FOUNDED1873TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF FOREIGN STUDIES

東京外国語大学

SCHOOL OFJAPANS T U D I E S

国 際 日 本 学 部

History
Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS) traces

its origins back to the Institute for the Research ofBarbarian Documents (Bansho Shirabesho), which wasfounded by the Edo Shogunate in 1857. Its initial

mission was to absorb European knowledge throughbooks written in Dutch, English, French, and German.

The ancestor of TUFS as an educational institution wasTokyo Gaikokugo Gakko (Tokyo School of Foreign Languages),which was founded in 1873. TUFS became a university
in 1949, and in 2023 celebrates 150 years as aninstitution specializing in the research and teaching of
global languages and cultures.

The campus was initially in Kanda Nishikicho in central
Tokyo. TUFS moved to its new, modern campus inFuchu, Western Tokyo, in 2000. The School of Japan
Studies (SJS) was established in 2019. It is the firstundergraduate department (gakubu) at a national

university specializing in Japan Studies. Today, TUFS

is widely recognized as one of Japanʼs top universities

specializing in the humanities and social sciences.

HAUKAMP, Iris

Institute of Japan Studies/Associate Professor
Field: Film Studies

SHIBATA Momoko
Japan

Entered 2019HÜRTER, Isabella
Germany-Mexico
Entered 2022

ICHIKAWA Naohisa
JapanEntered 2020

XU Pakeenee
ThailandEntered 2020

1To k y o U n i v e r s i t y o f F o r e i g n S t u d i e s

What is Special AboutSJS?
■SHIBATA Momoko

So many students from everywhere!

Not only the international students, but even theJapanese students come from so many different
backgrounds. It is so interesting and fun to talk withall the members of this faculty. The School of Japan
Studies has given me so many unexpected chances tolearn about and understand different countries, not justJapan. When the international students arrived theydidnʼt know much about, say, Japanese history, but they
expected me to know everything about Japan. So, eventhough I did not study Japanese history in high school, I
studied it before the class so I could teach them. And inreturn, they helped me when reading and writing English
papers. Itʼs like exchanging our abilities to learn together.

■HÜRTER, Isabella

The Multicultural Collaboration class focuseson mixing the international and Japanese
students

I was surprised that this class lived up to its name andthat we were actually supposed to collaborate withJapanese students during the first semester. At first, wewere told to make our own ground rules, such as whether
we should use Japanese or English to communicate.
We said, “How about doing both?” If someone didnʼtunderstand the other person, we tried to translate. Thisis how we managed it. Iʼm still very good friends now
with the people in this group. I think itʼs because at thebeginning we were so open and clear about the way wewanted to communicate.

■ICHIKAWA Naohisa

Gaigosai (University Festival)

I joined the Gaigosai organizing committee, but due toCovid-19 we were forced to hold the university festival
online in 2021. Gaigosai is an event through which
students can get to know each other well. Because
the School of Japan Studies has both Japanese andinternational students, I needed to communicate withboth to explain the changes caused by the pandemic
and how they could participate in Gaigosai. Throughdiscussing various things about the festival with them inEnglish, I realized how international students view things
and the commonalities and differences we have. In 2022,
Gaigosai returned to its usual style with food stands andthe plays performed in all the different languages. I wasdeeply moved when I heard our juniors mentioning
Gaigosai as a unifying moment in their university life.

■XU PakeeneeItʼs kind of like a big community

At first, I was scared about coming to Japan because I
was not familiar with Japanese culture. When I arrived,I met not only Japanese, but also students from manyother countries. I knew I would need some time toadapt. But as time went by, I began to feel really goodabout being here. By spending time with people fromdifferent cultures, we step out of our comfort zones.
I have learned about how both Japanese and nonJapanese people think or act. For example, during group
work, we considered not only our own opinions but also
how Japanese people would think, or what we could
do to make it comfortable for everyone. In the Schoolof Japan Studies, we stay together for four years. We
keep learning about each other every day. Even back in
Thailand, when I talk with people from other countries
I feel like there is a wall between us. But here, I do not
feel any boundaries or any walls because we kind of feel
comfortable already.

■

HAUKAMP, Iris

Navigating different cultures andcommunication styles

Language is one thing. Then, we have got the other big
thing called “culture.” And it is not only Japan and “外国 foreign countries”: diversity exists beyond and withinevery community. When we communicate with otherpeople, we realize that something “あたりまえ“(obvious) for
us is not the same for other people, and we start to think
about the reason for this. I think this is such an importantlearning experience in life. Honestly, everybody should
live abroad with people from other countries to learn thisbecause it really opens your mind. At the School of Japan
Studies, Japanese students can experience this here, inJapan. And for the international students, coming to anew country at the age of 18 takes courage. I think itʼsreally nice that you all support each other so much.

School of Japan Studies

2

Faculties at TUFSIn all three faculties at TUFS, students start by receiving an indepth education in a major language as well as a broad range ofliberal arts subjects. In the third and fourth years, students pursue
specialized studies according to their interests.
■

School of Language and Culture Studies■

School of lnternational and Area Studies■

School of Japan Studies

Features of SJS

1

You will attain an advanced level of Japanese
proficiency. Fundamental Japanese Classes forinternational students are organized by skill (reading,writing etc.) and proficiency level. Join the appropriateclass for you by taking a placement test at the time ofadmission.

2You study Japan from multiple interdisciplinary
perspectives. Furthermore, Japan is placed firmly in
an international context. You learn about Japanesepolitics, economics, society, history, literature, culture,and the Japanese language. You can also learn how toteach the Japanese language.

3

Students from diverse backgrounds study together
using both English and Japanese. All students,
regardless of linguistic background, have access tocomprehensive programs in the Japanese and English
languages. You study Japan comprehensively while
improving your language proficiency.

4

You engage in project-based learning to develop
your teamwork and leadership skills. For example, inMulticultural Collaboration in the first year, you identify
a local problem, decide a research project connected
to it, and discuss in groups how to resolve the problem.

Student Voices

ICHIKAWA Naohisa
JapanEntered 2020

3My Favorite EventGaigosai FestivalGaigosai is the TUFS university festival. It has along history and celebrated its 100th anniversary
in 2022. There is a real buzz on campus andeveryone enjoys its unusually long duration fora university festival (five days). One of Gaigosaiʼsmain features is the foreign language plays. In2022, SJS students gave a performance of “TheTale of the Bamboo Cutter” in Japanese. There
are many ways to learn about and enjoy Japaneseculture with your classmates at TUFS.

To k y o U n i v e r s i t y o f F o r e i g n S t u d i e sCurriculum

Very demanding
but definitely so rewarding

Improve your Japanesethrough Japanese
language classes!

1Firstyear

In the Multicultural Collaboration class, you will learn
how to work together effectively in a team. Learn about
Japan from various perspectives in introductory lecture
courses while enhancing your Japanese language
ability in language classes. The Global Liberal Arts
Program offers classes in a wide range of topics.

Japanese Language Courses,
Project-based Courses,
Global Liberal Arts Program.
Example Subjects
Multicultural Collaboration 1&2
Introduction to Japan Studies
Introduction to Japanese History
Introduction to Japanese Society
Introduction to Japanese Literature and Culture
Introduction to Japanese Linguistics

Deepen yourinterest in a
specific topic!

2

Secondyear

Continue improving your Japanese
language skills in language classes
while deepening your knowledgeof Japan through the survey classes.
Continue taking the Global Liberal
Arts Program, and perhaps do a study
tour or have a short-term study abroad
experience.

Example Subjects

3LEE Sze Ping
Hong Kong SAR
Entered 2021 (3rd year transfer)aGr

4Fourthyear

Thirdyear

Decide your area of specialization andtake multiple lectures/seminar classes in
preparation for your graduation research
project. If you join one of SJSʼs dual
degree programs, you can spend a year
or more studying at one of our partner
universities abroad and still graduate
from TUFS in four years.

Join a Research Seminar in yourfourth year. Deepen your researchinterests through small-scale seminarclasses and individual tuition withyour chosen supervisor. You canwrite your graduation thesis in either
Japanese or English.

Major Courses (lectures and seminars),
Graduation Thesis
Example Subjects

Example Subjects

Theories of Multicultural Society
Japanese Politics and Economy
Japanese Classical Literature
Japanese Culture
Japanese Linguistics
Second Language Acquisition
Teaching Japanese to Speakers of Other Languages
Seminar In Japanese Society
Seminar in Japanese Linguistics

Research Seminar Courses
Graduation Project
Theories of Multicultural Society
Japanese Culture
Classical Japanese Grammar
Seminar in Japanese Literature and Culture
Seminar in Japanese Society

Fieldwork in the Local CommunityCommunity Outreach Project
Educational Assistance in the Community
Survey of Analytical Approaches to Japanese Society
Survey of Japanese Diplomacy and International Relations
Survey of Japanese History and Society
Survey of Japanese Literature and Culture
Survey of Japanese Linguistics
Survey of Teaching Japanese to Speakers of Other Languages

Student Voicesn!

tioaduCourse List
2023

My Favorite Class

Study Tour for Revitalization of Regions (Global Liberal Arts Program)
The aim of the class is to understand rural Japan and come up with proposals for how torevitalize Japanʼs regions. During the study tour, I stayed in Yamagata prefecture, tried different
kinds of snow activities, andvisited some tourist attractions. I
deeply appreciated the kindnessof the local people, and I hope
the proposals in my presentation
were meaningful suggestions for
improving the promotion of thiswonderful place.

School of Japan Studies

4Graduation and Beyond

Global Career Center

By the fourth year, you have attained a high level of Japaneselanguage proficiency, you have learned many practical skills in
Project-Based Courses, and you have deepened your specialized
knowledge about Japan via the many Major Subjects on offer. In
your final year, you conduct a year-long graduation thesis project
under the supervision of a professor of your choice. And you thinkof the next step …

Graduation Thesis Topic Areas
Japanese Politics,Economy, Societyand History

What do you want to do after graduation?
You probably have not thought about thismuch, but the Global Career Center will giveyou comprehensive advice about career
options in Japan. Or, you could continue yourstudies at the postgraduate level at TUFS,
within Japan, or beyond.

Japanese Cultureand Literature

日本学Japanese
Linguistics

Japanese
Language Education

Graduate Voices

My Graduation Thesis
VALPANIT Chawanrat

Starting Work

Thailand

PERMATASARI, Pegy

Graduated 2023

My graduation thesis was titled "The Impact of the COVIDInduced Growth of Video Streaming Platforms on theJapanese Animation Industry" and I wrote it under thesupervision of Professor Iris Haukamp. In the Japanese
Film Studies Research Seminar I received much usefuladvice on the research process and the construction of mythesis arguments from Professor Haukamp and my fellow
students in the seminar.

Indonesia
Graduated 2023

I graduated from SJS in March 2023 and am now workingfor a Japanese manufacturing company in Jakarta. The
four years I spent in SJS helped me to learn about openmindedness and how to connect with people fromdiverse backgrounds. I hope that I can continue utilizing
my Japanese and other things I learned in SJS in the
future as well.

Chawanrat (right)
and classmates

Student Voices

EFIMOVA, Taisiia
RussiaEntered 2021 (3rd year transfer)

5

My Favorite Class

Postwar Japan, with a focus on politics and foreign relations
This course traces the evolution ofJapanese society chronologicallysince 1945 with a focus on politics
and foreign relations. Being
interested in international relations
and politics, I was happy to not justblindly memorize the material, but
to multiply my knowledge of Japan's
political system by participating in thediscussions in these classes.

To k y o U n i v e r s i t y o f F o r e i g n S t u d i e s

Pegy with her supervisor
Prof. Seaton

A Day at TUFS

Shall we go for lunch
together after class?

8:15 Leave your room
There are 3 dormitories on campus.
Each room comes furnished with a single
bed, desk, and a small kitchen area witha stove, refrigerator, etc. (a room at thedorm is not guaranteed)

Research and Lecture
Building

Dormitory

Small quizzes,
presentations, manythings to prepare!

8:30

Language classes
in the morning

Most language classes are held in themorning, while specialized subjects arescheduled in the afternoon.

There are also books
in my language!

On a nice sunnhaving lunch y day,outsi
is also refresh deing.

11:50

Lunch at the cafeteria
Freely choose from a wide
variety of menu items, fromrice bowls and noodles tolarger menus.

Circle activities
Library

16:00 Studying at the library

100There are over s toclubs and circle
choose from!

Our library has over 880,000 books in more than
286 languages. TUFS-Learning Commons has agroup work area and consultation desk.

Student Voices

KATSUMATA KaitoJapanEntered 2020

My Favorite Activities

Piano Circle and Gardening Circle
I belong to the Piano Circle and Gardening
Circle. In the Piano Circle both Japaneseand international students enjoy performing
together. Now the Covid-19 regulations havebeen eased, we have started to have moreinternational students again. Itʼs nice to have thisatmosphere back! The Gardening Circle wasestablished two years ago. I am the founding
member of this circle and we work to makecampus just that little bit more beautiful.

School of Japan Studies

6Finances■Fees■

Admission Fee¥282,000

Tuition Fees (per year)¥535,800

Living Costs

Current average living costs total about ¥100,000 per monthfor rent, utilities, food, health insurance, etc.

As of March 2023 (subject to change)

Entrance Examination
Type of Entrance Examination

日本留学試験利用選抜

Admission
DateApplication
PeriodJapanese Proficiency

English Proficiency

ExamAprilMid October

Submission of EJU
Examination Voucher

Submission of official
English test score

Interview only

(no minimum score requirement)(no minimum score requirement)

Entrance Examination
by High School
Recommendation
for the School of Japan
Studies

April

Late August –early September

Not required

CEFR B2 or above

Interview only

Entrance Examination
for Transfer Students
in the Third Yearfor the School of Japan
Studies

OctoberMarch –
early MayJLPT N2 or above

CEFR B2 or above

Interview only

Important: Check the details of each examination by downloading the admission information.
https://www.tufs.ac.jp/english/admission/degree/undergraduate_program/

国際日本学部で待っています！

TUFS (Japanese)

TUFS (English)

School of Japan Studies

School of Japan Studies

https://www.tufs.ac.jp/
education/js/

https://www.tufs.ac.jp/english/
education/js/

https://www.tufs.ac.jp/

国立大学法人

東京外国語大学

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF FOREIGN STUDIES (TUFS)

Contact: Global Admissions Office (GAO)

3-11-1, Asahi-cho, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo 183-8534, Japan(Japanese)

E-mail：gao@tufs.ac.jp

https://www.tufs.ac.jp/english/(English)