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Japanese Language and Japan Studies

Program Overview

Asia is now a powerhouse of the global economy and promises to become even more important over the next century. People from around the globe will be needed to make connections in many fields relating to technology, language, and culture. Japan specifically continues to invest heavily in technological and cultural innovation, and career opportunities abound for qualified people with a working knowledge of its language.

Students of any major who intend to work overseas or in multicultural settings and firms within the United States will find these areas of study very useful. 

Major in Asian Language (Japanese Concentration)

Learn the language, culture and history of Japan and other regions of Asia — and prepare for a career and a lifetime of rewarding engagement.

Minor in Japanese Language

The objective of the minor in Japanese language is to enable students majoring in any field to acquire proficiency in the Japanese language while at the same time understanding the culture and history of Japan.

Minor in Japan Studies

The Japan Studies minor provides students with an understanding of the language, culture and history of Japan and gives students a foundation on which to explore the future of this nation and its relations with others throughout the world. Students of any major who intend to work overseas or in multicultural settings and firms within the United States will find this minor very useful.

Clubs

Japan Club

The Japan Club’s Mission is:

  • Promote knowledge of Japanese language, culture, and customs.
  • Work with the North Carolina Japan Center to provide information about study abroad opportunities.
  • Make students aware of resources and opportunities related to Japanese culture/language both on and off campus.
  • Expose the university to Japanese culture.

For more information, please visit the Japan Club Website.

Nihongo Club

The Nihongo Club of NC State was founded by former FLJ 402 members as a means to continue learning the Japanese language beyond what is available through NC State-offered courses. Students at all levels of Japanese proficiency are invited to join us in our meetings and further their knowledge of Japanese while learning about Japanese customs and culture. We will adjust the content of our meetings so that people of any level of Japanese will be able to participate in our activities.

The Nihongo Club also reaches out to the local Japanese community by participating in the many of the cultural events taking place throughout the year.

For more information, please visit the Nihongo Club Website.

Faculty

John Mertz
Section Coordinator, Japanese
Email: john_mertz@ncsu.edu
Office: 404 Withers Hall
Phone: 919-515-9297