About Japanese
Study Japanese language and culture with the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics at Florida State University.
FSU is home to one of the most robust and wide-ranging curriculums in Japanese language in the state of Florida. The department offers a full four years of rigorous Japanese language instruction—from beginning Japanese to intermediate and advanced courses in conversation, composition, grammar and reading. It also offers courses—taught in English translation—on Japanese literature from the classical period through the modern and contemporary eras, Japanese film, and Japanese popular media (including manga and anime). These courses teach students how to think imaginatively as well as critically about Japanese customs from local and global perspectives, giving students opportunities to enhance their global awareness and to grow as citizens of the world.
Japanese is one of the most popular languages in the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics. Many high-achieving students take advantage of the study abroad programs at our partner institutions in Japan and earn credits toward the Japanese major.
Upon graduation, students are equipped with the language skills and knowledge necessary for a career in Japan-focused fields, whether in Japan or elsewhere around the world.
The B.A. in Languages, Literatures, and Culture offers a major and minor in Japanese. Coursework taken to satisfy the College of Arts and Sciences foreign language requirement may not be applied toward the major or minor. Students must earn a final grade of C- or higher in all courses taken to fulfill the major and minor requirements outlined below.
[EFFECTIVE FALL 2025]:*
(*for students enrolled in the major prior to fall 2025, please consult the Academic Program Guide and for questions contact our undergraduate advising team).
Japanese Major (30 hours total)
Core Requirements (6 hours)
- LIN 2004 World Languages
- FOW 2100 Literature and the World
Japanese Major Requirements (24 hours)
Students will complete 24 credit hours of coursework numbered beyond JPN2220. A minimum of 3 hours must be at the 4000-level. A maximum of 6 hours of culture courses taught in English translation (JPT, or equivalent) will count towards the Japanese major. A maximum of 3 hours from the following coursework may count toward the 24-hour requirement: JPN 2501r, JPN 1112r, JPN 1301r, JPN 1132, JPN 1133.
Japanese Minor
The minor requires 12 hours in Japanese courses numbered above JPN 1121, which may include a maximum of three semester hours from the following coursework: JPN 2501r, JPN 1112r, JPN 1301r, JPN 1132, JPN 1133. The Japanese minor allows students to choose any combination of courses in language and culture (e.g., literature, film, manga, etc.)
The Department of Modern Language and Linguistics has established exchange programs with Kwansei Gakuin University and Hiroshima University. These international exchanges are currently available to undergraduate students in the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics and The College of Social Sciences and Public Policy. Priority is given to students with the following majors: Japanese Language and Culture, Japanese Language with Concentration in Business, Chinese-Japanese Co-Major, Asian Studies, and International Affairs.
Students interested in the two programs listed above must apply by the February 1 deadline for the upcoming Academic Year program. Students must be in at least their 4th semester of language classes. Both programs are offered for the full academic year (the spring term in Japan extends into mid-August).
KGU has a homestay option and a dorm option, whereas Hiroshima has only a dorm option. Hiroshima also has a very high GPA requirement, so students should keep this in mind.
Other Japan Study-Abroad Programs:
Waseda University, Tokyo
There is also an exchange with Waseda University, and students in majors within the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy may apply either for the academic year or for one semester. Waseda University offers a Japanese Language Program track as well as an English-based International Liberal Studies track with required Japanese language courses. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required for all Waseda applicants and selection is competitive because students from various majors may apply for limited spots. Waseda University also offers a 6-week summer program that is not part of the regular exchange but is offered for transfer credit.
Meiji University, Tokyo
The exchange program offered at Meiji University is open to students in majors within the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy. Students may take classes from Meiji’s School of Global Japanese Studies program, which offers a variety of subjects taught in English. Students may take Japanese language courses at various levels from beginner to advanced in addition to their studies at the Global Japanese Studies program, but language classes are not required.
Kyoto University of Foreign Studies, Kyoto
The Kyoto University of Foreign Studies exchange is offered primarily for History majors, but other students may apply from majors within the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy. The duration of this program is one semester or academic year and has an intensive focus on language as well as classes offered in English. Spots on this exchange are very limited and may not be offered every semester due to limits from KUFS.
For more information about any of the Japan study-abroad programs, please contact the Global Exchanges office at the Center for Global Engagement (globalexchanges.fsu.edu or globalexchanges@fsu.edu).
To view current undergraduate Japanese courses and descriptions, visit the College of Arts and Sciences Bulletin and scroll down to courses beginning with prefixes JPN, JPT and JPW.
The following courses are also available to undergraduates studying Japanese:
- ASN 3822 Traditions of East Asian Humanities
- ASN 4463 Conceptualizations of the Imagination in East Asia and Beyond
- *IDS 3459 Cinema Gone Global
*When taught by Japanese faculty and/or course content includes Japanese cinema.
Japanese Conversation Table
Join the Japanese Conversation Table! This is a great opportunity to speak Japanese in an informal setting, and to meet other people interested in Japanese. You are always welcome. Drop by anytime.
Contact Junko Brudenell for the details.
Japanese Animation Club of Tallahassee
The purpose of JACT is to promote Japanese culture through exposing members to current trends in popular media, particularly animation, but not limited to graphic novels, video games, music and so on. By using Japanese popular culture, we unite the diverse student body through a common interest. This, we believe, will foster goodwill between the students of the Florida State University, members of the community, and the unique Japanese culture.
Japan Exchange and Teaching Program
Founded in 1987, JET has sent more than 70,000 participants from around the globe (including more than 35,800 Americans) to work in schools, boards of education, and government offices throughout Japan. What makes JET unique is that it is the only teaching exchange program managed by the government of Japan.
Association of Florida Teachers of Japanese
The purpose of the association is to encourage, support, sustain and improve the teaching of Japanese at all levels of instruction in Florida, and to promote a cooperative spirit through the exchange of ideas and cordial fellowship among its members as well as to serve the community's interests.
American Association of Teachers of Japanese
AATJ supports students of Japanese by offering teaching activities, developing proficiency, working with study abroad programs, and supporting academic and careers paths for Japanese teaching and learning.