contemporary arts and culture in Japan with an emphasis on the three pillars of Japan’s modern culture: video games, Anime, and Manga.

PROGRAM IS NOW FULL

These contemporary art forms will be examined in the context of the country’s tradition of design, visual arts, and culture, in order to gain a better understanding of Japanese Game Art Aesthetics. For example, during the course, students explore Edo period Ukiyo-e wood block prints and shoin architecture as well as the evolution of modern manga from its roots in the Edo period with the publishing of Hokusai's Manga.

The course culminates in a study abroad program to Japan in May 2025.

Total Estimated Price: $5,000 (subject to change)
First payment due November 8, 2024
Second payment due December 10, 2024
Third payment due January 10, 2025

PAYMENTS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.

Students should apply for the Global Ambassador Scholarship in October 2024 on Academic Works and will find out what/if they received the scholarship before the first payment due date.

Pending financial aid does not cover study abroad payments. Please call Student Accounts for more details at 978.665.4126.

Learn more from the info session slideshow

Working Itinerary (Subject to change)

Day Event
Sun., June 1 Arrive at Boston Logan International Airport at 5 a.m. Depart Boston (UA515 BOS-EWR) at 8 a.m. and arrive in Newark at 9:21 a.m. Depart Newark (UA79 EWR-NRT) at 11:45 a.m. and arrive in Tokyo at 2:30 p.m. on June 2. 
Mon., June 2 Arrive in Tokyo at 2:30 p.m. and take a private transportation to your accommodations. After check-in, meet for orientation and a neighborhood walking tour. Enjoy a city tour and the remainder of the day free. 
Tues., June 3 After breakfast, visit the Tokyo National Museum. In the afternoon, visit the Kanda Shrine. Enjoy an Akihabara Walking Tour with free time to explore on own before your Group Welcome Dinner. 
Wed. June 4  After breakfast, depart for your first company visit. In the afternoon, enjoy a Tea Ceremony at Hamarikyu Gardens. 
Thurs., June 5 After breakfast, explore the historic Asakusa district (Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise-dori) before venturing to the Tokyo Sky Tree. Enjoy the remainder of the day free with lunch and dinner on own.
Fri., June 6 Free Day in Tokyo!
Sat., June 7 After breakfast, check out of hotel and load luggage onto the luggage truck. Take the Express Train to Shizuoka (1.5 hrs.). Depart for second company visit. After lunch, take the Train to Kyoto (2hrs). Check in at your accommodations. Enjoy the rest of the day free with dinner on own.
Sun., June 8 Free Day in Kyoto! 
Mon., June 9 After breakfast, check out of accommodations. Take the train to Nagoya (30 mins). Check into accommodations. After lunch, tour Nagoya Castle with expert Chris Glenn. Enjoy the remainder of the day free with dinner on own. 
Tues., June 10 After breakfast, tour Inuyama Castle. In the afternoon, visit Karakuriu Museum. Enjoy a walking tour of Inuyama Town and enjoy the remainder of the day free with dinner on own. 
Wed., June 11 Free Day in Nagoya!
Thurs., June 12 After breakfast, listen to a guest lecturer. Visit the Tokugawa Art Museum. Enjoy the rest of the day free
with dinner on own.
Fri., June 13  After breakfast, load the luggage truck. Depart for the Ise Jingu Shrine. Enjoy the remainder of the day free with lunch and dinner on own.
Sat., June 14 Free Day in Nagoya! Meet for a Group Farewell Dinner. 
Sun., June 15 Check out of hotel and depart for the train station. Take the train to Tokyo (2 hrs.). Take a private coach to the airport. Meet the luggage truck at the airport. Depart Tokyo (UA78 NRT-EWR) at 5:15 p.m. and arrive in Newark at 5 p.m. Depart Newark (UA1657 EWR-BOS) at 9 p.m. and arrive in Boston 10:24 p.m. 

May 2026 Trip

This program will run again in May 2026 with Professor Amakawa. Price is TBD with payment deadlines Nov. 15, Dec. 15, 2025 and Jan. 15, 2026

Students should apply for the Global Ambassador Scholarship in October 2025 on Academic Works and will find out what/if they received the scholarship before the first payment due date. Students' applications to this program will be reviewed by the professor by September 20, 2025.

This program is open to all majors but preference will be given to Game Design majors. The Office of International Education is offering another program to Japan called the Health and Aging with Professor Min Li in May 2027, open to all majors.

One of the best experiences in my life hands down.

2023 Summer Arts and Game Design Student

I would recommend this program to anyone looking to travel abroad with knowledgeable guides to help
you experience the culture of the country that you wouldn't otherwise get if you were to go by yourself.

2023 Summer Arts and Game Design Student

Questions? Get in touch!