Japanese studies
Historically, Japan is one of the most dynamic nations in Asia. It is simultaneously steeped in rich traditions and a source of innovation. Australia’s relationship with Japan is one of the most engaged and durable diplomatic and trade relations in the region. Understanding Japan’s language, culture and history are vital for the socio-economic development and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region. Monash has a long history of engagement with Japan and maintains one of the most extensive programs in Japanese studies in Australia. Monash prepares students with a critical appreciation of Japanese language and culture, along with foundational skills and strong communicative competence to actively participate in Japanese professional environments to advance scholarly research on Japan.
Teaching Program
Our language offerings cater to students from introductory through advanced levels with a flexible structure that allows entry at several levels, ensuring sequential study suitable to students' backgrounds. Language units combine the structured development of communication skills with aspects of Japanese society and culture. More information on the coverage of each language unit can be found here. Elective and capstone units cover a number of disciplinary and cross-disciplinary areas of Japanese studies to ground understanding of Japan within broader Asian contexts. The units reflect the key strengths of the program in linguistics/applied linguistics, contemporary socio-cultural studies, history and translation.
We offer numerous opportunities for exchange, through both academic and internship programs. We also foster advanced study through well respected honours and postgraduate programs. These programs are complemented by the research and engagement work of the Japanese Studies Centre and the Monash Japanese Language Education Centre. We consider Monash to be one of the most established centres for gaining broader understanding of Japanese language, culture and society in Australia.
We also have a well-established network of Japanese university partners and wide range of options for students interested in studying in Japan.
Exchange and short-term study abroad programs to Japan.
Courses
Undergraduate studies
- Bachelor of Arts (Japanese studies major)
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours Year)
- Diploma of Languages
Master's by coursework
Graduate Research
Find out more about the Arts Graduate Research Program.
Complete an entry level test to determine which unit you will be placed in, and find out more on the language framework Japanese studies page.
Research
Japanese studies staff members conduct research in areas of Japanese literature, film, politics, linguistics and applied linguistics, anthropology, history, sociology, and translation studies. The research strengths of academic staff in Japanese studies focus on interdisciplinary studies of Japanese culture and society both past and present. Transnational studies of Japanese culture in Asian and other cross-cultural contexts are also welcome.
Japanese studies research centres:
Journal
Staff
Our academics in Japanese studies enjoy strong national and international profiles and pursue global interests. View all staff.