The interactivity of electronic media facilitates real-time information exchanges, and together with the development of the network environment, is beginning to transform the structure of society. In this period of change, Studio 1 aims to reveal and analyze technically and socially the various challenges posed by interactive media, and conducts research and creative activities involving artistic and practical aspects of interactive media. Specialist subjects consist of Practical Interactive Media Expression and Prospects in Interactive Media.

Staff: Sekiguchi Atsuhito, Maebayashi Akitsugu, Suzuki Nobuya, Akabane Kyo, Takanori Endo
Studio 1 Site

Electronic media is beginning to dissolve the traditional order of space and time and create a virtual order. However, at the base of this exists the real world, in which humans, and living things in general, go about their daily lives. The structures and narratives along this time axis comprise the archetypal order of our world. Taking this into account, Studio 2 conducts research into diverse time structures corresponding to new electronic media, and proposes new media in response to such structures. The specialist subjects in Studio 2 are Expression in Cinematic Media, Computer Sound Synthesis and Modeling in Computer Graphics.

Staff: Miwa Masahiro, Maeda Shinjiro, Masakazu Saito
Studio 2 Site

In Studio 3, a comprehensive view is given of the environment that surrounds electronic media and people and the relationships thereof from the perspective of interface. Studio 3 consists of staff who command artistic sensibilities in addition to viewpoints in spatial and relational design, as well as and engineering, and whose research and creations lie behind the leading edge in IT and theory relating to these fields. The specialist subjects consist of Relational Design Theory and Applied Information Science Theory.

Staff: Irie Keiichi, Andreas Schneider, James Gibson
Studio 3 Site

Studio 4 speculates on various problems that lie at the base of modern civilization through expression and social activities using media technology. Incorporating these insights, Studio 4 explores the development of possibilities into actual practice for activities such as art project and event planning, museum conception, locally rooted cultural activities, the digitalization and use of conventional cultural information, and new communication design in global networks. Emphasis is also placed on the practical command of the English language. Specialist subjects consist of Language Expression Theory and Performance Theory.

Staff: Ando Yasuhiko, Kobayashi Masahiro
Studio 4 Site

The evolution of media involves technology. This studio conducts research on proposals and uses of new technology that expresses this evolution. In particular, research and development that is supported by IT and scientific theories. Working laterally with other studios a broader view can be adopted. Emphasis is also placed on the practical application of results and industrial partnerships. Specialized courses include Applied System Engineering Theory and Applied Information Science Theory.

Staff: Ishida Akira, Kobayashi Takahiro, Yamada Koji
Studio E Site

Studio 1 and Studio 2 conduct research on modes of expression in interactive media and other space-time based media. Emphasis is placed on the birth of new concepts not dealt with in traditional forms of media, thus creating a new image of media culture. These two studios attempt to develop innovative new art forms in current technological and network orientated environments. They probe human expressive behavior for new modes of expression, which exceed traditional notions of art. Studio 3 focuses on the search for new relationships between spatial concepts in information mediums and interface design, spatial concepts and humans (manifested by technology), the environment and the rest of world. Studio 4 attempts to theoretically explore the philosophical and ideological potential of new media which will act as the foundation for future multimedia artistic creations. Students in Studio 4 re-evaluate traditional philosophies and beliefs from the viewpoint of the current digital information orientated environment we live in. They also attempt to generate new media aesthetics which will enable people to better appreciate media and cultural symbols. All the elements of expression, design and ideology represented by the four studios are closely interrelated, resulting in a highly interactive, stimulating environment. Such an environment enables each studio to fully explore the true potential for media expression in the current information orientated era.

Each student in the Institute belongs to a particular Studio and is supervised by a faculty member responsible for that Studio. One supervisor is assigned per student. The supervisor's role is to offer guidance concerning the student's research as well as consult with the student about his or her activities at IAMAS and other issues.

The standard terms of study is two years.

The Institute of Advanced Media Arts and Sciences accepts students from all fields, and graduation from a particular academic faculty is not required. Education and research at IAMAS are both inter-disciplinary in nature and bring together different fields, so students are not required to decide their field of research upon admission. In April of the first year of the course (initial admission), students are temporarily assigned to a studio. Students are permanently assigned to a studio in June of the first year of the course. The studio they are assigned to depends on their attendance of foundation subjects and research contents.

In order to carry out high-level research into media expression that is interdisciplinary in nature, it is desirable to have a supervisory system that also covers a number of different fields. For this reason, in addition to their supervisor at their permanent studio, students have deputy supervisors in other related studios.

In June of the first year of the course, students are assigned to their permanent studio. From there on, students focus on the special research projects in that particular studio and start to develop a concept for their Masters thesis and creative work under the guidance of their supervisor. By the end of the first year of the course they need to have decided on their research theme, and they are required to make a presentation of the research and study that they have undertaken during the year relating to their theme. In their second year, students work on their thesis and creative work, and also receive individual research supervision. During this period, from the first semester of their first year to the first semester of their second year, students take project subjects and accumulate know-how and experience in a range of fields. At the same time, by taking an interest in the results of the project as a whole and its state of progress, students learn the techniques of project planning, management and research exchange, and incorporate the results into their own creative works and theses. They make mid-term presentations of their work at the end of July and submit their Masters work and thesis in January.

Students who meet the following requirements are allowed to graduate:

1. Students who have studied at the Institute for two or more years. In the case of students who have achieved outstanding grades, the length of enrollment may be one year, according to provisions made in the rules and regulations of IAMAS.
2. Students who have accumulated 30 units as outlined in the "Coursework Requirements" section.
3. Students who have received study guidance and successfully defended their Master's thesis or graduation work including a research report, and passed their final screening and examinations.

Students who successfully complete the graduate course are conferred a Masters Degree (Media Creations).