Japan is a country where centuries-old traditions and cutting-edge technology exist side by side. Home to more than 125 million people, it spans the four main islands of Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, along with thousands of smaller islands.
People are drawn to Japan for its rich and diverse culture, natural beauty, sport, business opportunities and distinctive cuisine, known as washoku, which is recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.
Australia and Japan also share strong political, economic and cultural ties. Learning Japanese offers a valuable way to engage more deeply with the country, its people and the many opportunities this important relationship creates.
Overview
Japanese at ANU offers a comprehensive learning pathway, from foundational to highly advanced study, including a range of thematic and specialised options. As Japanese has a complex writing system, first-year students undertake separate spoken and written language classes to support the balanced development of speaking, listening, reading and writing skills.
After completing the eight subjects required for the Japanese language major, students can continue into advanced thematic study covering current affairs, literature, culture and society. Students with a high level of proficiency can also pursue research-focused and specialised areas such as translation and Japanese language teaching.
Students have opportunities at different stages of their studies to learn at one of our 18 partner institutions in Japan, all of which are highly ranked universities. Options include intensive summer study, semester-long exchanges and the flagship Year in Asia (Japan). Competitive scholarships are available to eligible students undertaking in-country study, and self-sourced overseas learning opportunities may also be supported.
Study options
Japanese language courses can contribute towards a range of majors, minors and specialisations, or be taken as electives.
A Japanese major or minor can be completed as part of the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Asian Studies, Bachelor of Languages, Diploma of Languages and several other degrees. At postgraduate level, a Japanese specialisation may be available within degrees such as the Master of Asian and Pacific Studies, Master of General and Applied Linguistics, and Master of General and Applied Linguistics (Advanced).
Most Japanese language classes are delivered in person, although some may be available online.
Undergraduate courses include Japanese 1: Spoken, Japanese 2: Spoken, Japanese 1: Written, Japanese 2: Written, Japanese 3, Japanese 4, Japanese 5 and Japanese 6 .
Visit ANU Programs and Courses for study options.
The School of Culture, History and Language places a unique emphasis on in-country experience. For more information on exchange programs and in-country language opportunities, visit the ANU global programs or enquire cap.student@anu.edu.au.
ANU Students:
- Major (48 units)
- Minor (24 units)
- Advanced Minor (24 units)
- Learn on Campus
- Can be incorporated into Bachelors and/or Masters programs as electives
- Study Abroad Opportunities: Year In Asia, Study Tours & In-Country Leaning Opportunities
Non-ANU Students:
- Learn on Campus as a Non Award Student
