The Japanese Studies program is an interdisciplinary field in the IU School of Liberal Arts that includes the study of the language, culture, literature, and arts of Japan. Knowledge of Japanese culture and language is important in fields and academic disciplines such as philosophy, history, technology and news media, the arts, business, international cuisine, and tourism.
Japan plays a major role in Indiana’s economy—it’s the state’s second largest international trade partner after Canada, with around 110 Japanese companies employing about 35,000 Hoosiers—and Japanese is one of the fastest growing world languages studied in the United States.
Our language courses are designed not only to develop language skills, but also to increase understanding of Japanese culture while enhancing communication skills.
Master the Japanese language and immerse yourself in its rich culture, from ancient traditions to modern innovations. Gain the skills to navigate global business, diplomacy, and media while building a deep understanding of a society that shapes technology, entertainment, and international relations.
Even if you decide to pursue a career in a non-Japan-related field, knowing Japanese will make you stand out from the crowd in today’s multicultural global workplace. Many American university students choose to study an Indo-European language such as Spanish, French, and German because these languages are like English. Learning a less commonly taught language like Japanese shows that you are a unique, broad-minded and determined individual who is up for a challenge. The breadth of knowledge and perspective gained from studying Japanese also signals to employers that you can solve problems and manage initiatives creatively and collectively.