Japanese
The Japanese major provides students with proficiency-based training in Japanese language at all levels, including options for study abroad and internships. Courses in Japanese culture, literature, film, and new media both in Japanese and in English are also part of the program. Our classes focus on Japanese topics but in the tradition of the humanities, we ask students to examine how humans live, think, interact, and express themselves.
Graduates of the UWM Japanese Program have gone on to utilize their linguistic and cultural fluency in work and internships in business, government, and education and are located in Southeast Wisconsin, across the United States, and in Japan.
Although study abroad is not required, we highly encourage students to consider an experience abroad. It is educationally transformative and life changing! And, it may not be as expensive as you think. We have established programs with these Japanese universities:
- Chiba University (Tokyo)
- Nanzan University (Nagoya)
- Seijo University (Tokyo)
- Hosei University (Tokyo)
- Hokusei Gakuen University (Sapporro)
UWM’s Center for International Education is the place to begin exploring the possibilities.
Prospective Students (not yet enrolled at UWM)
Prospective students, contact our admissions counselor at let-sci@uwm.edu or 414-229-7711.
Current Students
General questions such as how to declare, how to change a major, general education requirements, etc. should be directed to the College advising office at ls-advising@uwm.edu or 414-229-4654.
Specific questions about Japanese, such as research opportunities, internship opportunities, major requirements, etc., should be directed to Asst. Prof. Aragorn Quinn.
Japanese Programs
Ready to Declare?
Select the declaration that’s right for you, and you will find more instructions on how to declare and what to expect.
Why Study Japanese at UWM?
Economic
Japan is the fourth largest trading partner of the United States (U.S. Census) and has the third largest economy in the world.
Diplomatic
Japan is a crucial strategic ally of the United States in a region that is only expected to increase in importance throughout the next century. The importance of this region is highlighted by the well-publicized shift in diplomatic policy known as the “pivot” to East Asia.
Cultural
Japanese cultural impact, through film, literature, art, and new media, has an outsized global reach.
Recommended Resources for Japanese Students
Japanese News
- Japanese Student Wins Boren Award!The Japanese Program is thrilled to congratulate Japan 202 student Lauren Sroka as a recipient of a 2024 Boren Award. Wonderful work, Lauren!
- Alumni Spotlight: Brandon CrispJapanese major and UWM alum Brandon Crisp spotlighted in In Focus! Read more here: https://uwm.edu/letters-science/in-focus/alumni-news/alum-brings-his-subtitling-work-to-uwms-silver-screen/
- UWM Japanese Major wins Klotchke scholarshipCongratulations to Japanese major Salvador Prado for receiving the Klotchke scholarship!
- Inter-College Language TableIn Fall Semester 2021, the Japanese Program will continue to participate in the Inter-College Language Table. This is a great chance to speak with Japanese learners across the country. Email for login info.
- Congratulations to our students on the Dean’s ListA hearty congratulations to the ten students in the Japanese Program on the 2021 Dean's List! This year's Japanese majors and minors on the list are: Elizabeth Xiong, Mitsuki Fendt, Grant Goehrig, Stephanie Korb, Grace Robinson, Owen Szymkowski, Justina Cheng, …
Campus Resources
UWM offers a wide range of on-campus resources, such as academic support and mental health resources. Students also find community within our student centers.
