UTM students trained by renowned professor from Tokyo
A special opportunity was provided for students of the Technical University of Moldova (UTM) to participate in a course led by Koji Mikami, a renowned professor and graphic design specialist from Tokyo with over 20 years of experience. The students seized the chance to learn from a leading expert in Japan, a country recognized for its influential blend of artistic tradition and modern innovation in graphic design.
Professor Koji Mikami is internationally recognized for his contributions to the fields of 2D and 3D animation, as well as games and interactive content.
"Recently, I visited and spoke with professors and graphic design creators from the Republic of Moldova. They expressed a strong desire to establish their own initiative in animated films and games. It is crucial to note that they have unique ideas that will emerge from their country. The Republic of Moldova has a balanced and sophisticated approach to game design and artistic creation,” said Koji Mikami.
The students were eager to learn and absorb as much knowledge as possible from the Japanese professor, taking notes throughout the lesson.
"Japan is a more developed nation with greater resources and technologies that contribute to success in the gaming industry. The Republic of Moldova is just beginning its journey, and I believe that in about ten years, it will be able to compete on the international market,” he continued.
"I would be very interested to learn about the journey of becoming a game designer, including how ideas are generated and developed into a final product. I want to understand the specific process from someone who has successfully navigated all these stages.”
The professors at the Technical University believe that such opportunities are valuable for students, as they broaden their knowledge base. They view Japan as a model of rapid industrial development.
"It is important to understand that industries are global, and finding a specific universal niche is essential. The most significant aspect is learning how to create remarkable work with limited resources. Remember, the Japanese have surpassed Hollywood in animation by discovering techniques that allow for the same amount of content with considerably less effort, all without compromising quality," noted Vasile Braga, a professor at UTM.
Koji Mikami is a pioneer in video game education at the university level and received the Award for Excellence in Education in Japan in 2012. He serves on the committees of several government projects focused on the gaming, anime, and feature film industries.
