Nurturing Sensitivity Through Rich Experiences: Uryuyama Gakuen Transforms Children's 'Imagination' into 'Creativity' with New Kindergarten in Moriyama City

Kyoto University of Art and Design (Sakyo-ku, Kyoto / President: Taku Sato) is one of Japan's largest comprehensive art universities, with approximately 23,000 students in its on-campus and correspondence courses. The Uryuyama Gakuen educational corporation, which operates the university, will open the 'Authorized Nursery School Moriyama Kodomo Geijutsu Daigaku' on April 1, 2026, in collaboration with Moriyama City, Shiga Prefecture, aiming to eliminate the childcare waiting list at an early stage.

Our institution upholds the educational philosophy of 'Art Nation,' where students who study art change society, and operates five institutions including Kyoto University of Art and Design, high schools, and vocational schools. Students of various ages and backgrounds deepen their artistic learning in their respective fields according to their individual needs.

Our involvement in children's art education began relatively early. In 1978, shortly after the founding of our institution, we opened the community-oriented Children's Library 'Piccoli,' which has been loved by many children and parents.

In 2005, we established the 'Kodomo Geijutsu Daigaku' (Children's University of Art) for parents and children within the Uryuyama Campus. In 2019, it became an 'Authorized Nursery School Kodomo Geijutsu Daigaku,' marking a new beginning as a nursery school. Leveraging its rich natural surroundings and the creative energy of university students, it fosters children's 'will to live proactively.'

The new 'Authorized Nursery School Moriyama Kodomo Geijutsu Daigaku' will also create an environment where children can feel art in close proximity, in collaboration with Kyoto University of Art and Design. We will practice childcare that allows children to develop their imagination and grow while experiencing the joy and pleasure of creation.

In April 2026, we will open the 'Authorized Nursery School Moriyama Kodomo Geijutsu Daigaku' in Moriyama City, Shiga Prefecture.

We are committed to creating an environment where children can be moved daily, cherishing each child and fostering an environment filled with smiles. In addition to the main building, we have constructed a separate facility called 'Mori no Izumi' (Forest Spring), which includes spaces for enjoying picture books and a planetarium. We aspire to be a nursery school where children can challenge themselves to do what they 'want to try.'

-- Noriko Mori, Director, Authorized Nursery School Moriyama Kodomo Geijutsu Daigaku

Overview of Authorized Nursery School Moriyama Kodomo Geijutsu Daigaku

Overview

Name: Authorized Nursery School Moriyama Kodomo Geijutsu Daigaku Location: 251-1 Tachiiricho, Moriyama City, Shiga Prefecture Capacity: 90 children Ages: 6 months to pre-school age Operating Hours: Weekdays 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM / Saturdays 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Closed: Sundays, National Holidays, New Year's holidays

Management Policy Under the banner '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 feel 'fun' and 'like it' by understanding each child's characteristics and building trusting relationships, practicing child-centered childcare.

Childcare Goals - Children with rich sensibilities through interaction with people, things, and events. - Children who learn towards a goal and are resourceful. - Children who can express themselves with confidence and empathy.

Features of the School - Collaboration with the University of Art and Design: In collaboration with Kyoto University of Art and Design, we will offer 'Creative Time' led by university faculty, creating opportunities for parents and children to experience artistic activities. - Fostering Sensitivity