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 major Keizan Sato’s Study Abroad ExperienceHow do you travel internationally, learn a new language, make lifelong friends, and broaden your cultural horizons, all on a student’s budget? One answer is scholarships. Just ask Keizan Sato. Read about Keizan's study abroad experiences in the College of Letters …
- Japanese alum hosts Kokoro Cafe pop-up restaurantUWM alum Brandon Crisp (Japanese and Film Studies, 2019) is hosting Kokoro Cafe, a pop-up restaurant, at Faklandia Brewpub in St. Francis on Monday, November 11. Get more information and RSVP here!
- Study Abroad Scholarship for Students of Arabic, Italian, and JapaneseThe CIE-National Resource Center Title VI Grant offers a limited number of Study Abroad Scholarships in the amount of $1,500-$2,000 for undergraduates (sophomores and above) or graduate students with a demonstrated interest in critical languages as defined by the U.S. …
- Global Studies and Japanese student Lauren Sroka wins major international scholarshipCongratulations to Lauren Sroka, a Global Studies major and Japanese minor, who is studying abroad in Japan this year, thanks to the Boren scholarship! Read the UWM Report story here.
- 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!
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.
