
Games and Animation in Japan: Tradition and Technology
Travel to Japan to engage in academic, industry and cultural experiences to learn about the country’s famous contribution to animation, games and pop culture.
Key information
Locations: Tokyo, Japan
Dates: 22 November – 6 December 2025
Cost: TBC + airfares
Funding available:
- $4,947 OS-HELP Loans available for eligible students
- $9,893 OS-HELP Loans available for eligible students
Eligible students: Undergraduate Animation, Games and Media students
Applications close: 15 August 2024
Study tour overview
In this program, you will travel to Japan to engage in academic, industry and cultural experiences to learn about the country’s famous contribution to animation, games and pop culture. This Study Tour includes lectures and workshops by industry professionals, and day trips to cultural and academic places of interest. During your visit, you will work with the tour leader and local staff to develop a creative response to your travels (a visual diary, plus a proof-of-concept: game, anime or manga according to your respective study area).
The goal of this study tour is to expose students to the society, culture and industry practices of Japan in a games and animation context. With a focus on building education and industry connections, the tour is also extremely valuable in terms of graduate employability.
Highlights
Highlights of past tours have included:
- Lectures by famous animators (including Akira) and game developers (Puyo Puyo)
- Industry visits and presentations
- Visits to the Ghibli Museum and Teamlab Borderless
- Excursions to museums, temples, and other cultural sites
Eligibility and selection criteria
Completion of 50 CP of Game and/or Animation related units by the end of Semester 2, 2025. Eligibility / successful inclusion in the program will be based on GPA and a statement of intention.

Asakusa Temples in Tokyo, Japan
Program cost
TBC + airfares
Inclusions
- Accommodation
- Breakfasts
- Welcome and Farewell dinner
- Ground transport
- Travel and medical insurance
Exclusions
- International airfares
- Academic unit fees
- Visa (if required)
- Most meals
- Personal expenses
Funding
Funding your overseas journey may be easier than you think.
OS-HELP Loans
Invest in your future- eligible Australian students can also apply for an Australian Government OS-HELP Loan of A$4,947 or A$9,893 to help cover costs associated with your overseas program.
For more information on funding and eligibility, see Fee Help and Scholarships.
Information sessions
Information sessions will run in August 2025. To attend an information session, register your interest and we'll send you further details.
Application
Keen to apply? You can submit your application now. Applications will be assessed after the application deadline.
Final application deadline: 15 August 2025
Still not sure?
For further details on this program please contact:
Shaun Britton - Study Tour Leader
Course Director, Animation
sbritton@swin.edu.au
Alastair De Rozario
Study Tour Coordinator
+61 3 9214 6872
studytours@swinburne.edu.au
Join us on the next tour
Register your interest to join us on the Tokyo and Kyoto games and animation study tour and we'll get back to you with the next steps.