Kyoto Women’s University, Lifestyle Design Laboratory Kyōto-shi, Japan

The three keywords of the Kyoto Women’s University Lifestyle Design Laboratory are “Kyoto,” “Design,” and “Craftsmanship.” There, students undertake design activities in cooperation with the regional community and local business as well as with public organizations as part of a practical hands-on educational program that also returns the fruits of their research to society. Initially, the program began as an academic component of the Department of Apparel and Space Design under the Faculty of Home Economics, but ultimately its activities were recognized separately and in December 2015 the laboratory was established as an affiliate institution of the university and became a base for university-wide activity. Starting with the Department of Apparel and Space Design at its core, the program spans the entire university to bring together faculty, researchers, research staff, interns, and students who aspire to regional collaboration and wish to contribute to society. By joining forces in a variety of ways, they aim to bring new awareness and joy to society through the power of design.

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Kyoto Women’s University is committed to the pursuit of personal development. The university is located in Kyoto, a city that blends tradition with modernity while boasting an unequalled wealth of history and culture.

The history of Kyoto dates back to 794 AD, when the imperial capital of Japan was moved from Nara to this newly built city and renamed Heiankyo. Since then, Kyoto has prospered as a center of sophisticated culture, and it has become renowned as an iconic Japanese city in which 1.47 million inhabitants live in harmony with the beautiful green environment. Throughout its long history, Kyoto has actively assimilated innovations from other parts of Japan and from abroad, while preserving its own traditions. Kyoto’s current prosperity is largely attributable to this enterprising spirit, which has remained a driving force behind new ventures and developments.
It is this enterprising spirit that also underlies the founding philosophy of Kyoto Women’s University. Over the course of more than 100 years since its establishment in 1910, Kyoto Women’s University has taken root in the city of Kyoto and has developed a close bond with local citizens. With the aim of promoting personal development, our university places a high importance on the Buddhist philosophy advocated by Shinran Shonin, the founder of the Jodo Shinshu school of Buddhism. We have earned a high reputation as an academic institution focused on personal development, and we will continue to contribute to society while taking pride in our educational tradition.

Kyoto Women’s University is located in Kyoto, an ancient capital surrounded by historic spots, old temples, and the like. Students here enjoy campus life in the calm and peaceful environment of the Higashiyama area.