Program Overview

Introduction to the Modern Japanese Studies Program

The Modern Japanese Studies Program (MJSP) is a four-year bachelor's degree program, preceded by a six-month Intensive Japanese Course for those without sufficient Japanese to enter the bachelor's degree program directly. MJSP gives a comprehensive education in the Japanese language, history, culture, society, and political economy.

Program Characteristics

The program has four main characteristics:

• Intensive study of the Japanese language – students should be completely fluent on graduation;
• The study of Japan in four main academic disciplines – history, cultural studies, sociology, and political economy;
• Co-learning with Japanese students – students will take many classes with their Japanese peers;
• A flexible curriculum that allows students to discover their Japan from the unique and multicultural vantage point of Japan's northernmost island.

Career Paths

In the 21st Century, Asia will increasingly take center stage in global affairs. The bilingual and multicultural education provided by MJSP offers the skills for various career paths.

MJSP at a Glance

• Degree Title: Bachelor's Degree (in the field of Japanese Studies)
• Program Length: 4 years (4.5 years including the Intensive Japanese Course)
• Starting Date: October (Intensive Japanese Course + Bachelor's Degree program), April (Bachelor's Degree program only)

Applicants We Are Seeking

The program is intended for students who:

• want to study social sciences or humanities (e.g., politics, history, sociology, cultural studies, law, economics, business administration, education, philosophy, literature, psychology, etc.);
• have a strong desire to study the Japanese language and learn about Japanese culture and society;
• are motivated to learn in a multicultural/multilingual environment;
• aspire to become researchers of Japanese culture or leaders in the international community based on their knowledge of the social sciences and humanities, and who aspire to become a bridge between their home countries and Japanese society.

Application Qualifications and Requirements

Refer to the latest Application Guidelines for detailed information.

Steps to Entry

1. Confirm Your Possible Start Date:

• Applicants with intermediate Japanese can apply for April (Bachelor's Degree) entry.
• All other applicants apply for October (Intensive Japanese Course) entry.

2. Apply:

• Register online in October-November (1st call for applications) or February (2nd call for applications).
• Check the Application Guidelines for the exact deadlines and other details, which are strictly enforced.
• There is a ¥5,000 application fee.

3. Interviews:

• Online interviews are held in January (1st call) and April (2nd call).