Learning Japanese and studying Japanese culture can open up a number of career opportunities for students. Japan has the third-largest economy in the world following the U.S. and China. U.S-Japan economic and diplomatic relations remain very strong. Indiana has many well-established cultural and economic connections with Japan. According to Japanese Direct Investment in 10 Midwest States, published by the Chicago Consulate General of Japan, there are 324 Japanese-owned businesses in Indiana providing approximately 67,750 local jobs.
“Choosing to study in the Japanese Language Program at Indiana University Indianapolis was by far the best thing for me to do after high school. Dr. Harris and the other esteemed faculty are not only experts, but they also want to support their students and make sure they are successful. Dr. Harris was great to me because she worked closely with me during my translation capstone project and allowed me to be a student teacher for class credit. Moreover, if you want to stretch yourself academically, IUI provides the opportunity to take courses at IU Bloomington at no additional cost! I took Classical Japanese at IU Bloomington, for example, while continuing to take my other courses at IU Indianapolis. The IUI Japanese Language Program provides many chances to get involved. Whether that be through Japanese Speech Night, the Japanese Peace Studies Program, or the foreign exchange programs, you will find a place of belonging!
My place of belonging was at the peace studies program and Tsuda University. The Japanese Peace Studies Program was invaluable to me because it showed me that history is much more than what was taught in textbooks. Everyone has a lived history, and we can use our unique lived experiences to create a peaceful world no matter the historical scars. After meeting Hiroshima a-bomb survivors and others affected, there was no question I was going to continue my education at American University so that I could pursue a career in nuclear security. Furthermore, being the first student to represent IUI at Tsuda University was a pleasure. I learned so much, made so many friends, and now have landed an internship at the infamous Japanese company Sumitomo thanks to my prior experience at Tsuda.
All in all, study at the Japanese Language Program at Indiana University Indianapolis. You will not regret it!”
– Ava Ward, Global and International Studies BA, Japanese Studies IMP, 2023
The Individualized Major in Japanese provides you with an immersive learning experience that contextualizes the Japanese language in diverse cultural settings. You will design a major in Japanese Studies through the Individualized Major Program which requires a minimum of 34 credit hours.
The faculty in Japanese Studies will work with you to help navigate your course of study. Under the supervision of your primary advisor, you will prepare a proposal for an individualized major. You will be accepted for admission to the major when this proposal is approved by the advisor and your faculty committee.
The Japanese Studies Program offers two areas of focus: Language and Sustainable Global Peace. The Language focus emphasizes acquiring language skills to serve as a bridge between Japan and the U.S. The Sustainable Global Peace focus centers on building networks within Japan and beyond to help create a peace world.
Jazzy is next to our Ginkgo Tree
Complete the School of Liberal Arts online declaration form.
Contact Dr. Izumi Harris, Director of the Program in Japanese Studies.
