About

Educational Policy

Real Education

Founded 59 years ago in Shibuya, NPI is based on the educational policy, "Always be conscious of the times and provide practical courses linked to the needs of the society." We value the importance of understanding the real social needs in order for our students to achieve their goals.
All of our lecturers are active professionals who have worked in the frontline of the photographic industry. Students learn practical tips and tricks leveraged from their experience.
Our mission at NPI is to provide the best support to our students, to make their dreams come true.

The 6 "Promises" at NPI

1.Curriculum

The curriculum is relevant to the times, so you can meet your desire to learn.

2.Teachers

Our teachers are at the forefront of the industry, so you can learn about the current state of the industry.

3.Equipments

The latest equipment and facilities are available for rent, so you can create a wide range of works.

4.Culture

Located in the heart of the city with many galleries, you will always be able to meet new cultures.

5.Career

With 59 years of industry connections, you can get a lot of employment support.

History

1966	Founded Nippon Shashin Senmon Gakuin (Nippon College of Photography) in Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo Akira Ibuka is appointed as the first Dean
1977	Establishment of the GO Educational Foundation
1978	Shotaro Akiyama is appointed as Dean
1981	Construction and relocation of school facilities to Ohashi in Meguro-ku, Tokyo
1982	Under Article 82.2 of the School Education, approved as a specialized training college by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Renamed to Nippon Photography Institute, appointed Shotaro Akiyama as the first Principal Graphics Postsecondary Daytime Course/2 Year Curriculum Commercial Photography, Portrait Photography Press/Art Photography Course, Press Photography Major/Art Photography Major Secondary Education Operations/Part II/1 Year Curriculum Co-establishment of Photography Techniques/Specialized Course Application of student discount approved by JR East Joined the Metropolitan Tokyo Professional Institution Association
1983	Approved as a free employment placement business provider by the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare
1985	Completion of the campus, relocation from Meguro-ku to current premises Establishment of the Graphics Postsecondary Evening Course Commercial/Portrait Photography Course, Press/Art Photography Course
1994	Title of Diploma approved for graduates from the Postsecondary/ Daytime courses
1995	Course term of the Evening Postsecondary courses changed to 2 years
1996	Under the Ordinance for the Enforcement of the Vocation Training Act, eligibility of all daytime/evening Postsecondary course students to take the National Skills Test for Photography was approved by the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare
1997	Established Graphics Postsecondary Daytime Course/Photography Course 3 Year Curriculum
2002	Joined in academic alliance with NEOMODE Photography Institute (Korea)
2003	Hideki Fujii appointed as Principal Sebastião Salgado appointed as Honorary Advisor
2004	Graphics Postsecondary Daytime Course/3 Year Curriculum Established the Photography Course Photo Fieldwork Seminar
2007	Designated as the school for the Professional Photographers of Japan organization
2008	Change the course name of the Graphics Postsecondary Daytime and Evening Courses to the Photography Course
2010	Toshinobu Takeuchi appointed as Principal
2015	The 3 Year Photography Course, Graphics Postsecondary Course I is approved by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology as an Applied Professional Postsecondary Course School
2017	The 2 Year Photography Course, Graphics Postsecondary Course I is approved by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology as an Applied Professional Postsecondary Course School
2018	Graphics Postsecondary Daytime Course/3 Year Curriculum Established the Photo Social_Business Course
2020	Received recognition as a school eligible for the Japan government's higher education support program.
2022	NOGUCHI, Asawo appointed as principal. NIPPON DESIGNERS SCHOOL Malaysia College established.
2024	Herbie Yamaguchi appointed as principal.