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This major offers you an insight into one of Asia’s foremost economic and cultural powerhouses. You’ll learn and develop reading, writing, speaking and listening skills, while exploring contemporary Japanese society and culture. Studying Japanese language, culture and society means taking a significant step towards being Asia literate – an important attribute for future global citizens, particularly in Australia.

Course Structure

This major is suitable for complete beginners and for students who have completed secondary school language studies. It is possible to combine Japanese Studies with a second major from within our other bachelor's degrees.

You'll learn to

show competence in the Japanese language in the four skills of language acquisition – reading, writing, listening and speaking

operate effectively in daily conversations or complex discussions in social and academic work situations

understand and engage with Japanese-language texts and Japan-relevant English-language material – written, audio or visual – of an intellectual nature in particular areas of interest and expertise

understand how culturally specific social structures affect interpersonal communication, and determine how to apply this knowledge to your own interactions in a culturally sensitive manner

engage effectively in the key debates on Japanese history, society and culture in a professional manner

demonstrate transferable skills such as digital literacy, information management, group working, research skills and critical thinking

Why study this course?

Study with experts in Japanese studies and language education

Attend conversation practice and functions in UWA’s traditional Japanese tatami room

Join the Japanese Students’ Association for language practice, cultural exchange and networking

Career Pathways

There is high demand for graduates with knowledge of Japan and Japanese. Graduates with a major in Japanese can find employment in federal and state government departments and private industry and community groups. The combination of Japanese with a major in another discipline (such as anthropology, economics, geography, history, industrial relations and politics) is becoming particularly attractive to employers.

Further Study

This major lays the foundation for further study options at honours and postgraduate level.