Transforming Children's 'Imagination' into 'Creativity' Through Enriching Experiences that Nurture Sensibility: Uryuyama Gakuen Educational Foundation to Open Second Nursery School in Moriyama City

Kyoto University of the Arts (Sakyo-ku, Kyoto; President: Taku Sato) is one of Japan's largest comprehensive art universities, with approximately 23,000 students enrolled across its on-campus and correspondence programs. The Uryuyama Gakuen Educational Foundation, the parent organization of the university, will open the "Licensed Nursery School: Moriyama Children's Art University" on April 1, 2026, in partnership with Moriyama City, Shiga Prefecture, which aims to eliminate the number of children on waiting lists for childcare.

Our foundation operates five educational institutions, including Kyoto University of the Arts, high schools, and vocational schools, under the educational philosophy of "Artistic Nation-Building," where students who have studied art go on to change society. Students of various generations and backgrounds are deepening their study of art in their respective fields and according to their individual needs.

Our initiatives regarding children's art education began relatively early. In 1978, shortly after the foundation's establishment, we opened the "Piccoli" Children's Library, which was open to the community and has been cherished by many children and parents.

In 2005, we opened the "Children's Art University," a facility for parents and children to attend together, on the Uryuyama Campus. In 2019, it was reorganized into the "Licensed Nursery School: Children's Art University," marking a new beginning as a nursery school. By leveraging our nature-rich location and exposing children to the creative energy of art students, we are nurturing the "power to live" within the children themselves.

The newly opening "Licensed Nursery School: Moriyama Children's Art University" will also create an environment where art feels accessible, in collaboration with Kyoto University of the Arts. We will practice childcare that allows children to nurture their imagination and grow while feeling the joy and pleasure of creation.

In April 2026, we will open the "Licensed Nursery School: Moriyama Children's Art University" in Moriyama City, Shiga Prefecture.

We are committed to creating an environment where children can be moved by new experiences every day. We will cherish each individual child and engage in childcare within an environment filled with smiles. In addition to the main school building, we have built a separate annex called "Forest Spring," which provides a space for children to enjoy picture books and a planetarium. We hope to be a nursery school where children can challenge themselves with the things they "want to try."

――Noriko Mori, Principal, Licensed Nursery School: Moriyama Children's Art University

Overview of Licensed Nursery School: Moriyama Children's Art University

Overview

Name: Licensed Nursery School: Moriyama Children's Art University Location: 251-1 Tateno-cho, Moriyama City, Shiga Prefecture Capacity: 90 children Age Range: 6 months to pre-school age Operating Hours: Weekdays 7:00–19:00 / Saturdays 7:00–17:00

Closed: Sundays, National Holidays, and Year-end/New Year holidays

Operational Policy Under the motto "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 understand the characteristics of each child, build trusting relationships, and create an environment where children feel "fun" and "love," practicing child-centered childcare.

Childcare Goals ・Children with rich sensibilities who interact with people, objects, and events. ・Children who learn and innovate toward a goal. ・Children who can express themselves with peace of mind and possess compassion.

School Features ・Collaboration with the Art University: In partnership with Kyoto University of the Arts, we will provide "Creative Time" led by university faculty, creating opportunities for parents and children to experience artistic activities together. ・Facilities that Nurture Sensibility: We create an environment where children can expand their imagination and curiosity by engaging with picture books, a planetarium, and more. ・Food Education Environment: The facility is equipped with a lunchroom where children can see their meals being prepared and enjoy eating together.

⬛︎ About Kyoto University of the Arts

As one of the largest art universities in Japan, it is an educational institution that brings together over 23,000 ambitious students of diverse ages from both Japan and abroad across its on-campus and correspondence programs. We cultivate the skills necessary for society through art. With the educational goal of "Artistic Nation-Building," where students who have studied art change society, our on-campus program promotes art education that emphasizes the relationship between "society and art." We conduct over 100 "Social Implementation Projects" annually, where students use the power of art and design to solve problems faced by companies and local governments. Through group work across departments and real-world work, we foster expressive individuals equipped with social awareness.

Address: 2-116 Kitashirakawa Uryuyama-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8271 URL: https://www.kyoto-art.ac.jp/