Japan Studies

Explore our Classes Online

Visit the ICU OpenCourseWare site to explore and experience our courses online.

Introduction to the Major

Faculty members talk about what you can learn and what makes this major special.

Mission Statement

The major in Japan Studies explores the people, languages and cultures of Japan; it encompasses the interdisciplinary study of Japanese politics, economics, international relations, religion and other areas. The major employs a critical perspective to discuss representations of "Japan", in addition to interrelating and integrating knowledge about Japan. The goal is to enable students not only to advance their understanding of Japan, but also to apply what they have learned in their future academic and professional careers.

Learning Goals

  1. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the historical development and contemporary state of Japanese culture and society.
  2. Students develop an understanding of cultures and the processes of cultural formation, as well as an interdisciplinary awareness of connections between various fields of study in the social sciences and the humanities.
  3. Students learn to critically analyze and interpret a broad spectrum of phenomena relating to Japan, ranging from popular to folk to elite expressions, and from mass media to material culture.
  4. Students learn research, writing, and expressive skills that will allow them to see connections between complex materials and data and enable them to clearly communicate their understandings of the underlying meanings and causes of cultural/social/historical events relating to Japan.

One-Year Certificate Program for One-Year Regular Students and Kenkyūsei (Special Students)

The Major in Japan Studies offers the One-Year Certificate Program, which is designed for students from overseas who wish to focus on enhancing their studies on Japan. Students who complete the required number of units with satisfactory grades are granted a Certificate of Completion. Certificates are signed by the Japan Studies Advisor and Dean of the College, and mailed to the students.

For further information on this program and the program requirements, please click here.

Major Faculty

Page top