Takashi Yoshidada Appointed as Visiting Professor at Ritsumeikan University — Bringing Practical Knowledge Connecting Education and Society to the New Faculty/Graduate School of Design and Art

Ritsumeikan University's Faculty/Graduate School of Design and Art, located at the Kinugasa Campus in the historic and cultural city of Kyoto, will pursue a future-oriented new design studies and develop education and research that transcends natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences, based on art techniques and sensibilities. Through projects in collaboration with companies and local communities, it will foster creative and flexible thinking, comprehensively equipping students with "problem-solving skills," "re-questioning skills," "co-creation skills," "problem-finding skills," and "creative thinking skills," all underpinned by aesthetic sensibility.

Takashi Yoshidada has, until now, operated the art school "Atelier e.f.t.," and has engaged in practical activities across education, welfare, community, and culture. These include "Tokyo Coffee," which won both the Good Design Award and Kids Design Award for re-examining the role of adults and society due to school non-attendance and creating a new educational culture, and "Mahou no Dagashiya Tyrol-do," which won the Good Design Grand Award (Prime Minister's Award) as a candy store where all children can eat without feeling ashamed.

Under the philosophy of "learning to live through creation," he has developed learning spaces nationwide for children and adults, fostering initiative and creativity.

In his new role as visiting professor, he will leverage his practical knowledge to advise on educational research in the education and creative fields and disseminate it to society. Additionally, he will participate as a guest speaker in classes within the Faculty/Graduate School of Design and Art.

Furthermore, he will loosely connect with the "e.f.t. College of Arts" initiative, which is being conceived and promoted in Tenri City, Nara Prefecture, as a practical learning hub in the region, sharing insights on the relationship between education and society.

Our association is currently collaborating with Tenri City, Nara Prefecture, on a comprehensive partnership agreement for child support. We are advancing the concept of "e.f.t. College of Arts," a new learning hub that transcends the existing school system, and are working to implement a new educational model that redesigns learning together with the community.

Moving forward, we will work to expand learning spaces, also considering the possibility of new relationships emerging between university education (theory) and community-based hub creation (practice).

Currently, we are seeking supporters through crowdfunding for the launch of "e.f.t. College of Arts." We kindly ask for your support and participation in creating a new educational framework.

▼Crowdfunding Project Page (running until May 14)

Michi wo Tsukuru General Incorporated Association will continue to promote initiatives that transcend educational frameworks and reconstruct learning together with local communities.

[Takashi Yoshidada Profile]
Educator / Designer / Musician. Representative Director of Michi wo Tsukuru General Incorporated Association. Representative of art school "Atelier e.f.t." Representative of "Tokyo Coffee." Co-representative of "Mahou no Dagashiya Tyrol-do." Vocalist of the band "Doberman." Recipient of the 2022 Good Design Award Grand Award (Prime Minister's Award) and others. Conducts lectures and educational activities both domestically and internationally.

[Michi wo Tsukuru General Incorporated Association]
Operated by diverse members consisting of educators and creative professionals.
In addition to Representative Director Takashi Yoshidada, members include Daisuke Sakamoto of Office Camp LLC, Takashi Tachibana of MORIUMIUS Public Interest Incorporated Association, and Kumi Imamura of Certified NPO Katariba. Advisors include Jun Nakagawa, former chairman of Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten, Hiroaki Fukuno, former deputy director of the Nara Prefectural Governor's Office, and Ken Namikawa, Mayor of Tenri City, as a collaborating partner, all experts with deep understanding of the region.

[Contact for this matter]

Michi wo Tsukuru General Incorporated Association Contact: Ano, MAIL: youkoso@tkcf.eft-art.jp