Skip to main content

Japanese Studies

Immerse yourself in Japanese culture and prepare to thrive as a global thinker. Explore our BA in Japanese Studies to learn about language, literature, film, religion, and history.

Program Snapshot

Undergraduate Bachelor of Arts

Major, Minor

124

4 Years

Salem Campus

Three people in an educational setting, two seated young men and a standing teacher pointing at a piece of paper.

Our Japanese Studies Major & Minor

Embrace the art, traditions, pop culture, and history of Japan at Willamette. Whether you're interested in speaking the language fluently or learning more about the customs, our Japanese Studies major supports your goals.

Why choose Japanese Studies at Willamette?

  • Sister-school relationship with Tokyo International University. TIU students study at Willamette, offering students a way to connect to Japanese culture on campus. Speak Japanese over meals, room with Japanese students, and volunteer at events like Sakura Matsuri.
  • Join culture-based clubs. Students can join student groups that focus on culture or start their own clubs on campus. Explore your passion for anime, J-pop, and manga with a vibrant community.
  • Study abroad options. We have a close partnership with TIU, which means students can explore study abroad options in Japan. Visit locations like Kawagoe, an Edo-period castle town northwest of Tokyo.

Schedule a Visit

Alumni Stories

Our alumni have emerged as leaders in international business, foreign service, tourism, education, and law. They’ve pursued advanced studies at graduate school, and they’ve joined the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) program to launch careers in Japan.

  • Jaered Koichi Croes '08

    Turn your passion project into the next big thing, just like Jaered Koichi Croes ’08
    Jaered Koichi Croes '08 transformed his Japanese culture blog, initially a junior-year project at Willamette University, into a successful company with 15 employees. His journey showcases the power of independent projects and supportive campus environments.

    A person with short, dark hair, wearing round glasses and a blue garment with black chest armor.
  • Headshot of a person with short, light blonde hair, wearing a white dress shirt and black necktie against a white background.

    Devon Patterson ‘22

    Expert in Japanese and intercultural communication
    Devon Patterson ‘22 holds a B.A. in Japanese Studies. With six years of experience interpreting between English and Japanese in both America and Japan, Devon has worked at international science fairs, conventions, and the 2019 Japan Microplastics Conference. Devon currently serving as an Assistant English Teacher for the JET Program in Minoh, Osaka, Japan.

Curriculum

Combine language with cultural studies to truly embrace Japanese Studies. Explore a variety of topics in Japanese Studies such as history, literature, art history, cinema, and religion. Students are strongly encouraged to study abroad through the Japan Study Program.

  • JAPN 434 Conversational Japanese II

    Boost your conversation skills with intensive training in both formal and informal styles, using authentic listening materials. Enhance your vocabulary and oral expression in a fun, culturally immersive environment.

  • JAPN 340 The Japanese Cinema

    Explore the world of Japanese cinema from its golden age to today, delving into iconic films and directors. Discover how these films reflect traditional aesthetics and the socio-political landscape of their times.

Program Requirements

Our Japanese Studies major requires 36 semester hours to complete the degree. This is comprised of 16 semester hours of Japanese Language courses, 16 semester hours of Japanese Culture courses, and 4 semester hours dedicated to the Senior Seminar.

Students pursuing a Japanese minor will need to complete 20 semester hours in Japanese language courses.

A group of students seated in desks reviewing a work paper
Admissions Information

Our Japanese Studies program is open to first-year students, transfer students and international students. Learn more about Willamette’s undergraduate admissions process to get started.

Three people engaged in discussion in an office with a wooden bookshelf and a map on the wall.
Financial Aid and Scholarships

Willamette University is committed to supporting Japanese Studies majors with generous merit scholarships and financial aid. There is no separate application required for these scholarships. All admitted undergraduate applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships, starting at $26,000 per year. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, taking into account cumulative GPA and SAT or ACT scores, if provided.

A closeup of hands typing on a laptop

FAQs

Willamette University

Japanese Studies