Japan Studies Program

Japan Studies Program at AIU has three major academic objectives:

1. Situate Japan and Akita in global society;
2. Introduce students to the key debates about Japanese history, society and culture; and
3. Strengthen critical-thinking, discussion and writing skills so that, when students are asked about Japanese history, society or culture, they can respond incisively.

Our campus, far from the hustle and bustle of the big cities (yet conveniently located just minutes from Akita airport, placing Tokyo and other cities only an hour away by plane), and surrounded as it is by the natural beauty of Akita, is the perfect environment to learn about the real Japan.

Our position here in Akita allows us to conduct hands-on field trips to see and experience a different side of Japan that the big cities cannot offer. And best of all, these sorts of opportunities are an integral part of our Japan Studies course offerings (see below for the exciting Japan Studies courses we offer). After all, why limit your study of, say, Japanese religion only to a classroom environment when you can instead come here and learn seated meditation techniques at a Buddhist temple directly from a monk? Why restrict your engagement with ancient Japan to books when you can visit a fascinating reconstruction of a village that flourished over 2000 years ago, or even participate in a genuine archeological dig?

We are proud of our diverse range of courses, which are taught in English (plus a few special courses taught in Japanese only for those exchange students with advanced Japanese-language skills). Japan Studies courses draw upon the expertise of our faculty (see below for faculty profiles) and engage with multiple disciplines as we study in great depth and breadth about Japanese culture, history, religion, cinema, society, and more.

Unlike some other study abroad locations in Japan, where exchange students in a given class might be far fewer in number compared to Japanese students, our Japan Studies courses frequently hover around the ideal ratio of 50/50, and AIU attracts exchange students from all over the world, meaning we offer a true meeting of minds, and diverse perspectives in each class from many different cultures and worldviews.

If you feel like “ancient history” has no relevance to our lives today…think again!

Prof. O’Reilly

Join us as we contemplate concepts like Wabi Sabi: it might seem like a mere curiosity, but in fact we’ll explore just how deeply rooted it is in Japanese traditional culture.

Prof. Chiba

Why is it so difficult for Bunzo to confess his love to Osei? Why won’t Nobu let Midori help him with his broken sandal strap? Why won’t Uno Chiyo’s father let her read fiction? Come explore the lives of Japanese writers from the Meiji era to contemporary times, and the colorful characters that populate their works.

Prof. Friederich

Together let’s discover the driving forces behind and shaping society here in Japan – and what is similar to or different from societies around the world!

Prof. Chiba

You’ve all seen anime – but do you know the real story of anime’s rise as a global pop culture phenomenon? If you are ready to expand your cultural horizons through screenings, projects and in-depth discussions of the most riveting anime, manga, and films coming out of contemporary Japan, then this course is for you!

Prof. O’Reilly

Demons, kami, and other supernatural entities have deep roots here in rural Akita. This course will bring you into conversation with local residents, and is your chance to get an insider’s perspective!

Prof. Sugimoto