This program consists of two parts: the language courses and the modules in social and cultural studies.

(Information about Japanese courses)

Our language education program spans five semesters and teaches beginner and intermediate level learning materials. During the first two semesters in particular, the proportion of language courses in the Japanese Studies degree program is quite large, with a total of 8 SWS – Grammar (4 SWS), Reading and Writing (2 SWS), and Language Activation (2 SWS).

Through the Japanese courses, students not only learn to communicate verbally and in writing in everyday life, but also acquire the skills to understand complex facts independently, for example in a newspaper article, using various aids. Our aim is to provide well-founded, wide-ranging and expandable language skills.

(Information about modules)

During the first year of this degree program, students are taught the fundamentals of Japanese studies through the study of history, a preparatory course and a methods seminar. Beginning in the second year, students are taught the skills necessary to engage with research literature, analyze a variety of sources (primary and secondary), and present their findings orally and in writing.

Our modules focus on the following: social change with a focus on the use of social media (e.g., by radical right-wing activists or the post-Fukushima social movements with left-leaning approaches), energy policy, demographic change, gender roles (equality and misogyny), and ethnic minorities in Japan (e.g., the Korean minority). In addition, we provide students with basic knowledge of the media system, political institutions, and the labor market in Japan.

Patience in learning a new language, the ability to handle data accurately, and an interest in current social issues, journalism, and politics. Students with an interest in anime and Japanese subcultures learn the basics of Japanese history and society in our program, which often enables a deeper understanding of the background of Japanese popular culture. Equipped with this knowledge, students can then write academic papers, for example on the analysis of anime.

FAU offers very good Japanese language courses with the goal of independent research using Japanese sources, a high level of support during the semester abroad, teaching critical observation skills of society, knowledge transfer of methods and current research, and careful supervision of theses.

Possible career paths after graduation include careers in academia, journalism, diplomacy (e.g. at the German Foreign Office, the Japanese Embassy, or the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs), and the private sector (e.g. German companies in Japan, Japanese companies in Germany and Japan).

We strongly recommend that students take a year in Japan between their fourth and fifth semesters.  FAU’s Department of Japanese Studies maintains partnerships with numerous institutions in Japan (as of 2023: twelve locations). Students who choose to spend time studying there within the framework of these cooperation agreements benefit from special conditions – waiver of tuition fees, arranging accommodation, scholarships, etc. The stay abroad lasts two semesters, starting in the fall, and takes place on an annual basis. Early application is open in particular to students of Japanese Studies as their first subject.