Minor in Japanese

Our students become proficient in the langage, history, culture and literary traditions of Japan, and they apply that knowledge to careers in commerce, foreign service, translation services, law, public administration, journalism, government and academia.

The minor in Japanese allows students to gain a basic understanding of the language as well as the history, culture and literary traditions of Japan, preparing them to succeed in international business, culture and education.

  • Explore Japanese culture and history
  • Advance your Japanese language and comprehension skills
  • Complement your undergraduate studies with a minor

 

Top Green College

(Princeton Review, 2025)

 

No. 46 among public universities in the country

(U.S. News & World Report, 2026)

 

5 Nobel Laureates

Since 1989

Practice your Japanese language skills at universities in Tokyo, Kyoto or Akita through our Education Abroad programs

Join fellow Buffs in the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET), administered by the Japanese Ministry of Education, to teach English in the Japanese school system

Gain internship and service learning opportunities through the department and the Program for Teaching East Asia (TEA) at the Center for Asian Studies

Be successful.

A minor in Japanese allows you to enter the global workforce with an understanding of the culture and language of Japan.

 

Broaden your employment possibilities with additional knowledge and skills gained from a minor

 

Work in commerce, foreign service, translation services, law, public administration, journalism, government or academia as a research analyst, global marketing specialist, foreign service officer, translator or interpreter, account manager, or educator

 

Job growth for language translators and interpreters will be 18% in 2016–26, much faster than average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Academic Plan & Requirements

To earn a minor in Japanese, students must complete a minimum of 18 credit hours in Japanese language and literature courses, including one upper-division elective.

Required courses include:

  • Intermediate Japanese 2
  • Advanced Japanese 1
  • Advanced Japanese 2

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