Distance Learning Course

The International Sumie Association launched its distance learning program in 2017 with the mission of sharing the appeal of Sumi-e painting with the world. The initiative was inspired by the enthusiasm of participants in workshops held both in Japan and abroad, many of whom expressed a strong desire to study the art more deeply.

Today, people from various countries including Japan, Europe, and the United States are learning sumi-e through this distance learning course.

01 Sumi-e Instructor Certification

Through a structured curriculum, you can learn sumi-e from the basics to advanced techniques. Those who complete the entire curriculum and are selected at least twice for the International Sumie Association Exhibition are eligible to obtain instructor certification.
You can use the knowledge and skills you have learned to take the next step.

02 Fully Online Learning

The program offers fully online learning through on-demand lectures (in Japanese) and textbooks (in Japanese or English).

Because it’s not bound by location or time, it’s especially suitable for working people. Assignments and feedback are all handled online.

03 Personalized Feedback

Experienced instructors provide detailed feedback on each student’s assignments.

They offer suggestions for improvement and tips for future learning, ensuring that even beginners can participate with confidence.

Curriculum Overview

・24 credits are required to complete the Basic (Instructor Qualification) course. Each term consists of 6 credits over 6 months, totaling 2 years to complete the program. The curriculum is the same as that of in-person course.

・To truly master sumi-e, consistent practice is essential. The two-year curriculum includes not only lectures but also time for personal practice.

・Anyone aged 18 or older, regardless of nationality, learning from overseas is welcome to enroll.

・If you wish, face-to-face lessons are also available at the Shibuya classroom (additional fee will be charged).

On-demand Lectures and Textbooks

＜Sample of On-demand lectures＞

Sanboku (three Ink) Technique

＜Sample of Textbook＞

・The textbooks (7 pieces) of Basic (Instructor Qualification) course is the same as the textbooks for in-person study course.

・The textbook is an original publication by the International Sumi-e Association, designed in accordance with the curriculum. It features numerous artworks and photographs, and provides detailed explanations of Sumi-e techniques.

Newsletter for Distance Learners

We distribute our newsletter exclusively to distance learning members.

Packed with interviews, exhibition highlights, and other content you won’t find elsewhere, it offers a fresh perspective beyond lecture videos and textbooks. Our staff works hard to provide engaging topics for distance learners who may have fewer opportunities to interact with instructors and peers.

Distance Learning Member's Interview

Teresa Lam

in Germany / learning 3 years/ Master course

◆Why did you think to begin Sumi-e?

Sumi-e has always seemed to me a beautiful and elegant form of artistic expression. I had wanted to study it seriously. When I discovered that the International Sumi-e Association offered a structured yet flexible distance learning course, I immediately took up the opportunity.

◆How do you take a time for learning Sumi-e in busy daily life?

I travel about half of the time. When I'm home, practicing and focusing on my Sumi-e homework becomes a top priority.

I can spend the entire days painting - and I truly enjoy every moment of it.

◆Message to the new people just started Sumi-e distance learning.

Sumi-e is a wonderful way to cultivate patience and sharpen our powers of observation. It's an incredibly rewarding art to learn. Keep at it — there's something new to discover with every brushstroke！