Study Video Game Design In Japan

From ZERO to PRO!
If you're looking for employment, head to HAL!

To All International Students

There are no boundaries in the desire to learn.

There are 1,240 international students from 36 countries and regions studying at HAL (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya) ^*.

HAL has a variety of support systems so that international students can have a safe and enjoyable school life.

As a school, we actively support everything from residence, daily life in Japan, to employment at a Japanese company and acquisition for VISA.

At HAL we will do all we can do to help those who have the desire to learn.

* Achievement of the 3 HAL (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya) schools at the end of January 2021.

Open Campus

Visits / Consultations every day, even online! (10:00 - 20:00 JST, excluding Sundays, Japanese public holidays, and dates between 12/26 - 1/5.)

▶See list of events　TOKYO　OSAKA　NAGOYA
・Trial Class　TOKYO　OSAKA　NAGOYA
・Available every day! Online individual consultations.　TOKYO　OSAKA　NAGOYA

Welcome to HAL

HAL was established in Osaka, 1984. Currently, being one of the largest vocational schools in Japan with the school buildings located 3 minutes by foot from each terminal station in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.

It is a school accredited by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology as a "Professional Post-secondary Course" for practical education that is recognized by Japan.
We have created the state-of-the-art learning environment by collaborating with world-leading companies such as Nintendo and Microsoft in various ways.

At HAL, about 8,700 students are studying in the fields of Games, CG, Animation, Music, Car Design, WEB, IT and AI.
Our graduates are highly regarded for their practical skills and employment guidance that reflects the human resource needs in each industry.

Additionally, we have introduced an study abroad system at "CREAPOLE" in Paris, creating an environment for nurturing creators who will become active around the world.

YouTube

▶HAL NEWS　TOKYO　OSAKA　NAGOYA

WHY HAL?

One-on-one guidance is provided by employment guidance instructors who understand the human resources needs of companies.

"If you're looking for employment, head to HAL": this phrase has nothing to do with whether you're Japanese or an international student.
For those who desire to get a job, the employment guidance instructors will give thorough individual guidance from how to write a resume to interviews, production and presentation of your employment portfolio.
Thorough support for qualification acquisition and certification exam strategies, which are powerful tools when looking for a job.
We also provide full support for finding employment in Japan, such as job hunting strategies and acquisition of your VISA.

Unparalleled "Contest Achievements"
Many awards won consecutively in contests in a wide range of fields. It's your turn next!

Industry-Academia Case Studies
You can aquire "real-world skills" by working with companies and creators from planning to commercilization!

"Special seminars" with direct guidance by professionals direct guidance from world-class creators and top runners in the industry.

International Student Support System

1. HAL is a "licensed school", a "proper school", and a "certified school" .
2. Upon graduation, you will receive a diploma and the title of "Advanced Diploma" or "Diploma".
3. There is a special course to help improve your Japanese proficiency.
4. There is an international student support system that helps you feel at ease during both your studies and daily life.
5. We provide a living environment where you can study with peace of mind.
6. We will take responsibility for supporting you in gaining qualifications and getting employment in Japan.

There are many other support systems available too!

Employment Achievements from HAL International Students

HAL is powerful for international students going into the industry.

Aiming / BANDAI NAMCO Studios / CAPCOM / CyberAgent / CyberConnect2 / DMM.com / DOCOMO Systems / GAME FREAK / GMO Internet / INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS / Klab / Konami Amusement / Konami Digital Entertainment / LINE / LIXIL / miHoYo / SEGA / SQUARE ENIX / SUNRISE / TOYOTA Motor East Japan / Yahoo JAPAN / Hero Mutual Entertainment / Shogakukan Music & Digital Entertainment / Toei ZUKUN LABORATORY / Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. / Japan's No. 1 Software / Hitachi (China) Co., Ltd. / Nintendo / Hakuhodo i-studio / NetEase Games and many others

※ Achievement samples from graduates at the 3 HAL schools (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya)

Subjects / Courses

Game Design / Game Planning / Game Production / CG Images / Graphic Design / Anime and Illustration / Music / Car Design / IT / WEB / AI

Departments and majors that cover the cutting-edge industries.
After graduation, the professional world you are aiming for awaits you.

Upon graduation, you will obtain the title of "advanced diploma" / "diploma". It will be easier for you to re-enter and get a job in Japan.

▶ Click here for more details　TOKYO　OSAKA　NAGOYA

Global Size Education Network

HAL has prepared an environment where you can learn the latest techniques from around the world, not just in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Paris. Creators and engineers who play active roles worldwide are born at HAL.

HAL

HAL TOKYO
3 minutes on foot from Shinjuku station (West Exit).
50 storeys above ground, Cocoon Tower general school building.

HAL OSAKA
3 minutes on foot from Osaka station.
21 storeys above ground and 3 storeys below ground, HAL Osaka general school building.

HAL NAGOYA
3 minutes on foot from Nagoya station.
36 storeys above ground, Spiral Towers general school building.

CREAPOLE (HAL Paris)

HAL Overseas Office

HAL has five offices around the world, including its sister school in Paris. Each office supports global learning, from overseas research / training and support when studying abroad, to collaborations with companies and educational institutions overseas as well as admission consultation when enrolling directly from overseas.

France office (Paris campus CREAPOLE)
America office (New York)
Italy office (Milan)
Shanghai office
Taiwan office

Facilities / Equipment

The environment nurtures people!
Make the most of the best development and production environment approved by the PROs.

▶ Click here for more details　TOKYO　OSAKA　NAGOYA

Voices of the International Students

China / Sijia Zuo
Game 4-year Department
Designer at Square Enix Co., Ltd.

I thought that enrolling at HAL would be the best way to aim to enter the game industry because of the good employment record and the reputation of the instructors. Students can also learn the how to draw from scratch and hone their drawing skills needed for game development.

China / Sijia Zuo
Game 4-year Department
Designer at Square Enix Co., Ltd.

I thought that enrolling at HAL would be the best way to aim to enter the game industry because of the good employment record and the reputation of the instructors. Students can also learn the how to draw from scratch and hone their drawing skills needed for game development.
Korea / Hyungseung Kim
WEB Department
UI Designer at LINE Co., Ltd.

The instructors teach almost everything you need to get a job in an easy-to-understand manner, and I think it was great to have the job seminar and get to experience something that you would usually not. There are many on-campus briefings held at schools by companies, and I'm glad that every student had the oppotunity to attend these briefings. Choosing HAL is a major turning point in life.

Korea / Hyungseung Kim
WEB Department
UI Designer at LINE Co., Ltd.

The instructors teach almost everything you need to get a job in an easy-to-understand manner, and I think it was great to have the job seminar and get to experience something that you would usually not. There are many on-campus briefings held at schools by companies, and I'm glad that every student had the oppotunity to attend these briefings. Choosing HAL is a major turning point in life.
Mexico / Gersenowises Jasso Irene
Game Production Department
Game programmer at Nintendo Co., Ltd.

I wanted to get a job in Japan, so I enrolled at HAL, which had a good employment record. I was able to make my dreams come true by studying in a game development environment not found in other schools, a long internship, and being able to create works while communicating with Japanese students.

Mexico / Gersenowises Jasso Irene
Game Production Department
Game programmer at Nintendo Co., Ltd.

I wanted to get a job in Japan, so I enrolled at HAL, which had a good employment record. I was able to make my dreams come true by studying in a game development environment not found in other schools, a long internship, and being able to create works while communicating with Japanese students.

China / Yuyang Gu
Information Processing Department
Engineer at Yahoo Japan Corporation.

I had more opportunities to interact with Japanese people, and my Japanese proficiency has improved. I am pleased that I was able to get a job offer from a major company in Japan with the school's guidance on employment tactics for each company.

China / Yuyang Gu
Information Processing Department
Engineer at Yahoo Japan Corporation.

I had more opportunities to interact with Japanese people, and my Japanese proficiency has improved. I am pleased that I was able to get a job offer from a major company in Japan with the school's guidance on employment tactics for each company.
Indonesia / RAYMOND
Car Design Department
Clay modeller at Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

I was inexperienced and worried whether I could get a job in Japan, but I was able to improve quickly and easily got a job offer in an area that suits my needs. I will do my best to become a clay modeller who is active around the world.

Indonesia / RAYMOND
Car Design Department
Clay modeller at Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

I was inexperienced and worried whether I could get a job in Japan, but I was able to improve quickly and easily got a job offer in an area that suits my needs. I will do my best to become a clay modeller who is active around the world.
China / Fei Hou
Music Department
Sound Designer at NetEase Games (NetEase Games).

I was able to improve significantly because I was able to learn not only because of the specialized knowledge I got but also because I was able to become familiar with the atmosphere of the creator job field and the personality required.

China / Fei Hou
Music Department
Sound Designer at NetEase Games (NetEase Games).

I was able to improve significantly because I was able to learn not only because of the specialized knowledge I got but also because I was able to become familiar with the atmosphere of the creator job field and the personality required.

▶ Click here for more　Voice of Seniors　TOKYO　OSAKA　NAGOYA

Frequently Asked Questions

What courses are offered?

▼ Day Classes 4-year System
※ You will receive the title of "Advanced Diploma" as a graduation qualification which is the same graduation qualification as that of a Japanese 4-year university course.

Faculty of Games
Game 4-year Department

Game Design Course
Game Designer Major
3D Character Designer Major
Smartphone Game Designer Major

Game Planning Course
Game Planner Major
Game Scenario Writer Major
Game Director Major

Game Production Course
VR / 3D Game Programmer Major
Online Game Programmer Major
Smartphone Game Programmer Major

Faculty of CG
4-year CG / Design / Animation 4-year Department

CG Video Course
3DCG Creator Major
VFX Artist Major

Graphic Design Course
CG Designer Major
Art Director Major

Animation / Illustration Course
Animator Major
Illustrator Major

Faculty of Music
Music Department
Sound Creator Major
Sound Engineer Major
Game Music Major

Faculty of Car Design
Car Design Department
Car Designer Major
Car Modeler Major
Next Generation Mobility Development Major

Faculty of IT
Advanced Information Science Department

Advanced Information Processing Course
Advanced System Engineer Major
IoT Network Major
Cyber Security Major

WEB Development Course
WEB Designer Major
WEB Development Engineer Major
Smartphone Application Development Major

AI Systems Development Course

▼ Day Classes (2-Year Curriculum)
※ You will receive a "Diploma" upon graduation, which is the equivalent a Japanese junior college qualification.

Faculty of Games
Game Department
Game Program Major
Character Design Major

Faculty of CG
CG Department
CG Design Major
CG Animation Major

Faculty of Music
Music Department
Computer Music Major
PA / Recording Major

Faculty of Information Technology
Information Processing Department
Information Processing Program Major
Network Security Major

WEB Department
WEB Programming Major
WEB Design Major

▼ Day Classes (1-Year Curriculum)

Faculty of National Qualifications
National Qualification Department
Basic Information Technology Major
Applied Information Technology Engineer Major
Database Specialist Major
Network Specialist Major
Embedded System Specialist Major
Information Security Supporter Major

Paris School Study Abroad Course

▼ Night-time Classes (2-Year Curriculum)
Game Department
CG Imaging Department
Graphic Design Department
WEB design Department
Network Department
Information Processing Department

※ Student VISA cannot be obtained by those attending Night-time Classes. If you wish to enroll, please contact the Admissions Office.
What educational features does HAL have?

We have made an industry-academic collaboration, which is ideal in specialized education, a reality. We thoroughly provide practical education so students can learn from the professionals by interacting with companies.

We also train students in unique subjects such as "creativity development", "self-development", and "thinking skills". Maximize your creativity and train your communication skills needed in Japanese society.
What achievements do you have?

Impressive contest results. Many consecutive prizes won in contests in a wide range of fields.

Game creator's gateway "Japan Game Awards Amateur Category". HAL is a top school that has won the grand prize seven times, while many works are gathered from universities and vocational schools all across the country annually. In 2021, our school has set a new record in Japan for winning the contest for 15 consecutive years. It is a record that proves the impressive abilities of the students at HAL.

In addition, we have an industry-academia collaboration project "Case Study" where we practically work on a series of processes from planning to production in response to requests from clients such as companies / organizations and creators. We have achieved results by interacting with and learning from actual professionals while making the most of the rich sensibilities of the students.

・Microsoft Japan Co., Ltd. Completed game app released to the general public.
・Proposing the next design of Nissan "GT-R".
・Yahoo Japan Corporation released an application that utilizes the Map Web API.
・Direct instruction by Takayuki Yanase of Shirogumi Co., Ltd., to produce HAL TVCF.
And many others.
Can beginners study here too?

Go from ZERO to PRO.

Instructors who have experience in the industry will guide you from the basics. We also hold "special seminars" that welcome specialists from each industry as leaders.

With corporate support, we have installed various kinds of game development machines such as Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox 360, and the latest equipment such as motion capture and full digital surround system. As creators, we have created an ideal environment. Since you study in the same environment as that of the pros, even if you are a complete beginner at the time of admission, you will acquire the abilities needed work by the time you graduate.

・Shigeru Miyamoto / Nintendo Co., Ltd./CEO Fellow / Works: Mario Series, The Legend of Zelda Series, Donkey Kong Series
・Nobuo Uematsu / Composer / Works: Final Fantasy Series
・Jakub Dvorsky / Game Creator / Works: Samorost, Machinarium
I'm worried if I can keep up with the classes

Don't worry. Passing the school's admissions screening that places importance "motivation" and "sense of purpose" will help you to keep up with the classes. Since there is a complete homeroom system that continues even after enrolment, we will support each and every one of you closely. Please rest assured that we also offer individual supplementary classes.

In addition, we have dedicated international student guidance staff members to provide guidance. Japanese students who have the same dream as you will also be there to assist. There is also a special course to help improve your Japanese proficiency, and an instructor who can teach the Japanese language school's N1 (1st grade) level will give advice on preparing for the exam. We have created a learning environment where you can not only acquire Japanese language skills as well as specialized knowledge and skills, but also receive advice on daily life.

How to enrol

I would like some detailed school information.

We will send you the latest information regarding HAL for free.
Click here to request the school brochures.
※ Overseas dispatch is not available.

HAL TOKYO
HAL OSAKA
HAL NAGOYA
I want to know the enrollment requirements.

Students who meet all of the conditions in 1.2.3 below, assuming that the purpose of studying abroad is clear and that they have a strong desire to acquire knowledge and skills in their specialized fields.

1. Those who have completed or are soon to complete the regular 12-year curriculum and will reach the age of 18 at the time of admission.
※ If the regular curriculum is less than 12 years, or if you are under the age of 18 at the time of admission, please contact the admissions counseling office.

2. Students who meet one of the following conditions for Japanese proficiency.
・ Students who have studied for over 6 months at a Japanese language education institution specified by the Minister of Justice of Japan.
・ Students who have passed the N1 (1st grade) or N2 (2nd grade) in the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT).
・ Students who have obtained 200 points or more in the Japanese language subjects of the Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) (total of reading comprehension, listening comprehension and listening comprehension excluding description).
・ Students who got 400 points or more in the BJT business Japanese proficiency test.
・ Students who have studied for over one year at elementary schools, junior high schools, high schools, colleges of technology, junior colleges, universities, and graduate schools in Japan.
※ Please contact admissions counseling if you do not have Japanese proficiency above but can fully understand the content of the class and have a status of residence that allows you to stay in Japan without any problems from admission to graduation.
I would like to ask about how to enrol.

● If the applicant resides in Japan
Please contact the admissions office or visit the school directly to obtain the "International Student Admission Guidelines".

● If the applicant resides in his / her own country
There are two systems that allow admission by document screening ^* without coming to Japan to take the examination, and a system that asks a representative to apply for the application procedure. HAL will apply for status of residence on your behalf.

1. Overseas special admission system
This is a system that accepts and selects applications directly from overseas for those who have passed the N1 (1st grade) or N2 (2nd grade) in the "Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)"^*.

2. Admission system before arrival in Japan
This is a system that allows you to take the examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) outside Japan and submit it before you arrive in Japan, based on your grades and document screening ^*. The target audience is those who have obtained 200 points or more in Japanese subjects (total of reading comprehension, listening comprehension and listening comprehension excluding description).

3. Representative system
Please ask a representative living in Japan to act for you. We will contact the representative regarding the selection date.

* If necessary, we may conduct a video call or an interview by telephone.

Please contact us via phone or E-mail.
Admission consultations available every day. (10: 00-20: 00, except Sundays and Japan public holidays, 12/26 - 1/5)

HAL TOKYO : TEL. 03-3344-1010　E-mail: nyugaku.tokyo@hal.ac.jp
HAL OSAKA : TEL. 06-6347-0001　E-mail: nyugaku.osaka@hal.ac.jp
HAL NAGOYA : TEL. 052-551-1001　E-mail: nyugaku.nagoya@hal.ac.jp

▼ Application Method
HAL TOKYO
HAL OSAKA
HAL NAGOYA

I would like to visit HAL.

For those who would like to visit the school, please click on the link below.
Visits available everyday, even online!(10: 00-20: 00, except Sundays and Japan public holidays, 12/26 - 1/5)

Contact Details

HAL TOKYO
HAL OSAKA
HAL NAGOYA