Bachelor of Japan Studies

International College of Liberal Arts

For many observers and visitors Japan is one of the most intriguing countries on earth. For them Japan offers a vast variety of exhilarating and sometimes puzzling experiences that often give rise to many questions. Japan Studies endeavors to answer most, if not all, of them. Japanologists understand their field as an interdisciplinary project that engages with all aspects of Japanese culture, history, and society. Many students and scholars investigate these topics in relation to historical and present-day events in East-Asia and the West. Such an approach relates their study and research not only to other disciplines but also to other nations, civilizations, and geographic areas. iCLA’s central location, proximity to the spiritual heart of Japan in Mt Fuji, and easy access to Tokyo make it the ideal place to study Japan Studies.

Why study Japan Studies?

The Japan Studies major at iCLA provides you with a comprehensive understanding of Japan’s culture, history, politics, and economics. Guided by experts in their fields you will aim at linguistic fluency while at the same time experience an in-depth exposure to key fields in Japan studies. Furthermore, living in Japan over an extended period will offer you a unique opportunity to further familiarize yourself with a wide variety of Japanese lifestyles, customs, and arts. You will become a knowledgeable specialist on the subject of Japan who also has a comprehensive knowledge of the wider East Asian and Western context. During your study will also develop your communication skills and analytical expertise, deepening your understanding of the source material further as your Japanese ability improves.

Students graduating from the Japan Studies Program will be well prepared for a wide range of professional career opportunities both within Japan and the rest of the world in the media, Japanese corporations, the tourism sector, and academia.

What will I study?

Japan Studies endeavours to investigate and deconstruct the intricacies of Japan by providing you with a comprehensive understanding of this fascinating country, its language and its history from ancient beginnings to the rise of the samurai, through to its current status as a modern technology driven power. You can explore Japan’s society, politics, international relations and economics, developing a deep understanding of how Japan became the country it is today and its global position in the future. The major also gives you the opportunity to experience Japan’s unique arts, literature and culture, from traditional music and theatre through to contemporary anime and manga.

Students who choose the major take both lecture-based courses taught in the social science tradition and experiential workshops where they will learn Japanese art forms firsthand. Because some of these courses require quantitative skills, students in the major are recommended to take courses in economics, mathematics, statistics and research methods. These courses are then supplemented by electives from our other majors or subject areas such as Data Science, Quantitative Reasoning, Psychology & Sociology, and advanced Japanese.

What can I do next?

Your studies in Japanese culture, history, and society together with your enhanced academic skills will prepare you well for a large variety of rewarding careers. After graduation students can pursue a career at one of the many Japanese companies that are now hiring international graduate students or devote themselves to becoming a teacher.