Japanese Studies, Minor
Develop advanced Japanese language ability and acquire deep knowledge of Japan’s culture, literature, linguistics, art, history, religion, and business. Prepare for a career with a Japanese Studies minor in one of the world’s largest economies.
Why Study Japanese Studies at USF?
The Japanese Studies program at USF provides a broad range of courses exploring Japanese language, culture, literature, linguistics, history, religion, and business. Upper-division language courses are content-based, so you can learn about all regions and prefectures of Japan in authentic Japanese, while encountering their distinctive histories and cultures. That unique approach not only develops advanced language proficiency but also deepens your understanding of Japan as a whole, motivates you to travel to various places throughout Japan, and encourages you to communicate with Japanese people at a level that can lead to real opportunities.
Amanda Tsuhako '15
Medical Student
Use Your Skills in the Real World
My Japanese language training has been invaluable in medical school in Hawaii. I’ve been able to help serve the elderly Japanese population and put them at ease when they’re staying in the hospital.”
Amanda Tsuhako '15
Medical Student
Get the San Francisco Advantage
San Francisco’s location on the Pacific Rim puts Japanese culture within your reach. Japantown, authentic restaurants, the Asian Art Museum, the Asia Foundation, the Japan Society of Northern California, the Japanese Tea Garden, and Buddhist temples are all just a bus ride or a short walk from campus. Japanese groceries, books, manga and anime, calligraphy materials, kimono, incense, bonsai, and many other exciting things are at your doorstep. Come do research, engage with the Japanese community, and enrich your knowledge of Japanese culture.
Think Beyond the Classroom
Join Japanese Studies Welcome and Year-End Parties
The Japanese Studies (JS) program holds an annual JS welcome party where all JS students, faculty, and tutors introduce one another, try on our cool Zen-circle T-shirts, share our study abroad and JET experiences, hear from our alumni, and eat sushi. We also have an annual JS year-end party where all JS students, faculty, and tutors come together to celebrate the successful completion of the academic year. Graduates will be awarded a unique Japanese Studies graduation stole.
Join Japanese Studies Cultural Events
The Japanese Studies program sponsors a range of Japanese cultural events, including kimono-wearing, tea ceremony, flower-arrangement, and calligraphy demonstrations, giving you fun and memorable experiences with Japanese culture. These events are open to the USF community and the general public.
Visit the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival
Enjoy the Cherry Blossom Festival each spring in San Francisco’s Japantown, one of the largest celebrations of Japanese culture outside Japan. Experience Japanese performances (taiko, martial arts, dance, music), browse cultural exhibits and vendor booths (flower arrangements, ceramics, kimono, bonsai, pop culture items, and Japanese food), and participate in hands-on cultural activities (tea ceremonies, calligraphy, origami). The festival also features a colorful Grand Parade celebrating the rich heritage of the Japanese American community.
Study Abroad
At USF, you can participate in an exchange program at Sophia University in Tokyo or the Institute for the International Education of Students (IES) program in Tokyo or Nagoya during the spring–summer term of your third year. Studying abroad is an excellent opportunity to live in Japan, develop your Japanese language skills, and learn more about Japanese culture and society in real-life settings.
Connect With Us
Admission & Aid
Japanese Studies, Minor
Kalmanovitz Hall 333
San Francisco, CA 94117-1080