Joshibi High School of Art and Design, private school in Japan
Joshibi High School of Art and Design is a girls' school in Suginami-ku that combines junior and senior high school education with a focus on art instruction. The modern building from 2010 features well-lit studios, galleries, and specialized spaces for painting, sculpture, printmaking, and digital art.
The school was founded in 1915 by two women, Tamako Yokoi and Shizu Sato, to teach girls art skills and establish its role in Japan's art education. After bombing during World War Two, it relocated to its current location in Wada, Suginami in 1945, and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2015.
The school's name, Joshibi, means girls' school and reflects its founding by women to support female artists. Walking through, you see student work displayed and creative projects that shape how the community uses the space.
The school sits in a busy neighborhood with shops and small parks nearby, making it easy to find inspiration in everyday surroundings. Visitors can join public exhibitions and events like the Joshibi Festival in October, where student work and school activities are showcased.
The Joshibi Festival in October is the year's biggest school event, where students display artwork and also perform in theater, music, and dance shows. Many notable graduates went on to become filmmakers, actresses, and artists, including art director Nagi Noda and actress Yoshiko Mita.
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