Application Guidelinesfor
Graduate School of Design(Master’s Courses)
Okayama Prefectural University
forthe 2025 Academic Year
（For Fall & Winter Application）

The Graduate School of Design (Master’s Courses) at Okayama Prefectural University has the
Master’s Course of Design, which consists of three courses; the Visual Design Major, the Craft andIndustrial Design Major, and the Architectural Major. Please read program details thoroughly
before submitting your application by predetermined deadline.

Admissions Schedule Overview
1. Fall Application
Items
PreliminaryConsultation for
Disabled Applicants

Submission of Application for
Qualification Screening

Interview with the Master’s
Course Instructor
Application Period

Schedule/Relevant Applicants/Examination Venue, etc.
Until Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Until Tuesday, September 10, 2024
(Notes)Applicants falling into any of the following categories:
Qualification ⑧, ⑨ or ⑩ in 2-(1). on page 2 (common forordinary and special examinations for overseas students)
They should have interview with the director and instructor of
the master’s course prior to submitting their application.
Until Tuesday, September 17, 2024
（Expect for the prospective graduate students of our school）
From Tuesday, September 24, 2024 to Monday, September 30,
2024

Examination Date and Venue

Thursday, October 17, 2024, at Okayama Prefectural University

Announcement of Successful
Applicants

Friday, November 1, 2024

Enrollment Procedures

From Monday, November 11, 2024 to Wednesday, November 13,
2024

2. Winter Application
Items
PreliminaryConsultation for
Disabled Applicants

Submission of Application for
Qualification Screening

Interview with the Master’s
Course Instructor

Schedule/Relevant Applicants/Examination Venue, etc.
Until Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Until Wednesday, December 4, 2024
(Notes)Applicants falling into any of the following categories:
Qualification ⑧, ⑨ or ⑩ in 2-(1). on page 2 (common forordinary and special examinations for overseas students)
They should have interview with the director and instructor of
the master’s course prior to submitting their application.
Until Wednesday, December 11, 2024
（Expect for the prospective graduate students of our school）

Application Period

From Wednesday, December 18, 2024 to Monday, December 23,
2024

Examination Date and Venue

Thursday, January 23, 2025, at Okayama Prefectural University

Announcement of Successful
Applicants

Friday, January 31, 2025

Enrollment Procedures

From Thursday, March 13, 2025 to Friday, March 14, 2025

Table of Contents

Ⅰ．Admission Policy of the Graduate School of Design , Okayama Prefectural
University ………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1
Ⅱ．Application Guidelines for the Graduate School of Design (Master’s Courses),
Okayama Prefectural University
1． Enrollment Capacity .........................................................................................
2． Qualifications for Application..........................................................................

2
2

3． Application Procedures...................................................................................... 3

4． Examination Schedule....................................................................................... 8

5． Announcement of Successful Applicants
6． Enrollment Procedures
7． First-Year Payment......................................................... 11...................................................................................... 11........................................................................................... 12

8． Degree Areas Written on the Master’s Diploma
9． Subject Registration for Adult Students
10． Security Export Control........................................................ 14................................................................................... 14

11． Scholarships and Tuition Exemptions
12． Personal Information.......................................... 13........................................................... 14........................................................................................ 14

Ⅲ．Invitation from the Graduate School of Design (Master’s Courses), Okayama
Prefectural University............................................................................................................. 15

Ⅳ．Map to Examination Venue................................................................................................... 18＜Important Notice＞
The schedule and procedures of the entrance examination may change. Please check for the mostrecent information on the official Okayama Prefectural University website before submitting theapplication.

Online Application for the 2025 Academic Year Entrance Examination
Okayama Prefectural University implemented an online application system for the graduate
school entrance examination from the 2020 academic year to improve applicant convenience andinstitutional efficiency.
The online application system enables applicants to apply 24 hours a day during the application
period.
Please note that some documents such as the Certificate of Graduation (Prospective Graduation)and transcripts will still need to be sent by mail.

I

Admission Policy of the Graduate School of Design, Okayama Prefectural University

The Graduate School of Design aims to cultivate human resources capable of contributing to theestablishment of an affluent and sustainable society, and creating fulfilling lifestyles and culture
while solving a wide variety of societal issues based on deep insight into changes in the times byapplying a global perspective and unique sensibilities using their accumulated capabilities indesign.
This Course seeks individuals with a firm academic foundation and motivation to contribute to
the creation of an affluent life and culture, capable of identifying and solving issues, and showing
excellent ability in design using broad knowledge and deep specialization, from historical andtraditional culture to cutting-edge technology, as well as an international perspective.
Our admission policy is designed to select such students. We are looking for diverse and highly
motivated students, including working adults with a wide range of experience as well as students
from abroad.

Admission Policy of the Master’s Course of Design
The Master’s Course of Design aims to cultivate researchers and specialists such as designers,
creators, architects, and planners with advanced knowledge and skill in design capable of solving awide variety of societal issues by combining their specialization in the fields of visual design, craft
and industrial design, and architecture with their knowledge in surrounding academic fields.
This Course seeks individuals with a multifaceted range of traits that include logical thinking,decision-making, and expression based on a broad range of knowledge common to the fields of craft
and industrial design, architecture, and visual design; the drive to explore concepts free frompreconceptions; ability in design based on their specialization, strong motivation to contribute to thesustainable development of communities and society; a cooperative nature; and global perspectives
and sensibilities
In addition to ordinary and special examinations, applicants undergo document screening(including portfolio), submit an essay, and sit for an interview to enable a comprehensive evaluationof their personality, sensibilities, and logical thinking as well as their skill in decision-making andexpression,
A recommendation-based examination for currently-enrolled OPU students includes document
screening (including portfolio) to evaluate basic knowledge obtained through their undergraduate
program and the expandability of their research as well as an interview to better understand theapplicant’s suitability as part of a comprehensive evaluation of the applicant’s abilities and aptitudes.

-1-

Ⅱ

Application Guidelines of the Graduate School of Design (Master’s Courses), Okayama
Prefectural University

1. Enrollment Capacity(People)Courses

Total
Capacity

Master’s Course of Design

10

Enrollment Capacity
Ordinary and special
Recommendation-based
examinations
examination for
currently- enrolled OPU
FallWinterstudents
Application Application
6

Flexible(Note 3)

4(Notes)1. Enrollment Capacity includes students accepted through ordinary examination, and special
examination (overseas applicants) and recommendation-based examination for currentlyenrolled OPU students
2. If the number of successful applicants for the recommendation-based examination for
currently-enrolled OPU students does not reach the maximum capacity, adjustments will bemade through the ordinary examination and special examination.
3. Winter Application will not be conducted if the admission capacity is filled in Fall Application
and recommendation-based examination for currently-enrolled OPU students.
2. Qualifications for Application(1) Ordinary Examination
Applicants must fall under one of the following:① Have graduated from a university as specified in Article 83 of the School Education Act (ActNo. 26 of 1947), or plan to graduate by March 31, 2025.
② Hold a bachelor’s degree as specified in Article 104, paragraph 7 of the School Education Act, orplan to hold said degree by March 31, 2025.
③ Have completed a 16-year curriculum of school education in an overseas country, or plan tocomplete such a curriculum by March 31, 2025.
④ Have completed a 16-year curriculum of school education of an overseas country throughcorrespondence education conducted by a relevant overseas school while in Japan, or plan tocomplete such by March 31, 2025.
⑤ Have completed the curriculum of an overseas educational facility in Japan recognized under the
relevant overseas country’s school education system and designated separately by the Minister of
Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, or plan to complete such by March 31, 2025.
⑥ Have completed after the date specified by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science andTechnology a specialized program at a vocational school designated separately by the Minister of
Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, or plan to complete such by March 31, 2025 .
⑦ Have been designated by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology(Notification of Ministry of Education, No. 5 of 1953)⑧ Have been enrolled in a graduate school as specified by Article 102, paragraph 2 of the School
Education Act and recognized by the president as possessing academic ability sufficient to receive
education at a graduate school.
⑨ Have been recognized by the president as possessing academic ability equal to or surpassing thelevel of a university graduate through individual examination for admission and who is or will
have reached the age of 22 by March 31, 2025
⑩ Have attended a university for three years by or before March 31, 2025 (including a school orprogram designated as equivalent by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science andTechnology) and be recognized by the president as having earned specified credits with outstanding
academic achievement.

-2-

* Applicants wishing to apply for admission under Qualification ⑧, ⑨ or ⑩ will be screened before
application is accepted. (See the subparagraph 3-(9) on page7)(2)Special Examination (Overseas Students)
Applicants must fall under all of the following:①Must fall into one of the categories from ① to ⑩ in 2-(1).
②Must be of non-Japanese nationality, have “Student” resident status as stipulated in the
Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (Cabinet Order No. 319 of 1951) or beable to obtain “Student” residence status after finishing enrollment procedures.
③It is preferred to have Japanese language - N2 level or better.
3. Application Procedures(1) Application
Please read the Online Application Guidelines provided separately for more details.
Please place all the documents required for the application, including those downloaded fromthe online application system, in a “Kakugata 2-gou” envelope (332mmH x 240mmW) andsubmit by simplified registered express mail.
However, you may bring those documents only on the last day of the application procedure
period, between 9:00 and 17:00.
When you bring those documents in person, please make it sure to contact Admissions
Service Section, Educational Affairs Division, OPU by the day before you bring them.
Applicants filing from outside of Japan are requested to provide a contact address inJapan to which the entrance examination admission card, letter of acceptance and otherdocuments may be sent. (If no contact address in Japan is listed, the university will send documents
to the listed address abroad.)(2) Application Period①For Fall Application
From Tuesday, September 24, 2024 to Monday, September 30, 2024
(Notes)1. Only those application documents which are sent by simplified registered express mail with
postmarked on or before Sunday, September 29 shall be accepted.
* In cases where you send documents from outside of Japan, the documents must be reachedon or before September 30(Mon), 2024 JST.
2. Please note that we will not provide any information regarding the delivery.
②For Winter Application
From Wednesday, December 18, 2024 to Monday, December 23, 2024
(Notes)1. Only those application documents which are sent by simplified registered express mail with
postmarked on or before Sunday, December 22 shall be accepted.
* In cases where you send documents from outside of Japan, the documents must be reachedon or before December 23(Mon), 2024 JST.
2. Please note that we will not provide any information regarding the delivery.
(3) Where to send:
Admissions Service Section, Educational Affairs Division
Okayama Prefectural University
111 Kuboki, Soja-shi, Okayama Pref. 719-1197-3-

(4) Application Documents
Application
Preparation Procedures
Documents Required
After completing the online application, please print out and submit therequired documents in accordance with the Online Application
Guidelines provided separately.
①Application FormWrite “Major” with reference to “Overview of Majors” on page 15 to 17.
(Original Form)
Please write the name of the instructor who interviewed you andapproved the application in the “Instructor who approved yourapplication” column.（This does not apply to applicants who graduate
from OPU.）②Certificate of
The certificate must be issued and sealed by the president or the dean of
Graduation
the relevant university.
(Prospective
Applicants who have graduated or will graduate from our university are
Graduation)
exempt.
Transcripts must be issued and sealed by the president or the dean of
the relevant university.
③Transcripts
Submit the transcripts listing grades of all credits obtained while at theuniversity.
Use the form provided.
Please download the forms from the official Okayama Prefectural
University website.
Fill in the relevant column with the preferred major you listed in theapplication form (original).
If you have received any awards, please provide details.
④ResumeApplicants who have completed or will complete the 15-year or 16-year
curriculum of school education in an overseas country are required to include
a complete academic history from entrance to elementary school.
Applicants filing from outside of Japan are asked to provide a contact
address in Japan as an alternate contact address other than listed
above (e.g. an address in their home country).
⑤Statement of
Purpose for
Research⑥Portfolio⑦Content of theportfolio⑧Others

Use the form provided.

Fill in the relevant column with the preferred major you listed in theapplication form (original).
Please download the forms from the official Okayama Prefectural
University website.
Submit your achievements in the specialization (products, publicationsetc.) via USB flash drive, etc. Please delete information that is not related
to the screening before submission. The USB flash drive will be returned
to you later.
Use the form provided by the OPU to provide the content contained in
the portfolio. Please download the forms from the official Okayama
Prefectural University website.
(A) Overseas applicants residing in Japan are required to submit a copyof the “certificate of residence” which includes status of residence andperiod of stay issued by the mayor of the municipal office. Overseas
applicants that are not registered residents must submit a copy ofthe page in their passport that shows their name, birth date and sex.
(B) Applicants falling under Qualification ②-(1) in 2 are required tosubmit documents according to the following classification:(a) Applicants who possess a bachelor’s degree･ Certification of bachelor’s degree issued by the National
Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement ofhigher Education(b) Applicants who have applied to the National Institution for
Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of higher Education
for certification of bachelor’s degree･ Acknowledgement of application for certification of bachelor’s
degree issued by the National Institution for Academic Degrees andQuality Enhancement of higher Education-4-

(c) Applicants enrolled in an advanced course at a technical college thatmeets the requirements set by the National Institution for Academic
Degrees and Quality Enhancement of higher Education as
stipulated by Article 6, paragraph 1 of the Degree Regulations(Ordinance of the Ministry of Education No. 9 of 1953)･ Certificate of prospective completion of the relevant advanced
course･Certificate issued by the president of the technical college at which
the applicant is enrolled showing that the applicant is scheduled toreceive the relevant degree(C) As for the special entrance examination (for foreign students), if you
have any documents certifying your Japanese language ability,
please submit a copy of each.

(Notes)
1. Among the documents required for the application, ④, ⑤ and ⑦ may be downloaded fromthe website. Use black ballpoint pen for all application forms. Cross out mistakes with a double
line and write the correction next to them.
2. Leave the asterisked columns blank.
3. Attach Japanese translations of certificates (except those written in Japanese and English) to the
documents required for application.
4. Applicants who wish to have original certificates returned should note this when submitting theapplication forms. The university will make copies and return original certificates.
(5) Examination Fee
１ Examination Fee
30,000 yen
２ Payment Method
Please submit payment for the examination fee by one of the methods shown below inaccordance with the online application procedures.
(1) At a convenience store(2) By credit card
(3) By ATM (Pay-easy payment)/ Net banking※Fees for Various payments shall be borne by the applicant.
３ Payment period(1) Fall application: From Tuesday, September 24, 2024 to Monday, September 30, 2024
(2)Winter application: From Wednesday, December 18, 2024 to Monday, December 23, 2024
４ Refund of Examination Fee
The Examination Fee shall not be refunded except in cases ① through ③ described
below. The amount of refund shall be equivalent to the amount of the Examination
Fee. Refund of Examination Fee is made upon request. Applicants who fall into oneof the following categories and who wish a refund are required to contact the Admissions
Service Section, Educational Affairs Division, OPU by the end of the month in which
the relevant examination is held to complete the necessary procedures (Examination
Fee Payment Certificate is required for the procedure). For Case ②, the Admissions
Service Section, Educational Affairs Division, OPU will contact the relevant individual.
① Applicants who paid the Examination Fee but did not submit the application
documents②Applicants who paid the Examination Fee but whose application was not accepted③Applicants who have mistakenly paid the Examination Fee twice
５

Special Measures

Victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake (2011) or torrential rains in July 2018 are
eligible for an examination fee waiver. When you are eligible for this program, please be
sure to contact Admissions Service Section, Educational Affairs Division, OPU before you
apply online. See our official website for details.

-5-(6) Interview with the Master’s Course Instructor
To discuss the content of research in the Master’s Courses in the Graduate School of Design,other than prospective graduate students of our school must make appointments forinterviews with the instructor of the master’s course you wish to enter by no later than
Tuesday, September 17, 2024 for fall application, and by no later than Wednesday, December
11, 2024 for winter application. Applicants are also required to obtain approval from a course
instructor before submission.
<How to contact the instructor you wish to study under>
You may contact the instructor you wish to study under via the Admissions Service Section,
Education Affairs Division, OPU. Write the name of the instructor in the text of the e-mail andsubmit to the above Section (nyushi@oka-pu.ac.jp). Application documents ④, ⑤, ⑥ and ⑧(A) must be attached to the e-mail because they are used for the interview portion of theapplication process. (⑧ (A) is required for non-Japanese applicants only.)
The Instructor(*This system is scheduled for the 2025 academic year. Some conditions may change.)
Major

Visual Design Major

Craft and Industrial Design
Major

Architectural Major

Name
KITAYAMA Yukio, Prof.
NOMIYA Kengo, Prof.
SAITO Mieko, Prof.
NISHIDA Makiko, Prof.
KAZAHAYA Yuka, Associate Prof.
SHIMADA Kiyonori, Prof.
MIHARA Teppei, Prof.
MACEDO Mau, Prof.
KAWAI Daisuke, Prof.
SAKUMOTO Tomoko, Associate Prof.
FUNAYAMA Toshikatu, Associate Prof.
TSUDA Seita, Prof.
NISHIKAWA Hiromi, Prof.
HUKUHAMA Yoshihiro, Prof.
YOSHIDA Yutaka, Prof.
OKAKITA Ikko, Associate Prof.

(7) Preliminary Consultation for Disabled Applicants
Disabled applicants requiring special consideration while taking the examination or following
enrollment are asked to please contact the Admissions Service Section, Educational Affairs
Division, OPU by Tuesday, September 10, 2024 for fall application, and by Wednesday,
December 4, 2024 for winter application.
Submit the application after receipt of notice of special measures for examinations andenrollment.
Depending on the nature of the consultation, it may take some time to respond, so please consult
with us as soon as possible.
(8) Notes Regarding Application Procedures① Ensure that all required documents are included in the application. Incomplete applications
cannot be accepted.
②Acceptance may be invalidated at any time if any information provided in the application documents
is found to have been falsified.

-6-

③Changes to applications will not be allowed after submission. In the case of a change of name,address or telephone number, applicants should notify the Admissions Service Section,
Educational Affairs Division, OPU as soon as possible.
④Application documents will not be returned.
⑤Entrance examination admission cards, acceptance letters, etc. will be sent to the contact
address specified by the applicant. Applicants filing from outside Japan are asked to specify
a contact address in Japan.
(9) Review of Qualifications for Application
Applicants wishing to apply for admission under Application Qualification ⑧, ⑨ or ⑩ in 2-(1) are
asked to submit the below-listed documents to the Admissions Service Section, Educational Affairs
Division, OPU by no later than Tuesday, September 10, 2024 for fall application, and by no later
than Wednesday, December 4, 2024 for winter application for review of the relevant qualification,
which must be completed before the application can be accepted. The results of this review will beannounced to the applicant.
Applicants are also asked to schedule interviews with the director and the instructor of themaster’s course before submitting their application. Please ask the Admissions Service Section,
Educational Affairs Division, OPU for details about how to contact the instructor you wish to
study under.
Documents Required

Preparation Procedures①Application Formfor Review of
Qualification forApplication

Use the form provided and fill out completely.

②Certificate of
Graduation

Applicants who fall under Application Qualification ⑨ in 2-(1)Certificate issued and sealed by the last school attended.

③Transcripts(A)Applicants who fall under Application Qualification ⑧ in 2-(1)Sealed transcripts issued by the director of the graduate school at which
the applicant is enrolled.
(B)Applicants who fall under Application Qualification ⑨ in 2-(1)Sealed certificate issued by the last school that the applicant attended.
(C)Applicants who fall under Application Qualification ⑩ in 2-(1)Sealed transcripts listing the subjects, credits, grades, and any
comments issued by the president or the dean of the university in which
the applicant is enrolled.
Submit the transcripts listing grades of all credits obtained while at theuniversity.

④Certificate ofProspective Credits
to be Earned

Applicants falling under Application Qualification ⑩ in 2-(1) enrolled ina university when submitting the application.
A document that shows the prospective credits to be earned by the thirdyear in the department of the university at which the applicant is currently
enrolled.

⑤Enrollment
certificate

Applicants who fall under Application Qualification ⑧ or ⑩ in 2-(1)(Students enrolled at our university are exempt.)⑥Course handbook,
student handbook,curriculum table,
etc.

Applicants who fall under Application Qualification ⑩ in 2-(1)(Students enrolled at our university are exempt.)
Written details regarding credits required for graduation, course
descriptions, content of lectures held at the faculty in which the applicant
is enrolled.

-7-

Applicants who fall under Application Qualification ⑨ in 2-(1)The form provided is used to describe research performance and job
experiences, etc. of the applicant after the graduation from a junior college,
specialized vocational high school, and other vocational schools.

⑦Statement ofresearch
performance(Note)
1. Please download the “form provided” posted on our website.
2. Should the applicant’s application qualifications be approved, application document ②
and ③ may be omitted.
3. Applicants falling under Application Qualification ⑩ in 2-(1) must meet the following
requirements:①Acquire the required credits for graduation in all general education by the end of the
2nd year②Acquire all 1st and 2nd year core subject credits by the end of the 2nd year
③Acquire a grade of 80% or higher in 80% or more of the required courses taken by theend of the 2nd year
④Anticipate having greater than the number of credits normally acquired by the end of
the 3rd year (including required courses)
However, applicants who fall into either of the following categories as of Tuesday, April 1,
2025 will be disqualified even after passing the entrance examination and completing theenrollment procedures:①Applicants who fail to achieve grades of 80% or more in 80% of the courses taken by
the end of the 3rd year.
②When the actual number of credits acquired by the end of the 3rd year is less than thenumber of credits normally acquired.
Students enrolling under Application Qualification ⑩ in 2-(1) withdraw from their
universities before graduation. For this reason they lose eligibility for national
examinations that require a certificate of university graduation.
4. Examination Schedule(1) Examination Date
①For Fall Application
Exam Date

Thursday, October 17, 2024

②For Winter Application
Exam Date

Thursday, January 23, 2025

(2) Selection
Selection for admission is based on a comprehensive evaluation of the results of short essay andinterview (including document and portfolio screening).
(3) Tested Subjects & Time Table (What to Bring)
Timetable

Tested Subjects & Contents
The Short Essay of design - related

10:00 a.m.
– 12:00 a.m.
(120 min.)Short Essay

1:30 p.m. –Interview(description and answer by Japanese)*Applicants are allowed to bring dictionaries including
electronic ones except those with other functions.

-8-

①Applicants should be enter the designated examination room(or interview waiting room) andbe seated by the time shown in the table below. Examination and interview waiting room
numbers will be posted at the examination venue on date of the examination.
See the subparagraph 4-(4) regarding the location and the time for submission of work andportfolio.
Exam TypeTo be Seated

Exam Begins

Short Essay

9:45AM

10:00AMInterview

1:15PM

1:30PM②Applicants are permitted to enter the designated short essay/interview room up to 30 minutes
after the short essay/interview has started. However, the examination time will not be extended.
③Applicants are not allowed to leave the examination room until the designated ending time.
④Applicants who fail to take the short essay or interview will be eliminated from consideration.
(4) Allocation of Points
Exam
Short
Interview
Total Points
Type
Essay
Ordinary
100
200
300
Exam
Master’s Course of
DesignSpecial
50
250
300
Exam
(Notes) Documents and portfolio screening are contained in the interview evaluation.
Master’s Course(5) Examination Venue
Okayama Prefectural University Faculty of Design
111 Kuboki, Soja-shi, Okayama Pref. 719-1197(6) Precautions for Examination
Belongings on the day of the entrance examination①At least five days prior to the day of the examination, we will announce that the Entrance
Examination Admission Card is available for printing via the official OPU website and in an
email sent to your registered e-mail address. Print this out and bring it with you. (A4 or letter
sized, color, no expanding nor shrinking)If you haven’t received the notification e-mail, you may print out the Entrance Examination
Admission Card from the official OPU website.
If it is less than five days prior to the examination date and the website is not showing a button
for printing out the Entrance Examination Admission Card, please contact the Admissions
Service Section, Education Affairs Divisions at OPU.
②The Entrance Examination Admission Card must, according to the instruction the proctors, be
put on the desk at the time of examination.
Applicants who failed to bring their Entrance Examination Admission Card should have thetemporary card issued at the Examination Headquarter without delay.
The entrance examination admission card is necessary for the enrollment procedure. Please keep
it even after the examination.
③Do not leave anything on the desk expect an Entrance Examination Admission Card, pencils(mechanical pencils), an eraser, a pencil cap, a manual pencil sharpener (electric/ battery-powered
sharpeners prohibited), a watch (must have a silent second hand), glasses, a handkerchief, tissues(without package), eye drops, dictionaries and a thumb stall.
Electronic dictionaries having functions for communication or connection to the Internet are notallowed.

-9-

Proctors may confiscate items not listed above until the end of the examination. Electronic devices(Except for electronic dictionaries only providing dictionary function), including mobile or smart
phones, and wearables cannot be used during the examination period.
④Examinees are not allowed to use such electronic devices as mobile phones, smartphones, or wearable
appliances during taking examination. Never fail to turn off those devices and alarm function before
entering the examination/ interview waiting room. If an examinee’s mobile phone or other device
makes a sound during the examination, proctors will remove it from the room, and hold it at theexamination headquarters until the end of the relevant examination.

⑤In order to identify the examinee, proctors may ask you to remove masks and/or hats.
⑥ Examinees are prohibited from borrowing any items from other examinees during theexamination (or interview waiting room).
⑦Examinees are allowed to read any books except for digital books or drink water during waiting
for the interview, however examinees must obtain permission from the proctor to do so in advance.
⑧Please bring your lunch, if necessary.
⑨If an examinee left something carelessly in the campus, we will keep it for a certain period since
the examination day. However, it will be abolished after certain period.
➉ Applicants found to be engaging in dishonest behavior will be asked to leave the room.
Applicants asked to leave cannot retake any of the examinations, and all examination results
will be invalidated.
Dishonest behavior①Examinee who behaved dishonestly are ordered to stop taking examination and leave the roomat once. S/he cannot continue the examination and all the result shall become invalid. In addition,
depending on the nature of the dishonest behavior, we may submit an incident report to the police.

Dishonest behaviors include those listed below:
・Intentionally providing false information on the Admission Application Form, Entrance
Examination Admission Card, or Answer Sheet.
・Cheating on the examination.
・Providing answers to other applicants or helping other applicants to cheat.
・ Bringing the examination questions paper out of the examination room before theexamination ends.
・Bringing the answer sheet out of the examination room before the examination ends.
・Opening the examination questions or answering before told to start answering.
・ Using electronic devices(Except for electronic dictionaries only providing dictionary
function), including mobile or smart phones and wearables during the examination period.
・Continuing to answer questions after being told to stop.
②Behaviors shown below may be deemed dishonest. Examinees who do not follow instructions or
who are deemed to have engaged in dishonest behavior will be treated as above.
・ Wear or holding electrical devices(Except for electronic dictionaries only providing
dictionary function), including mobile or smart phones and wearables without permission
during the examination period.
・Interfering during the examination by, for example, not disabling the sound of mobile
phones and watches (ring tone, alarm, vibration, etc.).
・ Making false announcements regarding the examination to be advantageous for
him/herself or other examinees.
・Disturbing other examinees at the examination venue.
・Disregarding instructions given by proctors.
・Behavior that may spoil the fairness of the examination.

- 10 -

Others①In the event of unforeseen circumstances (natural disaster, etc.) that prevent administration of
the examination on the predetermined schedule or necessitate emergency contact withapplicants, the university will post information on the official Okayama Prefectural University
website.
②Any other information will be sent to the e-mail address registered with the online application
system.
5. Announcement of Successful Applicants(1) Announcement Date
①For Fall Application
10 a.m., Friday, November 1, 2024
②For Winter Application
10 a.m., Friday, January 31, 2025
(2) Announcement Procedures
The ID numbers of successful applicants and the method of obtaining a letter of acceptance areshown on the official OPU website (hereinafter, “Examination Result Announcement Page”). (Noannouncement will be posted on the bulletin board.)
Visit the “Examination Results” on Post@net, online application site (Post@net portal site)(hereinafter “Post@net”) to check your results. If you passed the examination, please download
the “letter of acceptance” and documents required for enrollment. (We do not send a “letter of
acceptance” or documents required for enrollment.)
We do not respond to any inquiries via telegram, telephone, mail, e-mail, or etc.
(Note) We have nothing to do with any persons who deal with sending notification of acceptancein campus on the day of Exam. Please note that we do not take responsibility for thismatter.
6. Enrollment Procedures(1) Enrollment Steps
Please check the documents required for enrollment you have downloaded from the Post@net
for details regarding the enrollment procedure.
Submit the documents described in paragraph (4) below by registered express mail.
However, you may bring those documents only the last day of the enrollment procedure period,
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
If you plan to bring your application documents in person, please contact us at least one day
before the day you plan to bring them.
(2) Enrollment Procedure Period①For Fall Application
From Monday, November 11, 2024 to Wednesday, November 13, 2024
(Due no later than the last day)
②For Winter Application
From Thursday, March 13, 2025 to Friday, March 14, 2025
(Due no later than the last day)(3) Where to Complete Enrollment Procedures
Admissions Service Section, Educational Affairs Division
Okayama Prefectural University
111 Kuboki, Soja-shi, Okayama Pref. 719-1197- 11 -

(4) Documents Required for Enrollment
Documents Requiredfor Enrollment

Preparation Procedures①Entrance Examination
Admission Card
②Affidavit

Fill out the form provided and affix your seal or signature.

“Okayama Prefecture Residents” in 7-(1)- ① are required to③Certificate of Residence submit this certificate.
(Application for
Fill out the form provided (not the form used by the local
Certification)
government) and have it approved by your relevant local
government office.
④Entrance Fee

Applicants are required to remit the amount listed in 7-(1) on
page 12. Use the form provided by OPU, fill in the required
items, and complete the payment procedure.

⑤1 photo(For student ID card)

The master’s course and the applicant’s name should be written
on the reverse side of a 4cmHx3cmW color photos (front upper
body, no hats, and no background scenery)⑥Certificate of
Graduation (Diploma)

Required for applicants who take the examination prior to thegraduation and who fall under either of the following
qualifications (Applicants from our university are exempt.)·Qualification ① to ⑥ : Certificate of graduation or diploma·Qualification ⑩ : Transcripts(Notes)1. Please download “the form provided by OPU” from the Examination Results on Post@net.
2. Certificate of graduation, etc. described in ⑥ are used to verify the applicant’s qualification foradmission (Application Qualifications ① to ⑥, and ⑩ shown in above 2). Relevant applicantsmust submit this by Monday, March 31, 2025.
(5) Enrollment Procedure Precautions①Enrollment procedures must be completed by the specified date. Applicants who fail to complete theprocedure by the specified date will be deemed to have declined enrollment.
②Incomplete enrollment documents or documents delivered after the enrollment procedure period
will not be accepted. Entrance fees will not be accepted after the enrollment procedure period.
③Enrollment documents will not be returned.
④Applicants who are not eligible for enrollment as of Tuesday, April 1, 2025 will not be admitted
to enroll.
7. First-Year Payment(1) Entrance Fee
Payment of the entrance fee is required at the time of enrollment. Instructions will be included withthe letter of acceptance.
188,000 yen①Okayama Prefecture Residents②Non-residents

282,000 yen(Notes)1. Okayama Prefecture Residents are defined as either:①Individuals residing in Okayama Prefecture since April 1, 2024.
②Individuals whose spouse or first-degree relative has resided in Okayama Prefecturesince April 1, 2024.

- 12 -

2. Residency must be verified with a Certificate of Residence issued by the mayor of therelevant local government office.
Individuals subject to Note 1-② or who have moved within Okayama Prefecture after April
2, 2024 must contact the Admission Service Section, Educational Affairs Division, OPU tosubmit additional documents.
3. Admission fee is subject to change. Revised admission fees shall apply from the date ofrevision.
4. Entrance fees shall not be refunded except in cases ① through ③ described below. The
amount of refund shall be equivalent to the amount of the entrance fee. Refund of theentrance fee is made upon request. Individuals who fall into one of the following categories
and wish a refund are asked to contact the Entrance Examination Team, Admissions Service
Section, OPU by Wednesday, March 19, 2025 to complete the required procedures (Entrance
Fee Payment Certificate is required). For Case ② , the Admissions Service Section,
Educational Affairs Division, OPU will contact the relevant individual.
①Individuals who paid the entrance fees but did not submit the enrollment documents②Individuals who paid the entrance fees but did not complete the enrollment
procedures③Individuals who mistakenly paid the wrong amount for the entrance fee(2) Tuition①Amount (Yearly amount)②Payment Procedures③Payment Period

535,800 yen
Payment in two installments for the first and second
semesters after enrollment
1st semester; the end of July / 2nd semester; the end of Nov.

(Note) The tuition is paid by account transfer. Please follow the necessary procedures at the timeof enrollment. Tuition paid will not be refunded. Tuition is subject to change.
Revised tuition shall apply from the date of revision.
(3) Insurance Fee, Supporter’s Association Fee, Alumni Association Fee①Amount
Insurance Fee*

Supporter’s Association Fee
Alumni Association Fee
42,000 yen
2,430 yen
Admission fee 20,000 yen
10,000 yen(for 2 years)+ Membership fee (for 2 years)
22,000 yen*Fees for the Personal Accident Insurance for Students Pursuing Education and Research(Gakkensai), and Insurance for Accidents Involving Third Parties or Their Property forStudents Covered Under Gakkensai provided by the Japan Educational Exchanges andServices (JEES)(Note) OPU undergraduate or graduate school graduates or prospective graduates are notrequired to pay the supporter’s association enrollment fee or alumni association fee(underlined).
②Payment Method
Please pay by bank transfer when enrolling. The amount is refundable if enrollment is declined.
(Note) Payment method for the fees for insurance, supporter’s and alumni associations will beannounced separately
8. Degree Areas Written on the Master’s Diploma

Upon satisfactory completion of the requirements for graduation from the Graduate School of Design
at Okayama Prefectural University, students are awarded a master’s degree. The degree area
written on the master’s diplomas are “Fine Arts in Design.”- 13 -

9. Subject Registration for Adult Students
In compliance with Article 15 of the Graduate Schools Establishment Standard (Ministry of
Education Ordinance No. 28 of 1974), the university has established a “Register Extension System”
that allows students to extend their studies for a specified period beyond the standard course termin order to cope with the difficulties often faced by working adults.
Those who wish to take advantage of the Register Extension System must apply for approval fromthe university. After approval has been granted, however, students are not able to modify the
specified period, withdraw from the system, or apply for a exemption of tuition, or delay of payment.
Applicants are, therefore, strongly advised to consult with a faculty instructor before applying for
the Register Extension System.
10.Security Export Control
Okayama Prefectural University performs the security export control based on “Foreign Exchange
and Foreign Trade Act” so that education and study contents to foreign students do not obstructmaintenance of international peace and the security.
International applicants who fall under any of the conditions set out in said regulations may beunable to enter their desired course or program.
11. Scholarships and Tuition Exemptions
Consultation and advice on scholarships and tuition exemptions are available following
enrollment. Please contact the Student Support Team, Admission Service Section, OPU.
12. Personal Information
Personal information obtained through the selection of entrants, etc. shall be handled in Accordancewith the Act on the Protection of Personal Information (At No.57, 2003), and Okayama Prefectural
University rules, and used only for the following matters:①Personal information provided by applicants during the application process is used to facilitate
the selection process (application processing, screening), announcement of successful
applicants, and enrollment procedures. In addition, personal information is used to examine
and improve the selection process and program offerings. However, all information presented
in explanations or support of said examination or improvements will be processed to preventthe identification of individuals.
②Personal information provided during the enrollment process is used to facilitate admission
and study (school registration, study guidance, etc.), student support (health care, applications
for tuition reduction and exemptions, applications for scholarships, assistance in job searches,etc.), and the collection of fees.
③Personal information provided by applicants who have passed the entrance examination isused by the alumni and supporters’ associations to provide information related to their official
activities.
④A part of the above-listed duties may be entrusted to subcontractors. To ensure that said
subcontractors are able to fulfill their duties, they are provided with personal information to
the extent required.

- 14 -

Ⅲ

Invitation from the Graduate School of Design (Master’s Courses), Okayama Prefectural
University

1. Overview of the Master’s Course of Design
Research & Education in the Course
The Master’s Course of Design comprises three courses: the Visual Design Major, the Craft andIndustrial Design Major, and the Architectural Major. All are designed to help students acquire
universal knowledge and skills in the individual specializations pursued in their undergraduate
studies and advance research to achieve excellent outcomes. We also provide common subjects forall students enrolled in this Course to advance their management skills as well as their ability to
conduct interdisciplinary research, design excellent work, succinctly describe the import andapplication of their research, and publicize their results.
The Master’s Course of Design provides education and research opportunities to cultivate
researchers and specialists such as designers, creators, architects, and planners with advanced
knowledge and skill capable of providing solutions to a wide variety of societal issues by combining
their specialization in the fields of craft and industrial design, architecture and visual design with
their knowledge in surrounding academic fields.
[Visual Design Major]
The Visual Design major provides education and research opportunities to increase students’specialized knowledge and skills, and further develop their ability to think logically based on thegraphics and movies that comprise the major media for visual communication.
[Craft and Industrial Design Major]
The Craft and Industrial Design major provides education and research opportunities to increase
students’ specialized knowledge and skills, and further develop their ability to think logically to
explore product design and expression capable of improving our lifestyles.
[Architectural Major]
The Architectural major provides education and research opportunities to increase students’specialized knowledge and skills, and further develop their ability to think logically for theadvancement of town development and urban environments based on architectural spaces that form
the foundation of human life.

- 15 -

2. Instructors & Research Content(Plan for April 1, 2025)
Major

Visual Design Major
Craft and Industrial Design Major

Title and Name

Specialty and Research Content

KITAYAMA Yukio,
Prof.

・Photographic Design(1) A study of exhibition methods of photographic art(2) Effects of exhibitions, Research on the history of photographic
techniques and the utilization of photographic expression(3)Photo expression utilizing the stitching method

NOMIYA Kengo,
Prof.

・Graphic Design
・Typography(1) A study of graphic symbol and VI centering on symbol marks/logotypes(2) Font image

SAITO Mieko,
Prof.

・Visual Image Design(1) Provision of disaster prevention and reduction information utilizing
digital technology(2) A study of the relationship between visual content and visualenvironment

NISHIDA Makiko,Prof.

・Graphic Design, Package Design(1) A study of graphic design centering on double images/visual metaphor(2) A study of package design centering on graphics/paper packaging

KAZAHAYA Yuka,
Associate Prof.

・English Education
・American Literature(1) Voice function in American poems(2) Relationship between poems and illustrations in American andEnglish juvenile literature(3) Early English Education

SHIMADA Kiyonori,Prof.

・Textile Design(1) Spatial production in collaboration with different academic fields(2) Art and design in textiles

MIHARA Teppei,Prof.

・Product Design(1) Product design in local industries(2) Design evaluation

MACEDO Mau,
Prof.

・Ceramic Design(1) Central & South American Pottery(2) Ceramic design

KAWAI Daisuke,
Prof.

・Aesthetics
・History of Art(1) Aesthetics in the 20th century English-speaking world(2) History of art in the 1960’s Japan and the United States

SAKUMOTO Tomoko,
Associate Prof.

FUNAYAMA Toshikatsu,
Associate Prof.

・Ceramic Design(1) A study of molding ceramics and ceramic design
・Product Design(1) Proposals for the development of new fields(2) New material development, commercialization
development- 16 -

andproductMajorTitle and NameTSUDA Seita,
Prof.

Specialty and Research Content
・Architecture
・Structural Design(1) Mechanical design of retractable and deployable structures(2) Analysis and Optimum design of shell and spatial structures

Architectural Major

NISHIKAWA Hiromi,
Prof.

・Architecture
・Urban Design(1) History of Modern Architecture and Urban(2) History of Urban Planning

HUKUHAMA Yoshihiro,
Prof.

・Architecture
・Construction Design(1) Region-specific Construction Methods(2) Construction Methods in the Early Modern Times of JapanYOSHIDA Yutaka,
Prof.

・Architecture
・Architectural Design(1) Theory and practice of architectural design effectively using thecharacteristics of space(2) Aesthetic systems in modern architecture in Germany

OKAKITA Ikko,
Associate Prof.

・Architecture
・Architectural History(1) Research on Materiality seen in Renaissance architecture(2) Aspects of classicism in architecture(3) Research on architectural description- 17 -

Ⅳ Map to Examaination Venue※NO SMOKING ALLOWED ON THE CAMPUS

Okayama Prefectural University

To Okayama→

JR Momotarō Line←

To Soja

Okayama Soja Interchange

Where to hand in yourapplication and enroll

Soja-Ichinomiya By-Pass

University Entrance
Intersection→To Downtown Okayama←To Downtown Soja
Ｒ１８０

Examination Venue Guide<Transport>

A 5 minute walk from JR Momotaro Line Hattori Station(takes approximately 30 minutes
from JR Okayama Station and 8 minutes from JR Soja Station)
Approximately 2.5km from the Okayama Expressway, Okayama Soja Interchange.
Approximately 18km from the center of Okayama city (via Route180) and 12km fromthe center of Kurashiki city (via Route 429).

- 18 -

Where to contact concerning application, entrance
examination and other information

Admissions Service Section

Okayama Prefectural University

111 Kuboki, Soja-shi, Okayama Pref. 719-1197, JAPAN
Phone:+81-866-94-9161(Direct Number)+81-866-94-2111(Main Number)

Websitee-mail address

https://www.oka-pu.ac.Jp/
nyushi@oka-pu.ac.jp