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Japanese Studies

Students in the Japanese Program have the opportunity to explore the Japanese language and culture. A focus on the language will empower students to cultivate all the fundamental linguistic skills, such as speaking, reading and writing in Modern Japanese.

Initially, our Japanese language courses provide a solid foundation in speaking, listening and reading. As students progress through the program, they will develop competency in reading authentic modern writings and speaking in formal situations. For those interested in developing their understanding of Japanese culture, they may take courses taught in English, on Japanese film and literature, pop-culture, social concerns, and Japan in the global context.

Students can also gain first–hand knowledge of all the wonderful nuances of Japanese language and culture by going on an exchange to Japan where they will acquire sensitivity to different cultural perspectives and approaches to contemporary issues for becoming an informed leader with a heart.

Prospective students are advised that offers of admission to a new program may be made only after the university’s own quality assurance processes have been completed and the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance has approved the program.

JAPANESE AND EAST ASIA STUDIES BROCHURE

Alumni Stories

Japanese Studies have prepared our alumni for extraordinary success within a variety of careers. Employers look for people with the ability to analyze information, find creative solutions to problems and  effectively communicate their ideas: Graduates of this program of all of these skills – what’s more, they’re paired with a thorough understanding regarding the historical, cultural, linguistic and social influences that spur and halt change within and between cultures.

Read stories about alumni from this exciting program, and learn how to distinguish yourself – personally and professionally – as a globally-focused
Leader with Heart.

  • International experiences at Huron have shaped me into the person I am today.
    Nicole Pyszka
    Japan Exchange
    Read more
HONORS SPECIALIZATION
SPECIALIZATION
MAJOR
MINOR
East Asia Studies

The East Asia Studies Major helps students combine language courses at successive levels of study with courses in culture and literature and in social science approaches to understanding the area.

Major in East Asia Studies
Minor in East Asia Studies

Japanese Studies

Huron University College offers a variety of Japanese courses that provide opportunities for students to acquire the breadth and depth of knowledge of Japan that will prepare them for a range of careers in the international arena. In the twenty-first century, the expanding global demands and dimensions of most fields will require people trained in languages and intercultural communication.

As the second-largest economy in the world, Japan will continue to play a crucial role in international affairs. Japanese studies at Huron equips students with the linguistic and cultural knowledge of Japan that they will need in such careers as international business, law, academics and others.

Major in Japanese Studies
Minor in Japanese Studies

Japan Studies

Huron University College offers a variety of Japanese courses that provide opportunities for students to acquire the breadth and depth of knowledge of Japan that will prepare them for a range of careers in the international arena. In the twenty-first century, the expanding global demands and dimensions of most fields will require people trained in languages and intercultural communication.

As the second-largest economy in the world, Japan will continue to play a crucial role in international affairs. Japanese studies at Huron equips students with the linguistic and cultural knowledge of Japan that they will need in such careers as international business, law, academics and others.

Minor in Japan Studies

Professors

Learn from professors who have a deep knowledge of Japan and East Asia more broadly. This faculty comes together, from across the world, to lead students to a more fulsome understanding of these rich cultures, the societal foundations they are built upon, and the people who define them. This department is dedicated to incorporating critical thought, intensive research elements, interactive activities and community engagement projects to ensure students engage with well-rounded learning environments.

Take time to get to know the names and faces who will be supporting you every step of the way as you embark on an enriching exploration of Japan.

  • Japan, with its aesthetic, cultural and social intricacies, is a beautiful place that Huron students have the opportunity to explore through our Japanese program.
    Sawako Akai, PhD
    Associate Professor, Japanese
    Read more
  • Asian Studies gives students the unique opportunity to learn about a beautiful culture - thousands of kilometres away - while learning critical thinking, creative writing and developing their global perspective.
    Michiya Kawai, PhD
    Associate Professor and Co-ordinator, Japanese Program
    Read more

Japanese Faculty

Tenure-stream

Program sessional and per course instructors 

Japanese Courses

Explore Japan’s role in the world! At Huron, you’ll find a highly flexible program featuring small, intimate classes, personalized coaching and opportunities for imaginative, independent research and hands-on learning. Broaden your global perspectives, because to lead, you need a heart that understands the world.

2024 - 2025 Courses
Course – see link for Academic Calendar descriptions Instructor Section – see link for Course Outlines
JPN 1050 – Japanese 1 Shirakawa / Syed Zainuddin / Syed Zainuddin / Zhang / Zhang 550/551/552/553/554
JPN 1650G – Perspectives on Japan White 550
JPN 2250 – Japanese 2 Shirakawa 550/551
JPN 2601A – The Cultural Foundations of Modern Japan White 550
JPN 3350 – Japanese 3 Syed Zainuddin 550
JPN 3650F – Japan Through Film Kawai 550
JPN 3651G – Japan Through Anime White 550
JPN 3750F – Senior Research Seminar White 550
JPN 3751G – Senior Research Seminar II White 550
JPN 3950F – Special Topic in Japan Studies White 550
JPN 4450 – Japanese 4 Kawai 550
2023 - 2024 Courses
Course – see link for Academic Calendar descriptions Instructor Course Outline – see link for Course Outlines
JPN 1050 – Japanese 1 Syed Zainuddin / Zhang / Shirakawa / Zhang / Syed Zainuddin 550 / 551 / 552 / 553 / 554
JPN 1650F – Perspectives on Japan White 550
JPN 1650G – Perspectives on Japan White 550
JPN 2250 – Japanese 2 Shirakawa 550 / 551
JPN 2601A – The Cultural Foundations of Modern Japan White 550
JPN 3350 – Japanese 3 Akai / Syed Zainuddin 550 / 551
JPN 3360A – Intermediate Level Conversational Japanese I Akai 550
JPN 3361B – Intermediate Level Conversational Japanese II Akai 550
JPN 3651G – Japan Through Anime White 550
JPN 3680F – Japan Through Food: Tales of Cultural Contact Akai 550
JPN 3750F – Senior Research Seminar White 550
JPN 3751G – Senior Research Seminar II White 550
JPN 4450 / JPN 4451A – Japanese 4 Kawai 550
2022 - 2023 Courses
Course Instructor Course Outline
JPN 1050 – Japanese 1 Syed Zainuddin / Zhang 550 / 551 / 552 / 553 / 554
JPN 1650F – Perspectives on Japan White 550
JPN 1650G – Perspectives on Japan White 550
JPN 2250 – Japanese 2 Shirakawa 550 / 551
JPN 2601A – The Cultural Foundations of Modern Japan White 550
JPN 3350 – Japanese 3 Akai 550 / 551
JPN 3651F – Japan Through Anime White 550
JPN 3750F – Senior Research Seminar White 550
JPN 3751G – Senior Research Seminar II White 550
JPN 3950G – Special Topics in Japan Studies White 550
JPN 4450 – Japanese 4 Shirakawa 550

 

2021 - 2022 Courses
2020 - 2021 Courses
2019 - 2020 Courses
Course Instructor Course Outline
JPN 1050 Japanese I Shirikawa/ Fukui View course outline
JPN 1650F Perspectives on Japan  White View course outline
JPN 2250 Japanese II Fukui 550 outline / 551 outline
JPN 2601A Cultural Foundations of Modern Japan Kawai View course outline
JPN 3350 Japanese III Akai View course outline
JPN 3360A Conversational Japanese I Akai View course outline
JPN 3361B Conversational Japanese II Akai View course outline
JPN 3650G Japan Through Film Kawai View course outline
JPN 3680F Japan Through Food: Tales of Cultural Contact Akai View course outline
JPN 3750F Senior Research Seminar Kawai View course outline
JPN 3751G Senior Research Seminar II Kawai View course outline
JPN 4450 Japanese IV Kawai View course outline

Japanese Exchange Opportunities

GUNMA PREFECTURAL WOMEN’S UNIVERSITY • EXCHANGE INFORMATION SHEET
PROGRAM OF STUDY: JAPANESE LANGUAGE
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT: JAPANESE

KANSAI GAIDAI UNIVERSITY • EXCHANGE INFORMATION SHEET
PROGRAM OF STUDY: ASIAN STUDIES, ECONOMICS, ENGLISH, POLITICAL SCIENCE
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT: JAPANESE

KOBE UNIVERSITY • EXCHANGE INFORMATION SHEET
PROGRAM OF STUDY: ASIAN STUDIES, ECONOMICS, ENGLISH, POLITICAL SCIENCE
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT: JAPANESE

KWANSEI GAKUIN UNIVERSITY •  EXCHANGE INFORMATION SHEET
PROGRAM OF STUDY: JAPANESE AND EAST ASIAN STUDIES
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT: JAPANESE

KYOTO UNIVERSITY OF FOREIGN STUDIES • EXCHANGE INFORMATION SHEET
PROGRAM OF STUDY: JAPANESE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT: JAPANESE

RYUKOKU UNIVERSITY • EXCHANGE INFORMATION SHEET
PROGRAM OF STUDY: JAPANESE AND ASIAN STUDIES OR JAPANESE CULTURE AND LANGUAGE PROGRAM
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT: JAPANESE

Japanese Studies Careers

Japanese Studies will prepare you for a variety of careers; employers today are looking for people with the ability to analyze information, to find creative solutions to problems and to effectively communicate their ideas. These skills are acquired when studying language and literature.

Where will a degree in Japanese Language take you?
  • Teaching (Foreign Language in Canada)
  • Teaching (English in Japan)
  • Graduate studies on Japan
  • Interpreters/translators
  • Canadian and International Business
    (in Japan)
  • NGOs
  • Politics
  • Journalism
  • Diplomatic services
  • Intelligence analyst
  • Foreign services
  • Marketing
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Extra-curricular activities

Groups
Events

Conversation Group
Join in the conversation and practice Japanese! Drop-in conversation groups are held through the school year and everybody is welcome!

  • Time: Fridays, 12:30-1:30
  • Location: Apps house

JLPT Study Group
Let’s study together for Japanese Language Proficiency Test which is held in December in Toronto. Please register in advance.

  • Time: Fridays, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
  • Location: Apps house
  • Registration: Contact Sawako Akai

Japanese Student Association
JSA is a student club at Western. For more information, click here.

Ontario Japanese Speech Contest
The Ontario Japanese Speech Contest is held in March every year in Toronto.

In 2019, Myeongkeun Yang from Japanese 3350 won the grand prize and the 1st place of the advanced category. Please contact your instructor if you are interested in participating.
More information click here.

Japan Bowl Ontario
Japan Bowl Ontario is a Japanese language and culture competition for high school students in Ontario, co-hosted by Huron and the Japan Society.

Kakehashi Project
Japan’s Friendship Ties Program, Kakehashi Project, is conducted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. In 2023, Misty Su and Praveena Saktikantan were selected as two of three students from Ontario to participate.

You can find more information about Kakehashi Project,  here.

Misty and Praveena’s reports can be found below:

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Key Contacts