Nurturing children's 'imagination' into 'creativity' through rich experiences cultivating sensitivity: Educational Corporation Uryuyama Gakuen to open its second nursery school in Moriyama City

Kyoto University of the Arts (Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City / President: Taku Satoh) is one of the largest comprehensive arts universities in Japan, with approximately 23,000 students studying in both commuting and correspondence courses. Educational Corporation Uryuyama Gakuen, the parent body of this university, will open the 'Licensed Nursery School Moriyama Children's University of the Arts' on April 1, 2026, in cooperation with Moriyama City, Shiga Prefecture, which aims to quickly eliminate the number of children waiting for nursery schools.

The corporation operates five schools, including Kyoto University of the Arts, high schools, and vocational schools, under the educational philosophy of 'Nation-building through the Arts,' where students who have studied art change society. Students of a wide range of generations with various backgrounds are deepening their study of art according to their respective needs in their respective fields.

Initiatives related to children's arts education were relatively early, and in 1978, shortly after the corporation was founded, it opened the children's library 'Piccoli' open to the community, which has been loved by many children and parents. In 2005, it opened the 'Children's University of the Arts' where parents and children attend together within the Uryuyama campus. Then, in 2019, it became the 'Licensed Nursery School Children's University of the Arts' and made a new start as a nursery school. Utilizing its location rich in nature and in touch with the creative energy of art students, children are nurturing the 'power to live proactively.'

At the newly opening 'Licensed Nursery School Moriyama Children's University of the Arts,' we will collaborate with Kyoto University of the Arts to create an environment where art can be felt close at hand. We will practice childcare where children can nurture their imagination and grow while experiencing the fun and joy of creation.

In April 2026, we will open the 'Licensed Nursery School Moriyama Children's University of the Arts' in Moriyama City, Shiga Prefecture. We will focus on creating an environment where children can be moved every day, cherish each individual, and engage in childcare in an environment full of smiles. In addition to the school building, we built a separate building called 'Forest Spring' to provide a place to enjoy picture books and a planetarium. We want it to be a nursery school where children can challenge what they 'want to try.' -- Noriko Mori, Director, Licensed Nursery School Moriyama Children's University of the Arts

Overview of Licensed Nursery School Moriyama Children's University of the Arts Overview Name: Licensed Nursery School Moriyama Children's University of the Arts Location: 251-1 Tachiiricho, Moriyama City, Shiga Prefecture Capacity: 90 children Childcare age: 6 months to pre-school Opening hours: Weekdays 7:00-19:00 / Saturdays 7:00-17:00 Closed: Sundays, public holidays, year-end and New Year holidays

Management Policy Under the banner of 'Children are the Future,' our childcare policy is 'to nurture the ability to be moved by various things through nature and art, and to express one's feelings honestly.' We strive to create an environment where children can think it is 'fun' and 'likeable' while understanding the characteristics of each child and building a trusting relationship, and practice child-centered childcare.

Childcare Goals - Children who interact with people, things, and events, and are rich in sensitivity - Children who learn and devise ways towards a goal - Children who can express themselves safely and have compassion

Features of the School - Cooperation with the University of the Arts: In cooperation with Kyoto University of the Arts, we will set up 'Creation Time' by university faculty to create opportunities for parents and children to experience art activities. - Facilities that nurture sensitivity: (Text cut off in original source)