Japanese Humanities

The Department of Japanese Humanities at Kyushu University offers a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of Japan's rich cultural, historical, linguistic, and societal developments. This program aims to cultivate scholars who can analyze and interpret the diverse facets of Japanese civilization, fostering critical thinking and research skills essential for contributing to the field of Japanese studies. Students will engage with a variety of courses covering classical and modern Japanese language, literature, philosophy, history, anthropology, and cultural studies. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging learners to explore the interconnectedness of Japan's cultural traditions and contemporary issues. Throughout their studies, students have the opportunity to participate in fieldwork, language immersion programs, and research projects that deepen their expertise and enhance practical skills. The program also promotes international exchange and collaboration, often inviting guest lecturers and facilitating student exchange programs with partner universities globally. Graduates from this department are prepared for careers in academia, publishing, cultural preservation, international relations, tourism, and media, or for further graduate studies. The Department of Japanese Humanities at Kyushu University prides itself on fostering an environment of intellectual curiosity, diversity, and academic excellence, aiming to produce graduates who are well-equipped to contribute to the understanding and promotion of Japanese culture both domestically and internationally.

FIRST YEAR

• Japan: A History to 1600
• Research, Readings, and Methods I
• Topics in Japanese History I, or
• Topics in Japanese Literature I, or
• Topics in Japanese Art and Architectural History I
• History and Visual Culture Fieldwork
• Experiencing Kyushu Culture and History in Situ
• Japan: Arts and Visual Cultures
• Research, Readings, and Methods II
• Electives

SECOND YEAR

• Master’s Thesis Guidance
• Experiencing Kyushu Culture and History in Situ
• Electives

• Applicants for the IMAP in Japanese Humanities must have received a BA degree (or equivalent) from an accredited institution by the end of September, 2017. Prospective students must have strong skills in English, the language used for all courses in the program.
• Academic essay
• Two letters of recommendation
• Submit an official graduation certificate issued by the last university attended. Photocopies with an official seal or imprint are acceptable.
• Submit official academic transcripts from all universities or equivalent institutions attended. Photocopies with an official seal or imprint are acceptable.
• Submit test results or other relevant documents (TOEFL [P, C, I], TOEIC, IELTS, CAMBRIDGE). Photocopies are acceptable. These tests should not have been taken more than two years before the time of application. 
• Applicants must pay a 30,000-yen application fee and include a receipt providing evidence of payment together with the application materials. Only MEXT Scholarship Students are exempted from paying the application fee; they should enclose a MEXT Scholarship Student Certificate instead.

The financing studies of the Japanese Humanities program at Kyushu University encompass a comprehensive array of funding options designed to support both domestic and international students throughout their academic journey. The university provides a variety of scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities to ensure that students can focus on their studies without undue economic burden. One of the primary sources of financial support is the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships, which are available for international students pursuing undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degrees. These scholarships typically cover tuition fees, provide a monthly stipend to assist with living expenses, and sometimes include travel allowances. Eligibility criteria for MEXT scholarships are specified by the Japanese government and may vary according to the student’s country of origin, academic achievements, and research proposals.

In addition to government-funded scholarships, Kyushu University offers its own institutional scholarships aimed at both Japanese and international students. These institutional awards are awarded based on academic excellence, financial need, or a combination of both. The university's Competitive Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to cover tuition fees and living expenses, thereby reducing the financial burden on students. Specific scholarships targeted at students in the Japanese Humanities program are awarded periodically, often following a competitive selection process that considers academic performance, motivation, and commitment to the field.

Furthermore, Kyushu University encourages students to seek external funding sources, including private foundations, international organizations, and corporate sponsors. Many of these external scholarships require application through the university or directly to the funding bodies, and they often have specific eligibility criteria related to nationality, field of study, or research focus. Besides scholarships, students are also eligible for student loans and part-time work opportunities available on campus, which can serve as supplementary sources of income.

Financial planning and support services are provided by the university’s Office of Financial Aid, which offers guidance on applying for various funding programs, managing personal finances, and understanding scholarship requirements. Students are advised to explore multiple options and apply early to maximize their chances of securing financial support. Overall, the university's commitment to accessible education is reflected in its diverse financing options, aimed at ensuring that students enrolled in the Japanese Humanities program can pursue their academic goals with adequate financial backing.

Living expenses vary from individual to individual. The approximate monthly cost of international student life in Fukuoka at a modest but adequate standard is as follows (in Japanese yen):

• Accommodation and utilities 30,000 - 60,000
• Food 30,000 - 45,000
• Miscellaneous (books, supplies, travel, etc.) 10,000 - 20,000
• TOTAL 70,000 - 125,000

Additionally, all first-year IMAP students are required to enroll in History and Visual Culture Fieldwork during the fall term. This research excursion is partially subsidized; students are required to contribute a fee (ca. 45,000 yen).