primary course

about

In the primary course, students will confront their own roots by learning about various examples from the history of fashion, focusing on the fundamental question, “What is fashion?” The primary course focuses on the fundamental question, "What is fashion? Through the creation of a research book, students learn the processes of concept-making, research, design, and creation, and broaden their range of fashion expression. In addition, students can receive production advice from tutors, and we value an environment that encourages dialogue among students. This allows students to develop an objective and unique perspective on self-expression, and to work on the creation of artwork and portfolios (collections of works).

Curriculum

The primary course is divided into three terms (Term 1: Concept & Research, Term 2: Design & Development, Term 3: Collection & Portfolio) on different subjects based on the student's own roots. The students work from the research book they have created. On the last day of each term, students give a presentation and receive feedback on their creative process from the instructor and guest reviewers. The final presentation will include the research book, artwork, and an original portfolio.

<schedule >

- Orientation - Term1 "Concept & Research

Term1 “Concept & Research”
Week1 →Week2 →Week3 →presentation

Term2 “Design & Development”
Week5 →Week6 →Week7 →presentation

Term3 "Collection & Portfolio"
Week9 →Week10→Week11→Presentation

Networking session or Final Exhibition

<Time Table >
17:00 - Classroom lecture by Yamagata
19:00 - Workshop or classroom lecture
20:00 - Work critique
21:00 Class ends

Instructors

Yoshikazu Yamagata (山縣良和)
Yuki Shimane (島根由祈)

Courses Offered

First semester: May-October Saturdays 17:00-21:00
Second semester: November-April Saturdays 17:00-21:00

※ Each half term consists of 12 lessons + orientation + social event at the end of the course.
※ Orientation and social event for all courses will be held at the first class.
※ When the final exhibition is held, students are entitled to participate in it regardless of whether they took the course in the first or second semester.
※ Special classes may be held in addition to the basic classes.
※ This is a half-term completion course.
※ Time may be extended depending on the session.
※ The course is basically designed for on-site participation.
※ Repeated enrollment in this course is not possible.
※ Students who take this course will be issued a digital student ID card.
※ A certificate of completion will be issued to those who successfully complete the course.

Course fee

Enrollment fee 15,000 yen (16,500 yen including tax)
Course fee 165,000 yen (181,500 yen including tax).

※ Other expenses such as art materials (basically self-prepared)
※ If you have attended “coconogaco” in the past, the admission fee of 15,000 yen will be waived.
※ If you wish to take other courses at the same time, you will receive a 10,000 yen discount from the total course fee.

Application deadline

Second semester of 2025：Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Application Documents

Please submit the following three items in digital format by the application deadline.

1 Application form for all courses
2 Resume for “coconogaco”
3 A4 size illustration or drawing

For more information about the application, please visit
Submission deadline (for the second semester of 2025)：Tuesday, October 14, 2025.