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College of Performing and Visual Arts
Graduate Voices

Graduate Voices

Our alumni are active in a wide range of fields, living and working as expressive individuals. Their activities extend from theaters to corporations and local communities, encompassing roles such as stage actors, dancers, musicians, and video creators. Armed with the creativity, collaborative skills, and ability to share their expressions with society that they cultivated during their studies, each of them is forging their own unique path.

Theater & Dance Major
Music Major
Visual Arts Major

Dancer (Freelancer)

College of Performing and Visual Arts Theater & Dance Major
Graduation in 2024

Mayu Kishimoto

People think they do various things to know themselves, and I have continued to search for myself through dancing, which led me to where I am now. I started dancing as a child and wanted to continue being involved in the arts, so I enrolled in J. F. Oberlin University. Until before enrolling, I strongly believed that anyone who stands on stage is someone who is confident. But now, I can see that this is not really the case. This is because I became strongly drawn to expressions that insecure people had to do, and to things that those already confident create and offer while doubting and hesitating.

During my time at university, I performed as a dancer and actor in plays both on and off campus, and also worked as a staff member. For my graduation project, I presented a performance I conceived myself, titled "Undercurrent." I was involved in the production from various angles and poured my passion into it.

Since graduating, I've created and performed small works on my own, and also participated in projects by seniors and classmates. Outside of the stage, I've worked on art projects, assisted with university classes and at Dance OPAL, and taught at my alma mater's dance club. Lately, I've been wanting to go far, so I've been participating in various activities and productions. I feel that living in someone else's world holds the potential to go far, and I continue to face it with unwavering dedication.

Looking ahead, I'd like to move my base of operations from Kanagawa Prefecture, where I was born and raised. I want to get to know new places and people, and constantly encounter new things. While continuing my journey of self-discovery by getting to know others, I want to continue my activities so that I can build bridges between myself and myself, and between myself and others, through my work.

Nagahama City Industry and Tourism Department, Culture and Tourism Division, Chief

Comprehensive Culture Cluster, Theater Major
Graduated in 2006

Takato Nakamura

Takahito Nakamura

Dance Company Baobab Producer
JR East Cultural Creation Foundation, Takanawa Gateway City, Cultural Creation Building Preparation Office, Planning and Promotion Department
Gauch Brothers Creator Management

Comprehensive Culture Cluster, Theater Major
Graduated in 2009

Fuyuko Mezawa

Playwright & Director / Founder of Hanchuu Yuyueing

Comprehensive Culture Cluster, Theater Major
Graduated in 2009

Yamamoto Takutaku

Suguru Yamamoto

Bangkok Theater Festival “Best Screenplay Award/Best Work Award” (2014)
Winner of the 66th Kishida Kunio Drama Award, "Banana Flowers Are Edible" (2022)

Choreographer, dancer, actor / Founder of Baobab

Comprehensive Culture Cluster, Theater Major
Graduated in 2009

Wataru Kitao

Yokohama Dance Collection 2018 "Best Dancer Award" (2018)
Bessie Award (New York Dance & Performance Award)
"Outstanding Performer Category Nomination" (2020)

Choreographer & Dancer / Founder of Kedagoro

Comprehensive Culture Cluster, Theater Major
Graduated in 2014

Reisa Shimojima

SAI Dance Festival 2019 COMPETITION “Best Work Award” (2019)
8th El Sur Foundation Contemporary Dance Division "Newcomer Award" (2019)
Japan Dance Forum Award (2023)

Playwright, director, novelist, Artistic Director of Kinosaki International Art Center / Q Leader

Comprehensive Culture Cluster, Theater Major
Graduated in 2010

Satoko Ichihara

Winner of the 11th AAF Playwriting Award, "The Insect" (2011)
Winner of the 64th Kishida Kunio Drama Award: "The Bacchae - Holstein Cow" (2020)

Bungakuza Directing Department (Sound)

Comprehensive Culture Cluster, Theater Major
Graduated in 2010

Yuya Maruta

jazz singer

College of Performing and Visual Arts Music Major
Graduated in 2023

Hana Ardy

Hana Ardie

Active in a wide range of live shows, mainly jazz, R&B, and pop.
In 2023, he provided songs to the professional dance team Dip battles in the D-League.
In 2024, participated in the recording of NHK Labs' Events 'Can You Experience! Can You Do It?'.
In 2024, participated as a chorus in the rap medley of Nippon TV's "The Music Day."
2024–25: Participated as a backing chorus in Mai Kuraki Live Project.

I wanted to see a career in the music field, so I enrolled without any skills or basic knowledge.
During the first two years, due to COVID-19, classroom teaching was the main focus, but I somehow managed to earn credits with help from my teachers and friends in the same group, which is a very fond memory. Not only about music, but also about dance, theater, film, and management, I was able to learn a wide range of subjects like J. F. Oberlin University, which made me glad I was able to study at .

I took hands-on classes in guitar, conga, vocal music, and jazz vocals. All the teachers were very friendly, and I enjoyed the lessons.
I believe that even the vague anxieties after graduation were addressed by teachers who seriously faced and taught me, so I think I am able to work as a singer now!

Outside of school, I was able to participate in local festivals and volunteer at nursing homes, which was a valuable experience that eased my fear of singing in front of others.

I think it was a good practice ground to gain a lot of information and move aggressively for the future.

clarinetist

College of Performing and Visual Arts Music Major
Graduated in 2019

Eriko Masunaga

In fact, I enrolled in J. F. Oberlin University just because I vaguely liked music. I had never taken clarinet lessons before, but I remember being moved by the attentive and thorough lessons that dispelled those concerns. There are two clarinet teachers, and by studying under both, I feel that my own challenges have become clearer and my knowledge of the instrument has deepened. I think J. F. Oberlin University is unique to being able to choose whether to learn from multiple teachers or continue learning from one teacher.

In the J. F. Oberlin University Orchestra I joined in my first year, the instrumental performance seminar I joined in my third year, and through the annual orchestra concerts by clarinet students and ensemble units formed by students, I was able to learn not only performance techniques but also how to plan, manage, and arrange concerts. Currently, although I work in a job unrelated to music, I am actively involved in performing with orchestras and ensembles.

Utilizing the planning and arrangement skills I learned at university, I team up with classmates to hold self-organized concerts (recitals) once or twice a year. I also assist with teaching the junior high school brass band club, which I have always dreamed of. I also regularly keep in touch with the teachers I studied under and listen to my concerns and consultations. I am only grateful for the lessons and connections I made at university.

Teacher at Kanagawa Prefecture Municipal Junior High School (Yokohama Municipal Junior High School Teacher)

College of Performing and Visual Arts Music Major
Graduation in 2024

Manami Sakata

I was attracted to the fact that I could study a wide range of fields centered on my favorite music, and also that I could obtain a teaching license, so I went on to J. F. Oberlin University. For someone like me who wanted to take on various challenges, this environment allowed me to deepen my learning and broaden my horizons at my own pace across the board, which was extremely rewarding.

In Music Major, in addition to piano, I challenged myself in a wide range of fields, including pipe organ, harpsichord, traditional Japanese instruments, chorus, and composition. Among pipe organs, I gained valuable life experiences such as lessons and exams at the resonant Providence Hall, as well as performing at welcome concerts on open campus. Also, during the German music training I attended in my fourth year, I was able to experience various works of art and greatly broaden my knowledge.

During my formative years as a middle school student, I was supported and guided by many teachers. Inspired by them, I aspired to become someone who could support and guide others, and that's why I decided to become a teacher. In the teacher training program, I received thorough guidance from teachers actively working in the field, and through short-term internships, I deepened my understanding of teaching methods and the realities of students.

I was able to spend such a fulfilling four years thanks to many wonderful connections and the enthusiastic guidance of my teachers. I will never forget my gratitude to those who supported me and my initial aspirations, and I aim to become a teacher who can sincerely engage with each and every student and support their challenges.

Shisei Gakusha Tachikawa Children's Affairs Headquarters

College of Performing and Visual Arts Music Major
Graduated in 2023

Sohto Iwata

Sayami Iwata

The main reason I decided to enroll in J. F. Oberlin University was the opportunity to study music broadly and professionally, as well as to obtain a teaching license.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, all practical and practical classes started online, but I focused on piano and choral conducting instruction, as well as studied music history, music theory, and music therapy. Also, since the practical skills are open to beginners, I challenged myself with musical vocal techniques, koto, and shakuhachi, which I had never experienced before. Under the guidance of active teachers, I was able to watch concerts and musicals where they actually performed. Drawing on my experience holding concerts in seminars and internships, I also organized my own graduation concert.

In addition to specialized subjects, I also took liberal arts and teacher training courses. At first, I aspired to become a teacher, but after taking many subjects, I decided to become a staff member at a children's welfare facility, wanting to support not only the school itself but also the fundamental aspects of children's lives, noticing small changes and helping them grow. To that end, I also took College of Health and Welfare courses related to social welfare, deepening my knowledge.

Currently, as a staff member at a children's welfare facility, I not only support the lives of children but also leverage what I learned at university to be involved through music.

opera singer

School of Integrated Culture, Music Major
Graduated in 2009

Miwako Okamura

After graduating, she completed the Nikikai Opera Training Institute. Subsequently, she became a trainee at the University of Memphis School of Music in the United States. In 2017, she received a scholarship from the Sawakami Opera Arts Promotion Foundation and went to Italy. After honing her skills at the Teatro Comunale di Trieste and Bologna, she graduated with perfect marks and praise from the Master's program at the Bologna National Conservatory of Music. In 2016, she won the Italian Ambassador's Cup at the 46th Italian Vocal Competition. She has won first prize at the Ismaë-Revoltolini International Vocal Competition in 2019 and first prize at the Riccardo Zadonnay International Vocal Competition in 2021, among many other international competitions. In Italy, she has performed major opera roles such as Violetta in "La Traviata" and Adina in "L'elisir d'amore." She currently continues to perform in Italy and Japan.

Winning a competition is a reward for yourself for your hard work. I will never forget the feeling I felt when I was first moved by opera, and this time, I want to bring inspiration to many people. Standing on stage and hearing your voice echo throughout the hall, I feel an indescribable joy. He became interested in opera in high school. I had the opportunity to watch operas, where I was captivated by the expressive power of the voice and strongly wanted to sing it myself. Then, at J. F. Oberlin University, I met Reiko Kobayashi teacher, and as I took lessons, I became completely captivated.

Reiko Kobayashi In his seminar, he performed a highlight performance of "The Marriage of Figaro." The experience of working hard together with friends to create a single opera is a treasure for a lifetime. While still a student, he also organized independent concerts focused on opera together with his friends. Even now, graduates regularly hold independent concerts, providing a great opportunity to reminisce about their original intentions. I am very happy that my long-held dream of studying abroad in Italy has been recognized for my hard work.

Employed / Kanagawa Prefectural Public Elementary School

College of Performing and Visual Arts Music Major
Graduated in 2014

Kyoko Kobayashi

yoko Kobayashi

I believe the appeal of J. F. Oberlin University lies in the fact that students can expand and deepen their learning and experience depending on their motivation. I focused on piano, but also studied vocal music, pipe organ, and choir, which helped broaden my musical horizons. For piano, I worked on duets and two pianos during seminars and graduation projects, learning the joy and depth of expression that differ from solo performances. I also held self-organized concerts with my peers, and I think these four years have been the most fulfilling and enjoyable time in my life.

The reason I can look back like this now is thanks to the teachers who have supported each student and provided precise guidance. What I learned from teachers who are both musicians and educators is now useful every day as I face children in my work. Just like the teachers who supported my growth and challenges at J. F. Oberlin University, one of my goals is to become a teacher who supports the growth of each student before me and encourages them to take on challenges.

PC Depot Corporation Co., Ltd.

College of Performing and Visual Arts Visual Arts Major
Graduated in 2022

Hi Bum Bum

Fei Wenwen

I joined the Japanese painting seminar in my third year. In the seminar, the theme was 'Future,' expressing my thoughts about the future through Japanese painting, and I was able to exhibit my work in the special student exhibition corner of the Sesshu International Art Association J. F. Oberlin University Exhibition at the National Art Center, Tokyo.

In the seminar, the happiest thing is meeting peers and seniors who share the same goals, beyond just creative work. For my graduation research, I drew pictures that conveyed my thoughts to others based on the experience I had accumulated so far, and I was able to exhibit my works as selected works outside the university. My experience studying abroad in Japan is my treasure.

PC Depot Corporation Co., Ltd.

College of Performing and Visual Arts Visual Arts Major
Graduated in 2022

Sato Hitomi

Hitomi Sato

I was interested in graphic design and wanted to study it, so I enrolled in J. F. Oberlin University, but in reality, I studied various fields such as textiles, products, CG, and ceramics, which allowed me to deepen my understanding of how I think and feel about things.

In addition, I challenged myself with various activities such as participating in clubs and projects outside of class, and enjoyed activities like "planning and producing products and exhibiting them in business shows," "participating in design competitions with class creations," during which I received awards and was even able to commercialize products. Even if the entrance to learning is "interest," you can learn from scratch, so compared to other art universities, I feel I was able to study many arts in a practical way.

Toppan Printing Co., Ltd. Headquarters Planning Department

College of Performing and Visual Arts Visual Arts Major
Graduated in 2018

Takeshi Kobayashi

At university, I believe that my relentless pursuit of my "ideals" has become a source of strength. A concrete example of this is the fashion show "FRACTAL" that I planned with fellow students at the time. Thanks to the cooperation of many friends, juniors, and professors, as well as the understanding and provision of facilities by the school, we were able to express ourselves to the fullest extent, which has become a fond memory of my university days and has given me valuable experience and knowledge that I can use today.

It's extremely rare to be able to make a living doing what you love, but looking back now, I realize that the short four years I spent planning and dedicating myself to "what I wanted to do" in pursuit of a vague "ideal" was an incredibly valuable experience.

Adachi Traditional Woodblock Print Technology Preservation Foundation

College of Performing and Visual Arts Visual Arts Major
Graduated in 2020

Maka Yamashita

Manaka Yamashita

A wide range of art studies available. Must be a member of the volleyball club. These two were the main reasons I chose J. F. Oberlin University.

Currently, I am learning techniques as an apprentice carver in a traditional woodblock print workshop. The perseverance I developed through volleyball resembled the daily life of craftsmen who improve their skills through daily accumulation, which gave me a sense of reassurance. I also feel that the manufacturing sensibility I gained from broad learning helps me face technical work.

Young Jump serialized manga artist assistant

College of Performing and Visual Arts Visual Arts Major
Graduated in 2021

Shimahara Ato

Ato Shimabara

I believe choosing J. F. Oberlin University to paint was a turning point in my life.

Gradually, I learned how to draw, gradually brought out my own colors in my drawings, and I strongly felt the joy of having my individuality recognized through critiques, as well as the joy and importance of expressing something that comes from within myself. The big thing you gain from university is to fully do what you want and love. I realized that this was the most authentic way to study, and as a result, I was able to develop the potential and spirit of challenge to submit manga to major manga magazines, submit manga awards, and apply for assistant positions.

Currently, while working as an assistant on a serialized manga in Young Jump, I submit my work to a manga award and received the Expectation Award shortly before graduating. Even without studying manga, I think gaining connections at university that recognized me led to my current job. Also, my younger brother enrolled at the same time as I graduated, which makes me very happy.

Domerica Co., Ltd.

College of Performing and Visual Arts Visual Arts Major
Graduated in 2021

Ryunosuke Okawa

I enrolled in this J. F. Oberlin University and currently mainly produce 3DCG at an animation company.

The reason I enrolled was simply to study comprehensive arts, but through my university life and living closely connected to the arts, I gained not only lessons directly related to my current work in fields like video editing, animation, and 3DCG, but also learned a lot mentally in fields not directly related to art. In particular, my experience in the Japanese painting seminar was a turning point. Since the wavering emotions in Japanese painting are directly reflected in the artwork, I learned a lot not only about painting techniques but also about mental control, such as the importance of boldness. This experience was a major factor in my decision when choosing my current company.

Studying art at this university has been a tremendous experience for me. Also, my younger sister enrolled as a first-year student this year, so both of us feel increasingly close to this university.

Shoei Art Co., Ltd. Creative Department, Space Design Section

College of Performing and Visual Arts Visual Arts Major
Graduated in 2023

Moeka Mitsui

J. F. Oberlin University is a university that supports each student's challenge. While I was a student, I was able to take on various challenges, such as entering art competitions and holding solo exhibitions. I feel that these things were possible because of the teachers and friends who supported me with genuine care.  At Visual Arts Major, I was able to study various fields of art, and through that learning, I feel that my perspective and way of thinking have broadened. In my work, I value applying what I learned at university to take on various challenges and to think deeply from multiple perspectives.

BMC Corporation

College of Performing and Visual Arts Visual Arts Major
Graduation in 2025

Miyuki Baba

At university, I studied a wide range of video productions, including television, film, documentary and drama shooting, and editing. The classes made me realize the challenges and joys of expressing my thoughts through video. For anyone who loves video, I recommend taking various classes across different media and genres; you'll discover something new and exciting! My future goal is to become a director who creates programs that add color to everyday life. To achieve this, I want to work hard while keeping an eye out for new and exciting opportunities.

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