Communication and Education
Careers that focus on teaching and translating across languages and cultures.
- Japanese Language Teacher
- Teaching Assistant
- Interpreter
- Translator
- Editor
- Subtitler
Build a Future You Want
Explore careers in diplomacy, support translation projects for global tech companies, or represent organizations in international business. A Japanese Studies degree offers flexibility for students interested in global careers, combining Japanese language proficiency with cultural understanding.
At Willamette, hands-on learning is our priority. Our Japanese Studies program equips you with skills employers value and guides you toward meaningful career opportunities. With study abroad experiences, Japanese clubs, and language tables, students can engage in hands-on learning each year.
What Skills Do You Learn?
Students gain a wide variety of skills that benefit them throughout their careers. Willamette's degree helps students with abilities such as:
- Language proficiency: Gain the ability to communicate with other Japanese speakers through reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
- Cultural humility and literacy: Understand history, social norms, and values embedded in Japanese culture. Gain an awareness of cultural biases and significant cultural issues.
- Critical thinking: Interpret Japanese texts, media, and historical contexts with attention to nuance, perspective, and cultural meaning.
- Problem-solving: Develop practical problem-solving skills through translation accuracy, cross-cultural negotiation, and advanced language use.
- Adaptability: Through language study and cultural exploration, students build the ability to adjust quickly in new and unfamiliar situations.
-
-
Government
Roles that support cultural exchange and cooperation between countries.
- Foreign Service Officer
- Consular Officer
- Cultural Affairs Specialist
- Cultural Ambassador
- Trade Compliance Analyst
- International Trade Specialist
- Policy Analyst
-
Business
Positions that apply Japanese language and cultural knowledge to global commerce.
- Business Analyst
- Import and Export Coordinator
- Account Coordinator
- Purchasing Agent
- Operations Manager
- Customer Service Manager
- International Partnerships Manager
- Financial Relationship Manager
-
Media
Creative careers that interpret, adapt, or produce content.
- Author
- Digital Content Creator
- Marketing Specialist
- Illustrator
- Media Producer
-
Education and Nonprofit Work
Careers centered on research, education, and advocacy.
- Research Associate
- Program Coordinator
- Nonprofit or NGO Program Officer
- Social Worker
-
Tourism
Roles that support travel and culture by connecting people across borders.
- Tour Company Owner or Manager
- International Travel Coordinator
- Hospitality Manager
Is a Japanese Degree Worth It?
Absolutely! A Japanese degree offers a variety of benefits that extend beyond simple language skills. In the US, Japanese Studies graduates have an average wage of around $99,300. Employers often value bilingual employees across many roles, which can support opportunities for higher pay or advancement.
Japanese Studies helps prepare students for specialized roles that have a global component to them. If you're considering a career that requires language skills or planning to move to Japan, it's a great major to pursue. Consider combining Japanese Studies with another field to tailor your education to your ideal career.
Should I Major in Japanese?
Are you passionate about Japanese culture? Do you enjoy learning languages? If you want to turn those interests into a career, consider majoring in Japanese Studies. A Japanese Studies degree helps you build valuable skills that can lead to careers in business, international relations, and teaching.
Are you considering a career abroad? Majoring in Japanese can help you develop the right skills international employers value and require. Develop the language skills that you need to work in Japan or in other countries where people speak Japanese.
Why Choose Willamette for Japanese Studies?
Take the