Japanese Studies 自国と日本との架け橋になる

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Contents

    Department Overview

    This Department is suitable for the following people:

    • Those who want to improve their Japanese language skills.
    • Those who want to learn about Nara.
    • Those who want to work
      in a job related to Japan.

    Learning Key Points

    01. Deepen your knowledge of Japanese language and culture

    The three pillars of the Department are "Japanese Language," "Japanese Society and Culture," and "Naralogy (Nara Studies in the Age of Globalization)." In addition to deepening your knowledge of not only the Japanese language but also Japanese history and culture, you can also study "Nara" not only from the perspective of history but also from a global perspective, including the present day, and as a study of local society under the subject name of "Naralogy."

    02. Japanese language classes for all levels

    This Department specializes in international students, a rarity compared to other universities. Students can hone their Japanese language skills in small classes under a curriculum that boasts a tradition as a pioneer in Japanese language education. We offer a variety of classes with flexible teaching methods for beginners to advanced students, and through careful and detailed instruction, students can steadily improve their Japanese language skills.

    03. Curriculum designed with post-graduation in mind

    The program offers a full range of courses such as "Business Japanese" and "Advanced Business Anthropology," which are useful for working in Japanese companies and doing business with Japanese people. In addition to learning the characteristics of Japanese organizations from a business administration perspective, students can acquire the ability to play an active role in business, and the "Naralogy" course will be useful for job hunting in Nara Prefecture. Students can also enroll in the Japanese Language Teacher Training Course.

    Career support to make the most of your learning for the future

    Introduction to Japanese Life and Culture (for Second-year students)

    The origin of the Japanese "mise" can be traced back to the medieval towns of Nara and Kyoto, as well as to 19th century expositions and Kansai factories. By looking at the history of department stores, shopping arcades, supermarkets, and convenience stores, which are still important commercial establishments today, students will learn specifically about the products that were sold there. Students will also learn basic information about distribution in Japan, which is essential for both consumers and business people, and understand the problems faced by convenience stores.

    Four-year learning process

    • First-year

      続きを読む

      Solid foundation in Japanese language and introduction to Japanese studies

      Students will solidify the foundation of Japanese language in the "Basic Japanese" class. In addition, students will study introductory courses in various fields of Japanese studies, mainly in the form of lectures.

      Representative Classes

      ・Fieldwork methods
      Students will gain preliminary knowledge in order to take classes, research activities, and field surveys in the second year and beyond. Students will understand the basic techniques common to each field of study, including advance preparation, field work, and report writing.

    • Second-year

      続きを読む

      Laying the foundation for Japanese studies

      Students will improve their Japanese language skills in "Business Japanese" and "Practical Japanese Studies," and solidify their foundation in Japanese Studies in various Japanese Studies Overviews and "Practicum in Japanese Culture Experience."

      Representative Classes

      ・Practical Japanese Studies 2
      This subject is mainly designed for students who aim to pass JLPT N1. The goal of this class is to acquire the vocabulary and grammar necessary to be able to understand Japanese used in a wide range of situations.

    • Third-year

      続きを読む

      Deepen understanding of Japanese studies

      Students will deepen their understanding of Japanese studies through classes on each of the special topics. Through presentations and discussions, students will simultaneously develop their Japanese language and research skills.

      Representative Classes

      ・Advanced Naralogy
      This subject allows students to understand why and how specific cultural and natural resources in Nara Prefecture are recognized by Japanese and other cultures' value standards and linked to tourism development and industrial revitalization in the local community.

    • Fourth-year

      続きを読む

      Work on a graduation thesis as the culmination of your studies

      【Examples of graduation thesis themes】

      • 『名探偵コナン』におけるコナンのキャラクター転換の役割語表現の日中対照研究 —人称を中心に— A Japanese-Chinese Contrastive Study of Role Word Expressions of Conan's Character Conversion in "Detective Conan" - Focusing on Personality
      • 日本におけるeスポーツの将来性について —日本と韓国の比較から— The Future of e-Sports in Japan - A Comparison of Japan and Korea
      • ベトナム人日本語学習者における発音の認知度について —単語レベルの拍およびアクセントを中心に— Pronunciation Perception among Vietnamese Learners of Japanese - Focusing on Word-Level Beats and Accents

    Employment Results and Qualifications

    Employment Rate 69.2%
                         ※Actual results for graduates in March 2023

    Major employers (information for the most recent 5 years, including results for Japanese majors in the Department of Foreign Languages).

    Sato Yakuhin Kogyo Co. Ltd., Sasaki Kogyo, Yoshinaga Kougyou, Kubota Corporation, Toyota Industries, Kansai Totsu, Inc., MTY International Co. Ltd., Sakai Kinzoku MFT Co. Ltd., Maru Industries, Keirise Holding Co. Ltd., Yodobashi Camera Co. Ltd., Minadia, Mizuho Financial Group Inc., Sun Frontier Hotel Management, Inc., Kyoushin, Yamato International College, Minatsukuba-kai, Rentracks Co. Ltd., IC Eisia, SECOM Co. Ltd., Persol Tempstaff Co. Ltd., etc. (listed in no particular order)

    Available Qualifications

    • Japanese language teacher
    • Librarian
    • Museum curator
    • Corrections and Rehabilitation
    • Qualification for appointment as a social welfare administrator
    • Missionary of the Tenrikyo church

    Faculty list

    Curriculum

    Curriculum Tree（PDF）

    Curriculum Map（PDF）

    Education Policies

    • Admission Policy

      In order to fulfill the ecucational goals of the Department of Japanese Studies, we seek for students with the following qualities:
      ① (Skills, Knowledge, Thought) Those who have developed logical thinking and communication skills and have comprehensive basic academic skills in geography and history, based on the acquisition of their native language and foreign languages as well as Japanese learned at a Japanese language school.
      ② (Motivation) Those who are interested in the Japanese language, Japanese society and culture, as well as the geography and history of the local community, and have a deep interest in the use of these cultural resources in society.
      ③ (Attitude, Action) Those who wish to acquire advanced Japanese language skills and engage in Japan-related work in the future.

      Entrance examination methods will take various forms, such as comprehensive selection, special selection, and transfer selection.

    • Curriculum Policy

      In the first year, there are Japanese language subjects and introductory subjects on the basic disciplines for the study of Japanese society and culture. In the second year, there are introductory courses in Japanese studies and practicums to learn Japanese culture through hands-on experience.  In the third year, more specialized advanced subjects are offered. The curriculum also includes seminars in the third and fourth years to prepare students for their graduation theses and graduation research reports as a summary of their studies.

    • Diploma Policy

      A bachelor's degree (Japanese Studies) will be awarded to students who have acquired the following knowledge and abilities:
      ① (Skills, Knowledge, Thought) Those who have acquired Japanese language ability  and a rich knowledge of Japanese culture sufficient to live in Japanese society and to find employment in one's own country or in Japan.
      ② (Motivation) Those who are able to act as a bridge between their country and Japan. 
      ③ (Attitude) Those who can further deepen their understanding of the Japanese language and culture with the aim of entering graduate school in Japan or abroad.
      ④ (Action) Those who are able to work in any field using Japanese.

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