Why Learn Japanese
Japan Plays an Important Role in the Global Economy
Japan is the third-largest economy in the world, and U.S.-Japan economic relations remain strong—with close connections that show how deeply integrated our trade and national-security interests are. According to a U.S. Congressional Research Service report, in 2012, the United States and Japan accounted for an estimated 30 percent of the world domestic product, making them the two of the largest economic powers with the potential to influence economic conditions in other countries.
Knowing Japanese Will Set You Apart from the Crowd: You’re Learning How to Navigate and Fish in Less Traveled Waters
Studying a language such as Japanese shows that you have what it takes to be successful in life. You possess determination, patience, and absolutely no fear of challenging yourself. The majority of people who learn a foreign language choose a European language like Spanish, French, German, or Italian, because it is familiar. You can show that you have a multicultural perspective that goes beyond the familiar. You are adventuresome! Whether it is a resume for a job or an application for a prestigious fellowship, noting that you have studied a less commonly taught language will make you a memorable candidate. It will show that you are up to any task that may be put before you.
The Japanese Are Innovators, Designers, and Creative Engineers in Cultural Exports
Anime, sushi, Sony Playstation, Nintendo, Hello Kitty, Sudoku, karaoke, manga, martial arts, origami, and more—just think about how our daily lives are enriched and entertained by products from Japan. The Japanese are known for their love of design, precision, and mastery. Whether it is designing electronic gadgets or high-end fashion clothing, the Japanese value craftsmanship, quality, and pleasing the consumer. Japanese pop culture has a universal appeal around the world. Some say Japan has reinvented the concept of “soft power,” and if something is created or made in Japan it is part of “Cool Japan.”
Can Watching Anime Really Help Me Learn Japanese?
“I Love Japan!” Japan Is an Ideal Study Abroad Destination
Japan is one of the best study abroad destinations for students who are venturing abroad. It is one of the safest countries in the world, with its low crime rate, secure borders, and renowned transportation system. The Japanese have a profound respect for learning and are proud of sharing their language and culture with international visitors and students alike. Internet access is non-censored and the Japanese, who are constantly on the move, are linked to the world through mobile devices. They are likely to know the weather in New York as well as that in Tokyo. Most students who spend some time in Japan want to immediately turn around and return to study, work, or simply visit. There is something that resonates within each individual, whether it is the neon lights of Akihabara, the upward soaring glass skyscrapers, the glistening moss in the garden of an ancient temple, or the delicate beauty of a carefully arranged boxed lunch.
"How to Japanese" Podcast Interviews Japanese-Speaking Professionals
From Work to Play, When You "Speak Japan," You're a Global Citizen!
Jump on the Bandwagon!
The number of people studying Japanese language in the world continues to grow, and the Japanese language teaching profession in the United States is one of the most highly developed in the world. You are not alone in your interest in Japanese. There are many people just like you who love the language, culture and history of Japan. Take advantage of having skilled teachers of Japanese in K-16+ who are dedicated to inspiring, motivating, and supporting learners of all ages. You will likely never forget your first Japanese “sensei” who initiated you into an entirely different world of sounds, writing systems, and visual excitement.
What Should You Know About the Japanese Language?
One, it’s not as hard as you think! Two, part of being an able communicator in Japanese means that you can read a host of non-verbal cues and you will quickly understand how language is not always spoken or written. Awareness of self and others is a vital part of communication in Japan. Competency in a language such as Japanese means you have the skills to travel the globe. Speaking and understanding the oral components are just one small part of a dialogue.
You Will Be Exposed to Multiple Perspectives and Learn How to Effectively Relate to People Different from Yourself
You will become skilled at processing new ideas that are different from your own. In other words, you will better understand the diversity that defines the United States and how a global perspective actually makes us better fellow citizens in a country that was founded by immigrants from around the world. Whether you end up working here in the United States or abroad, studying a language other than your own is just one way to understand how perspectives shift according to ethnicity, gender, generation, sexual orientation, and socio-economic background.
Who Am I? Learn about Yourself
The fact that the Japanese rarely use the word “I” in daily conversation, and yet clearly understand who is “you” and who is “I,” tells you much about their world. The fact that it is almost impossible to sustain a conversation in English without the word “I” tells you about your world. Understanding your place in the world at any given time or in any given place is the most important lesson in life. Want to know more? Study Japanese!
Adapted from American Association of Teachers of Japanese
Scholarships and Grants
Asian Pacific Fund Scholarships
The Fund administers 12 scholarship programs that provide financial support to undergraduate and graduate students; criteria range widely and include academic major, ethnicity, parent’s occupation, and place of residence.
Bridging Scholarships
The U.S.-Japan Bridging Foundation offers about 100 scholarships annually to assist undergraduates with travel and living expenses incurred while studying abroad in Japan.
Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program – Japanese
Run by the U.S. Department of State, the CLS Program is a fully funded overseas summer immersion program promoting the study of critical languages, including Japanese.
Freeman Awards for Study in Asia (Freeman-ASIA)
Administered by IIE, Freeman-ASIA Scholarships provide need-based funding to U.S. college students for study abroad experiences in East or Southeast Asia.
Japanese American Citizen’s League (JACL) National Scholarships
JACL currently offers over 30 scholarship opportunities to League members planning to attend university full-time, no matter their ethnic background.
Japan Foundation Grant Programs
Japan Foundation offers several types of grant opportunities, including funding for students, teachers, institutions and organizations.
Japanese Student Services Organization (JASSO) Scholarships (and external funding source pamphlet)
JASSO offers international students a variety of scholarships for study at Japanese universities and language institutes—including options for science majors, privately-financed students, and short exchanges. They have also compiled an extensive pamphlet entitled “Scholarship for International Students in Japan” which breaks down a multitude of external monetary awards available to international students by participating institution, amount, visa type, and other criteria.
Mizuho International Foundation Foreign Students Scholarship Program
The Foundation supplies scholarships to ten Japanese universities each year, who in turn suggest candidates for the award; students should inquire at their preferred university to determine if they are a participating institution.
U.S.-Japan Council Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship Program
The Wantanabe Scholarship provides financial assistance to undergraduates and graduate students for a semester or year-long study abroad program in either the United States or Japan. Preferred U.S. applicants include students who have been raised by a single parent or who have lost both parents, those without significant international travel experience, and first-generation college students.
Looking for a Japanese Program?
While initially developed to report language enrollment figures, the MLA database provides a comprehensive listing of postsecondary language programs, allowing you to refine your results by language, geographic area, and/or type of institution. The data is based on MLA’s 2013 survey.
To Get Started:
- Select your language(s), up to eight
- Narrow your search, as desired, and click “search now”
- Expand your findings to reveal specific schools offering programs in your language by clicking on the small triangles on your results page
