One of the prominent phenomena culturally seen in contemporary society is the intricate intertwine between omnipresent technology-based imagery and ardent interest in the body expression of human beings. Given this phenomenon, the Department of Body Expression and Cinematic Arts was created for the purpose of pioneering a new field of studies in the humanities.

Our Department provides an opportunity for students to conduct research that focuses on the intertwining relationship between imagery and body expression in the context of a broad range of cultural issues and the limits of creative expression. The Department features the close relationship between the following pairs of concepts: imagery and body expression, art and philosophy, and theory and practice.

To achieve the goals of the department, faculty members actively engage in a diverse range of relevant fields. The fields of specialization are as follows:

• Cinema and Photography Studies
Philosophy of moving image, cinema studies, cultural sociology, photography studies, studies of culture and representation


• Studies in Body and Culture
Body theory, art theory, gender/sexuality theory, psychiatry, pathography, Chinese physical theory, Taoism studies


• Filmmaking and Digital Content Production
Digital content studies, film direction, moving image direction


• Dramatic and Performing Arts
Dramatic writing, studies in performing arts

In each field, a student can learn both or any of the two: 1. Theory and Criticism, and 2. Practice and Creation. This will depend on the nature of the field or the approach of studying the subject.

In the master’s course, students have the option to choose from various fields of study. This flexibility enables them to pursue their chosen theme of research. In the credit-based structure of the master’s program, students are required to complete the following: lectures, seminars, and a master’s thesis. Lectures and seminars are based on three factors: “Fundamental Research” (theoretical study), “Creative Expression Research” (practical study), and “Production Research” (artistic production management). Students are expected to acquire the knowledge and skills for each specialization.

Experts in academic research and artistic production will invite students to join a far-reaching journey of thought and expression in our highly stimulating learning environment. The master’s thesis is based primarily on individual instruction by assigned academic supervisors, but students will have numerous opportunities to learn and receive advice from other faculty members, including during lecture courses, concept presentations, interim report presentation sessions, and study seminars.

We provide a rich learning and research environment that helps meet the objectives of the Department of Body Expression and Cinematic Arts. In terms of facilities and equipment, we offer a movie theater-type classroom installed with a 4K projector, a multipurpose theater for physical expression workshops and performances, as well as the latest visual equipment, including motion capture.
In addition, to encourage education and research in our department, we also publish the annual bulletin, Rikkyo Review of New Humanities.

The Department of Body Expression and Cinematic Arts mainly promotes three future career paths for our students who complete a master’s degree. The first path is for those who wish to become academic researchers in humanities and will go on to participate in the field of research and education. These students may proceed to the doctoral studies program to pursue their doctoral degree. The second path is for those who intend to play an active part as visual and/or stage artists. The third path is for those who plan to work for or manage organizations involved in a variety of cultural activities as critics, editors, producers, and curators, among others. These students are also expected to advance into these fields after completing doctoral research program.