Japan-in-Asia Cultural Studies Program
「アジアの中の日本文化」プログラム
Program Overview
The Japan-in-Asia Cultural Studies (JACS) program is an interdisciplinary humanities program that explores the complex and multifaceted relationships between Japan and other East Asian countries. The JACS curriculum focuses on cultural history, cinema and visual culture, and literature, but it is important to note that this program goes beyond the mere study of culture. Rather, JACS is grounded in the theoretical framework of cultural studies, which examines culture as a dynamic social and political process that is shaped by power, ideology, and identity. Cultural studies scholars analyze cultural artifacts and practices not only as reflections of society but also as products of power relations and struggles. This program provides students with opportunities to engage with a range of critical and theoretical approaches to cultural analysis, enabling them to develop the skills necessary to analyze and critique cultural texts and practices in a nuanced and thoughtful manner. Graduates of the JACS program acquire specialized knowledge in cultural history, cinema and visual culture, and literature, as well as critical thinking, research, and communication skills that are invaluable in a variety of professional settings. In addition, the program provides students with opportunities to interact with distinguished scholars from around the world, broadening their intellectual horizons and deepening their cultural understanding.
Career Prospects
JACS graduates can pursue career options including:
1. Pursuing advanced degree in academia
2. Working in arts management or culture and media industry
3. Tourism
4. Journalism
5. Working in government offices and private companies
There are good employment prospects for JACS grads both in Japan and around the world. Of course, you are also welcome to continue studying at the Graduate School of Humanities at Nagoya University. You can further pursue your academic interests in modern literature, cinema, and/or modern history in JACS, or study another humanities field in the Graduate School of Humanities.
Course Topics Examples
• Japanese transnational and minority literatures
• Asian cinema history
• Critical film analysis
• Japanese cinema history
• Literary Theory
• Modern Japanese and East Asian history
• Film theory
• History of visual culture
• Japanese literature and translation
• Japanese literature and gender
• Modern Japanese literature
Being in JACS made me realize that unlearning is as important as learning in this world. Studying is about getting out of your comfort zone, embracing challenges, keeping yourself sober-minded, feeling grounded and secure, yet still making efforts to re-examine everything with critical eyes. Why not join us to see what studying means to you here? The floor is all yours.
Being in JACS made me realize that unlearning is as important as learning in this world. Studying is about getting out of your comfort zone, embracing challenges, keeping yourself sober-minded, feeling grounded and secure, yet still making efforts to re-examine everything with critical eyes. Why not join us to see what studying means to you here? The floor is all yours.
JACS helped me become a better thinker, equipped with a range of skills and knowledge to account for, evaluate, and take action in the complicated world we inhabit. Although I am introverted in nature, I never felt pressured to actively participate. Before I knew it, I was already a part of the community by engaging in discussions, receiving feedback, and occasionally attending JACS events or meetups. One of the many things I admire about the JACS faculty is that they are excellent listeners. They kindly arranged meetings whenever I wanted to discuss my research interests, lecture contents, or other personal matters like job prospects and postgraduate studies. This made me feel valued as an individual and helped me become more robust and confident! I am currently pursuing an MA at UCLA and have received wonderful PhD offers. This wouldn't have been possible without JACS, the starting point of my exciting academic adventure.
— Moe Sasakawa
UG 2016-20, MA 2020-21, Japan
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Having come from another university, I was blown away by how welcoming and supportive JACS is. The professors and other students are always willing to offer help or advice when needed, so you never feel like a nameless face in the crowd. It’s truly an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything. No matter where your interests lie academically there is plenty of freedom to explore those interests within the courses. Fortunately, or unfortunately if you’re trying to decide on a thesis topic, there is a wide range of topics covered in the courses which are certain to pique your interest. I cannot recommend this program enough!
— Rebecca Penrod
UG 2020-2024, USA
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I am currently an MA student in Japan-in-Asia Cultural Studies. JACS has been a welcoming community that has provided me with numerous opportunities. I have met countless friendly and inspiring individuals during my time here. Through JACS, I have been able to attend various screening events and academic symposiums. Additionally, I have been offered opportunities to participate in event design. Overall, every semester spent at JACS has been fruitful for me.
— Zhu Dinghui
MA 2021-2023, China
When deciding whether to accept the JACS admission offer, my primary interests were personal finance management and the community at Nagoya University. Since coming here, I've learned that international students with a student visa can work up to 28 hours per week, and there are plenty of part-time jobs available for people with varying levels of Japanese proficiency, making it easy to support oneself in Japan. I can also attest to the fact that JACS has a tight-knit community due to its small student body. During your first year, you'll have the opportunity to bond with your batchmates while living in the common dorm. The professor-student ratio is well-balanced, allowing for close collaboration in small classes. JACS professors are incredibly supportive and responsive, answering questions about research, career, and living in Japan. Overall, JACS is a welcoming community with an ideal professor-student ratio and excellent support.
When deciding whether to accept the JACS admission offer, my primary interests were personal finance management and the community at Nagoya University. Since coming here, I've learned that international students with a student visa can work up to 28 hours per week, and there are plenty of part-time jobs available for people with varying levels of Japanese proficiency, making it easy to support oneself in Japan. I can also attest to the fact that JACS has a tight-knit community due to its small student body. During your first year, you'll have the opportunity to bond with your batchmates while living in the common dorm. The professor-student ratio is well-balanced, allowing for close collaboration in small classes. JACS professors are incredibly supportive and responsive, answering questions about research, career, and living in Japan. Overall, JACS is a welcoming community with an ideal professor-student ratio and excellent support.
When deciding whether to accept the JACS admission offer, one of my primary interests besides the atmosphere was personal finance management. Since coming here, I have learned that international students can work up to 28 hours per week, and there are plenty of part-time jobs available for people with varying levels of Japanese proficiency, making it easy to support oneself in Japan. Thanks to its small student body, JACS has a tight-knit community. JACS professors are incredibly supportive and responsive, answering questions about research, career, and living in Japan. Overall, JACS has been a welcoming experience for me!
— Indranil Enkhtuvshin
UG 2020-2024, Mongolia
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Being in JACS made me realize that unlearning is as important as learning in this world. Studying is about getting out of your comfort zone, embracing challenges, keeping yourself sober-minded, feeling grounded and secure, yet still making efforts to re-examine everything with critical eyes. Why not join us to see what studying means to you here? The floor is all yours.
— Xie Wenxi
UG 2019-23, China
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As a first-year student, I highly recommend the program due to my positive experiences so far. Despite coming from a linguistics background with zero English study experience, my fears of struggling were unfounded. Thanks to the welcoming atmosphere, small class sizes, close peer group, and super supportive professors, studying here has been more enjoyable than expected. Living in Japan as a foreigner can be challenging, but I am glad to have found a place that feels like home, and I am excited to continue learning during my time here.
— Kateryna Shabelnyk
MA 2022-24, Ukraine
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JACS is not just a program, it’s an experience. The courses are thought-provoking and exciting, with the professors often challenging our perspectives and the way we see Japan and the world. With a supportive community of students and faculty members, the journey in JACS has allowed me to grow both intellectually and as a person.
— Theophilus Sng
UG 2020-24, Singapore
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When I first came to Nagoya, I hardly knew what to expect. Having just emerged from a confusing high school experience, I could only hope to blend in and go through university relatively uneventfully. But what greeted me was a community filled with warmth, understanding and acceptance. At JACS, I not only was able to find my intellectual voice and learned things I never would have thought about, but also grew to love and be more confident in myself. I cannot imagine my life without JACS, and I will continue to carry the four years I spent there with me everywhere I go.
— Nguyen Tue Minh
UG 2018-22, Vietnam
