Japan studies explores Japan from its historical beginnings to the present day. It is based on the analysis and methodical interpretation of sources and primary data in the original language. In 19th Century Europe, the subject was initially considered to be non-European philology. The focus was on the oldest historical, religious and literary texts and their linguistic foundations. With the political and economic rise of Japan from the 1960’s, social science research on modern Japan was added as a second significant research area. Today, Japan studies covers a broad range of topics: from the challenges owing to Japan’s aging population to dealing with migration or social movements in Japan to bioethical debates, forms of modern and classical literature (including manga and anime) or the history of Japanese mythologies and their domestic, continental and foreign sources. While Japan studies previously focused on Japanese peculiarities, the topics covered have increasingly been considered in a regional, East Asian, global and transnational context. This applies to current issues such as Japanese economic and foreign policy or dealing with natural disasters and high-risk energy sources such as nuclear energy but also to historical matters from the measurement and symbolic ordering of time to court literature or historical forms of knowledge.
In Switzerland, Japan Studies can be studied as a major or minor subject in Geneva and Zurich at all levels. It is also a doctoral subject.
In Japan Studies, a large amount of the first years is dedicated to language acquisition. Using modern language learning methods, students learn to communicate orally and in writing, and to read academic texts within two years. Both Geneva and Zurich have trained lecturers and their own teaching materials. There are special courses to prepare students for the standardised Japanese language tests for non-native speakers (Japanese Language Proficiency Test, JLPT), which take place at the University of Zurich on an annual basis. Later on in Japan Studies, there are courses in older language forms (bungo/Classical Japanese and kanbun/Sino-Japanese notation style). Exchange programmes with renowned Japanese universities provide an opportunity to spend a study year in Japan (some with financial support). This is not only an opportunity for students to gain practical knowledge of Japan and improve their Japanese: often performance at the Japanese university can be taken into account in the Swiss study programme.
In terms of content, teaching in the early study years reflects the breadth of the subject. Students gain an insight into history, society and cultural developments in Japan from its beginnings to the present day. Later (in the third year of the BA, as well as at MA and doctorate level), teaching is more closely linked to research. The topics correspond to the profile of the individual academic chairs (see links below). Graduate programmes are research-focused. As such, the focus is on detailed analysis of sources and data, as well as their interpretation with regard to Japanese and global disciplinary paradigms.
While Japan Studies does not lead to a specific career, successful graduates are well-prepared for a number of fields. Possible careers range from private business and diplomacy to working in cultural education and international organisations. Some students work in Japan after completing their studies. Frequently, a placement or part-time employment during the student’s studies is the first step towards this.
Study programs in Switzerland
- Université de Genève, Unité d'études japonais
- University of Zurich, Japanologie