- Business Overview
- 2019 Kyoto Studies Lecture “Kyoto’s Tradition and Cutting-edge: “Things” and “Techniques” Nurtured by Miyako”
- Application
- This year, we will hold a commemorative course
- Inquiries
Business Overview
The University Consortium Kyoto has been publishing the results of its research in Kyoto studies as the “Kyoto Studies Course” at Plaza College, which was established in 2001. Since 2009, we have been conducting an annual theme from among various events related to Kyoto as part of the Kyoto Skills Development Course at Miyako College, a lifelong learning project that opens up the university’s knowledge resources to the community, which is operated in cooperation with Kyoto City. This will be the 19th time the course has been held in 2019.
Kyoto City Collaborative Project
2019 Kyoto Studies Lecture “Kyoto’s Tradition and Cutting-edge: “Things” and “Techniques” Nurtured by Miyako”
- Outline of the event
- Kyoto possesses an unparalleled level of technology to preserve and pass on Japan’s long-standing traditional industries and arts and crafts, including many national treasures. At the same time, it is also a place where people who lead the world’s most advanced science and technology are active. Kyoto is a place where tradition and cutting-edge technology constantly intersect and fuse to create a new future for Japan. Therefore, this year’s theme is “Kyoto’s Tradition and Cutting-edge: ‘Things’ and ‘Techniques’ Nurtured by Miyako.” I would like to think about what kind of history traditional and cutting-edge goods and techniques have been shining in the present.
- Date
- Saturday, May 18, 2019 ~ Saturday, December 21, 2019 Capacity for each course: 250 people
【Morning Course】 10:00~11:30 (Reception 9:30~)
【Afternoon Course】 12:30~14:00 (Reception 12:00~)
* Since 2017, the capacity of each of the “Morning Course” and “Afternoon Course” has been increased to 250 people. Please apply for one of the courses. Both lectures have the same content. If the capacity of each course is exceeded, the number of students will be selected by lottery. In addition, please note that you cannot change the course after application or take other courses after the course has started.
* A total of 10 basic courses + 2 practical courses (practical courses vary in time and place)
In preparation for the opening of the 2019 Kyoto Studies Course, a commemorative lecture will be held on Saturday, March 9 (registration required, admission is free). - Venue
- Campus Plaza Kyoto, 4th Floor, Lecture Room 2
(Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Nishitoin-dori, Shiokoji) - Fees
- 10,000 yen (10 basic courses)
* Practical courses require a separate fee. - Contents
- University Consortium Kyoto Kyoto Skills Training Course Kyoto Studies Course Pamphlet [PDF]
2019 Kyoto Studies Commemorative Lecture March 9 (Sat) 13:30-15:00
“Uji as a stage for the story of Kyoto: Echo Euphonium”
Lecturer: Ayano Takeda, Novelist
Lecturer: Michifusa Kono, Professor, Faculty of Letters, Doshisha University
Lecturer: Toru Yagi, Professor, Faculty of History, Bukkyo University
Beginning with The Tale of Genji, past literary works about Kyoto include famous places such as Byodo-in, Ujibashi, and Ujikami Shrine. Is there a difference between the historical images accumulated in these famous places in Kyoto and the images we have living in the present day? This time, while focusing on the depiction of the novel “Hibiki Euphonium” series, which was made into an anime and movie, we will introduce the famous places of Uji and the literary image of Kyoto behind them.
* Please see the end of this page for how to apply.
Basic Courses
Session 1: Saturday, May 18 “Japan, Loved by European Royalty and Aristocracy – Transmission of New Beauty”
Lecturer: Yutaro Shimode, Lacquer Artist, Professor, Faculty of Cultural Studies, Kyoto Sangyo University
470 years ago, Japan was in the Warring States period. Europe was in the Age of Discovery. Guns were introduced to Tanegashima, and missionaries came. The missionaries were so amazed by the Japan culture of the Far East that they brought it back to their home countries. Among them, it was the Kyoto Makie lacquerware that attracted the royal aristocracy of Europe. We will give a lecture on the fascinating Kyoto Maki-e culture that leads to Marie Antoinette’s collection, and the dissemination of the beauty of traditional Heisei crafts that the Kyoto State Guest House is responsible for. In addition, we will talk about collaborations with advanced industries.
Session 2: June 1 (Sat) “Kyomachiya and Sukiya Carpenter”
Lecturer: Mr. Yoshiaki Nakamura, Representative of Nakamura Soji Corporation
Lecturer: Tomoo Kawashima, Professor, Faculty of Contemporary Home Economics, Kyoto Kacho University
Through the work of Japan’s leading sukiya carpenter, Nakamura Gaichiji, who was based in Kyoto, we will explore the source of the delicate and profound beauty of Kyomachiya. I would like you to feel the essence of Kyoto’s sukiya-carpentry from Kyoto’s masterpieces such as Kizuru-tei, Tawaraya, Miyako Hotel Kasui-en, Hieiyama Hotel, and Fujiko Hemming Kyoto Bettei, which were designed by Gaichi. The narrator is Yoshiaki, the son of Sotoji.
Session 3: June 8 (Sat) “State-of-the-art Technology Nurtured by Traditional Technologies: A History of the Precision Equipment Industry in Kyoto”
Lecturer: Mr. Shintora Enomoto, Manager, Public Relations Office, Shimadzu Corporation
Since the Meiji Restoration, when the capital was moved to Tokyo, the new Kyoto has achieved its own development based on the two pillars of school construction and aquaculture industry. As Kyoto Prefecture promoted modernization by establishing the Secret Bureau, which provides guidance on the manufacture of various industrial products, and the first elementary school in Japan, various precision instrument industries such as physical and chemical instruments were launched, and there are now many high-tech companies. While tracing the history of Shimadzu Corporation, which was founded shortly after the Meiji Restoration, we will mention the characteristics of Kyoto companies and their future prospects.
Session 4: Saturday, July 20 “What is a collotype: The world’s oldest photographic printing technology that remains in Kyoto?”
Lecturer: Osamu Yamamoto, Director, Collotype Research Institute, Handido Co., Ltd.
Collotype is a photographic printing technology that originated in France 160 years ago. Using its collotype technology, Handido recorded Kyoto in the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa periods on postcards and tourist books. Today, it is a globally endangered collotype, but its expressive power is still valid today, contributing to the reproduction of cultural properties and photographic art. We will explain the world of collotype, which leaves many handicrafts from the Meiji era. We hope you enjoy it.
Session 5: Saturday, September 14 “The Challenge of Ancient Documents Held in Hands: Fuse of Kyoto’s Craftsmanship and State-of-the-Art Technology”
Lecturer: Mr. Kenichi Yoshida, General Manager, Cultural Promotion Office, Fuji Xerox Kyoto Co., Ltd.
Lecturer: Kazuhiko Kobayashi, Professor, Faculty of Cultural Studies, Kyoto Sangyo University
Based on the historical background and material information such as washi, thread, and pigment obtained through thorough research of Kyoto’s world-class delicate and elegant expressions, we will faithfully reproduce the original with a special specification machine that has improved the type of washi paper, the texture of the washi, and the binding method. This time, we will introduce rare traditional documents that can rarely be touched while holding them in your hands with a reproduction and touching them.
No.6 October 5 (Sat) “From Flame Earthenware, Ceramics, and Kyoto Ware to Fine Ceramics”
Lecturer: Shoichi Nakagawa, General Manager, Parts R&D Division, Kyocera Corporation
Ceramics are widely known as a necessity of life as ceramics that began with flame earthenware in the Jomon period and were nurtured during the Sengoku and Edo periods. In the 20th century, research and development was carried out to bring out the essential functions of ceramics, and fine ceramics with various characteristics were born. We will look back on the history of ceramics along with Kyoto culture, and introduce how today’s fine ceramics are being used in our daily lives.
Session 7: November 2 (Sat) “People Nurturing Kitayama Cedar: The Culture of Wood in Kyoto”
Lecturer: Mr. Osamu Nakata, Representative Director, Chugen Co., Ltd.
Lecturer: Norifumi Kawahara, Professor, Faculty of Letters, Ritsumeikan University
Written by Yasunari Kawabata, “The Ancient Capital” has been made into a movie and TV drama many times. It depicts the seasonal forestry industry in Kitayama, Kyoto. Polishing logs by women was a tough task done in the winter months. However, the red sand for polishing has a viscosity, so the skin of the hands was not rough. This traditional work was reduced by the introduction of log mills with high-pressure jets of water. Let’s think together about the various lifestyles surrounding Kitayama cedar and their changes.
Session 8: Saturday, November 16 “Repair of Paintings and Ancient Documents Using Tableware Technology”
Lecturer: Mr. Naoharu Usami, CEO of Usami Shutokudo Co., Ltd.
It is said that the technique of tableware was introduced to Japan along with Buddhist culture. In Kyoto, the technology of tableware has developed through connections with temples and tea ceremonies, and it has been called “Kyo tableware” and highly regarded because of its advanced technology and sophisticated materials. In this course, while touching on the history of tableware, we will introduce examples of repairs to paintings and old documents using tableware technology, as well as the materials and tools used.
Session 9: November 30 (Sat) “The World and Nishijin-The World’s No. 1 Textile Production Area “Nishijin”-“
Lecturer: Mr. Takao Watanabe, President, Nishijin Textile Industry Association
The name of Nishijin is derived from the “Onin War”. However, the history of the textile industry is much older than this, and many high-priced machinery companies that delivered textiles to the Imperial Palace were born at the same time as the establishment of Heian-kyo. In 1872, he dispatched three young men to Lyon, France. They brought back jacquard for weaving patterns, caused an industrial revolution in Nishijin, and have developed. It is also the starting point for the development of the textile industry throughout the country. I will explain the history and characteristics of Nishijin.
10th December 21 (Sat) “Japan’s Traditional Foods “Pickles” and “Kyoto Pickles” -Good in Kyoto-“
Lecturer: Mr. Tatsuo Hirai, Vice Chairman of Kyotsukemono Nishitoshi
Lecturer: Toru Yagi, Professor, Faculty of History, Bukkyo University
The basis of Japan’s traditional food “Washoku” is “rice” and “pickles”. We will give you an overview of Japan’s traditional food “pickles” through basic knowledge, types, and changes in the times. And I would like you to know why “Kyoto Pickles” became a special pickle and how wonderful it is to live in the present day. In addition, along with the wonderfulness of functional foods that have recently been revealed, you will deepen your understanding of traditional foods that are important to Japan.
On-the-job training
In the Kyoto Studies Course, we not only offer lecture-style courses, but also “hands-on courses” in which students can actually experience Kyoto in the field. This hands-on course is as follows.
* To participate in the practical course, you need to apply for Kyoto College students (see below). The application method is basic as a Kyoto College student
You will be asked to apply for 10 courses, and at that time, you will be asked to apply for the practical course of your choice.
Please note that if there are many applications, a lottery will be held.
* To apply for the practical course, please refer to the notes on the syllabus in the “Recruitment Guide”.
In addition, if the capacity is not reached, the lecture time may be changed due to circumstances.
Practical lecture (1) Saturday, July 27 Scheduled hours: 10:30-12:30 in the morning or 14:00-16:00 in the afternoon
“Exploring the Charm of the Kyoto Wall: The History and Wall Painting Practice Told by the Plasterer Craftsman Who Worked on the State Guest House”
30 people each, participation fee: 4,000 yen
Lecturer: Mr. Hiroyuki Sato, Director of Kyoto Plastering Cooperative, Lecturer at Kyoto Prefectural College of Plastering Skills
Description: Tomoo Kawashima, Professor, Faculty of Contemporary Home Economics, Kyoto Kacho University
Plastering, which began about 1,300 years ago, has a long history of building walls using the materials most suitable for the climate of the area. From the physical properties and functions of earthen walls, we will explore the value of earthen walls and consider how they became the face of Japanese-style architecture. Using examples of Kyoto’s famous buildings designed by Mr./Ms. Sato, such as the Kyoto State Guest House and a long-established inn, you will learn the real pleasure of plastering in Kyoto. In addition, in this course, you will practice painting earthen walls and actually experience plastering as a tactile sensation in your hands.
Practical lecture (2) Saturday, December 7 Scheduled start time: 10:30-12:30 in the morning or 13:30-15:30 in the afternoon
“The History and Present of Fushimi Sake Technology – Sake Brewing in the Laurel Crown and the Birth of a Major Brewery”
40 people each, participation fee: 2,000 yen
Lecturer: Mr. Shinji Tanaka, General Affairs Department, Public Relations Manager, Laurel Crown Co., Ltd.
Description: Tomoo Kawashima, Professor, Faculty of Contemporary Home Economics, Kyoto Kacho University
You will learn about the history and present of sake technology through the transition of sake brewing at Laurel Crown, which was founded in the Edo period. Among Japan’s leading sake brewing districts in Fushimi, Gekkeikan was the most successful sake brewery, and Otekura, completed in 1961 (Showa 36), was the first epoch-making sake brewery in Japan to succeed in four-season brewing, which can be brewed even in the middle of summer. It was the birth of sake that was scientificized by cooling systems and mechanization, and its vessels were transformed from old storehouses into high-rise buildings of reinforced concrete. We will surface the unknown postwar history of sake brewing.
Application
“Kyoto’s Tradition and Cutting-edge: “Things” and “Techniques” Nurtured by Miyako”
The Kyoto Studies Course is one of the courses at Kyoto College. If you wish to take the 10 basic courses and practical courses, you need to apply as a “Kyoto College student”.
- How to apply
- Please apply using the application form attached to the Kyoto College Student Recruitment Guide (scheduled to be published in early March).
- Documents to be submitted
- (1) 1 copy of the application form *Please use the application form for the Kyoto Studies Course.
(2) 1 photo of Kyoto College membership card (3 cm in length × 3 cm in width)
* Please attach it to the “Application Form Submission Confirmation Sheet” enclosed in the recruitment guide. - Reception period
- 《Mail》March 6, 2019 (Wednesday) ~ March 20, 2019 (Wednesday)
*If you wish to bring your own, please bring your own at Campus Plaza Kyoto on March 19 (Tue) and 20 (Wed) 10:00~16:00. - Destination
- University Consortium Kyoto (in charge of Kyoto College) * For the address, please refer to “Contact Information”
Kyoto College Link https://www.consortium.or.jp/project/sg/details - Payment of tuition fees
- Please make a payment using the transfer form enclosed when you send the notification of the result of the course by mail.
* The basic course is free of charge for regular students of the University Consortium Kyoto member schools (excluding graduate school and correspondence course students) and non-degree students of all courses at the Kyoto Study Center of the Open University of Japan. Please be sure to attach a copy of your student ID card to your application form.
[Note]
1. For details on how to apply and precautions, please check the “Miyako College Student Recruitment Guide” before applying.
2. Please note that if the capacity is exceeded, the admission will be decided by lottery.
3. Notification of eligibility will be sent by the end of April.
4. Please refrain from making inquiries about whether or not you can take the course.
5. Please note that once the tuition fee has been paid, it will not be refunded.
6. The contents of the course are subject to change due to circumstances.
◆ About each course
It is not possible to take each lecture one at a time.
However, the basic course is limited to 25 students each time, and regular students from the University Consortium Kyoto member schools (excluding graduate school and correspondence courses, etc.) and all non-degree students of the Open University Kyoto Study Center can take the course at a time.
Take a look below.
◆ Regular students of the University Consortium Kyoto member schools can take one basic course at a time
(Free, capacity 25 for each lecture)
“Regular students of member schools” are regular students of the Consortium of Universities of Kyoto (excluding graduate schools and correspondence courses) and students enrolled in all courses at the Kyoto Study Center of the Open University of Japan. If you wish to take one course at a time, please come directly to the venue on the date and time of the course you wish to take in the basic course, and be sure to show your student ID at the reception. The course is free of charge. Please note that if the capacity of 25 people is satisfied, the course may be refused. In order to participate in the practical course, you must apply for the 10 basic courses as a Kyoto College student, so please be sure to attach a copy of your student ID card and apply within the application period using the application method on the left.
This year, we will hold a commemorative course
On the occasion of the opening of the 2019 Kyoto College Kyoto Studies Course “Uji as a stage for the story of Kyoto ~Mixing the “Euphonium”~”, we will hold a commemorative lecture as an opening project.
In the commemorative lecture, we will invite novelist Ayano Takeda to hold a dialogue with Professor Michifusa Kono of Doshisha University and Professor Toru Yagi of Bukkyo University.
2019 Kyoto Studies Course Opening Commemorative Lecture
“Uji as a stage for the story of Kyoto ~ Mixed with “Hibiki Euphonium” ~”
Lecturer: Ayano Takeda (Novelist)
Lecturer: Michifusa Kono (Professor, Faculty of Letters, Doshisha University)
Lecturer: Toru Yagi (Professor, Faculty of History, Bukkyo University)
Date: Saturday, March 9, 2019
Time: 13:30 ~ 15:00 (Doors open at 13:00)
Venue: Campus Plaza Kyoto, 4th floor, Lecture Room 2
Capacity: 250 people (advance application required) * If there are many applications, a lottery will be held.
Admission: Free
Here’s how to apply: https://www.consortium.or.jp/sg/27297
Inquiries
University Consortium Kyoto
Kyoto College (Kyoto Studies) 9:00-17:00 (except Sundays and Mondays)
〒600-8216 Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Nishitoin-dori, Shiokoji Campus Plaza Kyoto 1st floor
TEL．075-353-9140 FAX．075-353-9121
MAIL: miyakare ■ consortium.or.jp (Please change ■ to @ and send)
* Inquiries reception hours: Tuesday ~ Saturday 9:00 ~ 17:00 (excluding year-end and New Year holidays)
