Japanese Studies teaches language as a tool–to interact and communicate with people–the study of which must take place together with cultural learning. The student-focused Japanese Studies curriculum employs online and technological tools to meet student needs and continuously adapts innovative pedagogical methods to encourage students’ active improvement of listening, speaking, reading, and writing proficiencies. Japanese Studies at MIT also offers a wide variety of cultural courses, including popular culture and anime, music, history, and politics, allowing students to foster a high level of cultural fluency.

Japanese Studies may be applied to the Japanese minor and Concentration, as well as the major, minor, and Concentration in Asian and Asian Diaspora Studies. Learn more about the Japanese Concentration and minor program requirements at the Academic Programs page. Information on the Asian and Asian Diaspora Studies programs is available through SHASS. Advisors for these programs are below. Students uncertain what level of Japanese language to take should refer to placement information. Information on transfer credit is available here.

Japanese Concentration: Takako Aikawa
Japanese Minor: Hiromu Nagahara
Asian and Asian Diaspora Studies Concentration/Minor/Major: Sana Aiyar
Global Languages Japanese Studies group: Takako Aikawa | Masami Ikeda | Wakana Maekawa | Ayae Uwabu