Japanese Humanities

Both MA and PhD candidates study with specialists in Japanese history, art history and visual culture, literature, premodern languages, religion, geography, and other facets of the humanities. Students enroll in rigorous seminars on general and specialist topics—many of which incorporate study at cultural and historical sites within Japan. The IMAP and IDOC in Japanese Humanities are characterized by closely supervised instruction and small seminars customized to meet the long-term academic goals of each student. Seminars taught by primary faculty generally emphasize premodern Japan and its relationship to East Asia; these are supplemented by courses offered by affiliated and guest faculty in topics ranging from Japanese film to archaeology. There are also courses in field-specific methodologies, research methods, and premodern Japanese (kobun and kanbun). Among other requirements, all IMAP and IDOC students are required to write a thesis in English under the guidance of primary and secondary academic advisors. Depending on their Japanese-language proficiency, MA candidates may select additional courses from the Graduate School of Humanities or other graduate schools within the university; PhD candidates are required to enroll in graduate courses taught in Japanese. 

FIRST YEAR

• Doctoral Dissertation Guidance
• Research and Professional Development
• Choice of Upper-level Graduate Seminar(s)
• Choice of Upper-level Graduate Seminar(s)

SECOND YEAR

• Doctoral Dissertation Guidance
• Research and Professional Development
• Choice of Upper-level Graduate Seminar(s)
• Choice of Upper-level Graduate Seminar(s)

THIRD YEAR AND BEYOND

Each candidate’s progress will vary, but the PhD degree typically takes three to six years to complete. During that period the courses listed above will continue.

ELECTIVE 

• Upper-level Graduate Seminar: History I – II 
• Upper-level Graduate Seminar: Visual Culture and Art History I – II 
• Upper-level Graduate Seminar: Literature I – II 
• Upper-level Graduate Seminar: Buddhist Studies or Japanese Religions I – II 
• Upper-level Graduate Seminar: Text and Material Culture I – II 
• Upper-level Graduate Seminar: Selected Subject I – II 

• Applicants for the IDOC in Japanese Humanities must have received an MA degree (or equivalent) within the humanities from an accredited institution by the end of September, 2017. Applicants must have strong skills in English and Japanese (minimum JLPT N3 level or proof of equivalent skill). Prospective students will typically contact a prospective advisor in advance of their application.
• Academic essay
•  Three 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.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

• MEXT Scholarship

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).