EXILE TETSUYA Brings Dance Dreams to Life in Nihon University's Special Lecture
On February 5, 2026, the halls of Nihon University in Tokyo echoed with inspiration as EXILE TETSUYA, one of Japan's premier dancers and a member of the iconic vocal and dance group EXILE, delivered a captivating special lecture. Held at the Nihon University Hall as part of the university's innovative 'Smile Campus Project,' the event drew around 120 eager students from dance clubs at five affiliated high schools: Fujisawa High School, Toyoyama Jogakuin High School, Mishima High School, Meisei High School, and Meguro Nichidai High School. This gathering wasn't just a performance; it was a profound session themed 'How to Achieve Dreams – Thinking and Choices for Continuing to Dance,' aimed at fueling the passions of young dancers on the cusp of higher education.
The lecture underscored the power of persistence in the arts, resonating deeply with participants who are part of Japan's thriving high school dance scene. As Nihon University—one of Japan's largest private institutions with over 70,000 students across 16 colleges and 86 departments—continues to foster such connections, events like this highlight innovative ways universities are bridging secondary and higher education.
Unpacking the Smile Campus Project: A Recipe for Campus Joy
The 'Smile Campus Project' (スマイルキャンパスプロジェクト) is a heartfelt initiative spearheaded by Nihon University's leadership, including Chair of the Board of Trustees Mariko Hayashi and President Shinichiro Oonuki. Launched with the simple yet powerful goal of 'brightening the university through students' smiles,' it features a series of feel-good events designed to create lasting memories and build community. From free distributions of trendy doughnuts at campuses like the College of Art, Engineering, Pharmacy, and Medicine to special outings like musical theater visits, the project transforms everyday campus life into moments of delight.
This special edition marked a milestone by inviting a celebrity like TETSUYA, elevating the project beyond snacks to motivational mentorship. Since its inception, the project has hosted multiple donut events—for instance, over 400 students at the College of Art in April 2024 and similar gatherings in 2025 and 2026—proving its popularity in boosting morale amid Japan's challenging enrollment landscape, where universities face the '2026 problem' of declining high school graduates.
In a country where student mental health and motivation are pressing concerns, such initiatives offer tangible support, encouraging smiles that lead to stronger academic and extracurricular commitment.
EXILE TETSUYA: From Dance Floors to Lecture Halls
EXILE TETSUYA, born Tetsuya Nakatsuji, is more than a performer with 23 years in the industry since starting at age 19. As a core member of EXILE and EXILE THE SECOND, he has graced 429 stages, blending high-energy choreography with entrepreneurial ventures like dance academies. His academic credentials add depth: he earned a master's degree in sports sciences from Waseda University's one-year program for working adults in 2018, focusing on dance pedagogy.
TETSUYA's educational footprint is impressive. In 2014, he became a guest professor at Shukutoku University's Faculty of Humanities and Expression, inspiring the documentary 'EXILE UNIVERSITY ~What is Your Dream?~,' which chronicled his classes challenging students to pursue passions boldly. He supervises dance workshops and materials, positioning him as a bridge between entertainment and education. At Nihon University, his visit aligns perfectly with this mission, offering high schoolers a pro's blueprint for success.
Key Takeaways from TETSUYA's Lecture: Persistence Over Talent
TETSUYA opened with his journey: 'The reason I've continued is the result of repeatedly choosing not to quit.' He urged against self-imposed limits, stating, 'Preparation has the power to attract chances'—a mantra backed by his 429 performances. The session transitioned into an interactive Q&A, tackling real challenges like team discord ('What to do when the team doesn't come together?') and burnout ('What when tired of dancing just to win?'). TETSUYA responded thoughtfully, emphasizing mindset shifts and consistent effort.
- Choose Persistence: Dance daily, even small steps build careers.
- Prepare Relentlessly: Opportunities favor the ready.
- Overcome Plateaus: Reconnect with joy beyond competition.
The lecture concluded with a joyous photo op, students beaming alongside their idol.
Student Voices: Fueling the Fire for Future Dancers
A first-year from Meisei High School, Aina Iida, captured the sentiment: 'I learned not only how to achieve dreams but the strength to continue. I'll practice what I heard today.' Such feedback underscores the event's impact, especially for clubs like Meisei HS's, recent national champions.
Nihon University Meisei High School's dance club clinched the 18th Japan High School Dance Club Championship (DANCE STADIUM) in September 2025—first for an Eastern Japan school—and dominated HIGH SCHOOL DANCE COMPETITION 2024-2025 with back-to-back wins. Events like this reinforce their 'lifetime' theme, motivating transitions to university arts programs.
Read the full official report from Nihon University.
Nihon University's Affiliated High Schools: Breeding Grounds for Dance Talent
Nihon University boasts a robust network of affiliated schools, including high schools with vibrant extracurriculars. Dance clubs thrive here, preparing students for competitive national stages like the Japan High School Dance Club Championship, where over 2,000 teams vie annually. Meisei HS's 97-member powerhouse exemplifies this, blending rigorous training with performances that captivate audiences.
These clubs foster discipline akin to university-level arts training, easing the shift to higher education. With Nihon U's College of Art offering theater and performance courses—including Japanese, Western, and Oriental dance—such pipelines nurture talent amid Japan's arts education emphasis.
Dance's Rising Role in Japanese Higher Education
Dance programs are surging in Japan, from Ochanomizu University's performing arts focus to Senzoku Gakuin's jazz/street/contemporary tracks. High school clubs, exploding since national comps began, feed this growth, boosting motivation and employability. Studies show arts involvement enhances resilience—key as universities combat dropout risks in a post-2026 enrollment dip.
Universities like Nihon U leverage this via projects like Smile Campus, integrating dance for holistic development.
Celebrity Guest Speakers: Boosting University Engagement
Inviting stars like TETSUYA yields multifaceted benefits: real-world insights, heightened motivation, and stronger HS-uni ties. Research highlights guest speakers' role in inspiring beyond textbooks, particularly in Japan where presentation skills are prized. For arts students, they model career longevity, vital amid industry volatility.
Explore career advice for performing arts pros or higher ed jobs in creative fields.
Challenges and Future Outlook for Student Initiatives
Japan's higher ed faces headwinds: private universities hit 53% under-enrollment in 2025, per surveys. Yet, initiatives like Smile Campus counter this by prioritizing well-being, potentially lifting retention. With 70,000+ at Nihon U alone, scaling such events could set a model.
Looking ahead, expect more celebrity tie-ins as unis vie for talent, especially in arts where motivation drives success.
Pathways to Dance Careers: Resources for Aspiring Artists
For inspired students, opportunities abound. Nihon U's arts college and affiliates offer entry points, while platforms like University Jobs list faculty and admin roles in performing arts. Check faculty positions or lecturer paths.
- Guest professorships like TETSUYA's at Shukutoku.
- National comps as resume boosters.
- Grad programs in sports science/dance.
Rate professors via Rate My Professor for informed choices.
Photo by Shino Nakamura on Unsplash
Conclusion: Smiles as the Catalyst for Educational Excellence
EXILE TETSUYA's visit exemplifies how targeted engagement can ignite lifelong pursuits. As Nihon University's Smile Campus Project evolves, it promises more moments that blend joy, inspiration, and growth—vital for Japan's higher ed landscape. Aspiring dancers, take TETSUYA's words to heart: persist, prepare, and let preparation unlock doors. For jobs, advice, and more, visit Higher Ed Jobs, Career Advice, Rate My Professor, and University Jobs.