Japanese

Why Study Japanese at the UO?

Japanese is the 9th most spoken language in the world with 128 million speakers. Japan also has the world’s third largest economy. Beyond the practical reasons for studying Japanese, you also grow your horizons by learning about more than 1000 years of literature and a fascinating culture.

At the University of Oregon, you’ll learn Japanese in friendly, activity-based, intensive classes designed to achieve high-level proficiency. You will learn the basics of Japanese culture, society, literature and linguistics from historical and contemporary perspectives.

Undergraduate Programs

Our program enables students to achieve proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking Japanese while acquiring a fundamental knowledge of the literature of the country.

Graduate Programs

The Department of East Asian Languages and Literature offers both MA and PhD programs in Japanese.

Japanese garden with pond

Travel and Study Around the World

The Department of East Asian Languages and Literature prepares students for the future of global citizenship and the workforce. Many of our students spend time traveling and living in another culture. We offer study abroad opportunities in Japan. The department offers several scholarships to help students pursue their studies.

What You Can Do with a Degree in Japanese?

Japanese majors have a wide variety of professional opportunities. Some of our graduates have gone on to teach English in Japan, become professional translators, worked in trade between US and Japanese companies, and found jobs in government and nonprofit agencies. Some graduates have also gone on to law school and other professional and graduate studies.

Old Japanese painting

Learn from Experts in Japanese

Our department is composed of faculty who are active in their interdisciplinary research as well as institutes and programs at the UO. They are passionate scholars who inform, inspire, and mentor students in building real-world skills.

Scholarships and Funding

The Department of East Asian Languages and Literature awards multiple scholarships to current undergraduate and graduate students. Learn more about available scholarships and eligibility requirements.

Undergraduate Scholarships 
Graduate Funding

Academic Support

Our academic advisors can help students talk through their major or minor requirements, plan their course of study, explore study abroad opportunities, and more.

Undergraduate Advising 
Support for Graduate Students

East Asian Languages and Literatures News and Events

After announcing a landmark $25 million commitment, Portland developer, philanthropist and alumnus Jordan Schnitzer shares his thoughts on living in an ever-globalizing world—and his hopes for the Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages.
Eight faculty members have been selected to win this year’s Distinguished Teaching Awards, which recognize exceptional teaching at the University of Oregon. The 2024-25 recipients are Lana Lopesi, Adell Amos, Mohsen Manesh, Marli Miller, Damian Radcliffe, Corinne Bayerl, Amanda Wojick and Naoko Nakadate.
LANGUAGES AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES — This year's Foreign Language and International Studies Day offered a vibrant celebration of languages, cultures and the arts for high school students. Attendees came from 19 Oregon high schools, some traveling from as far north as Seaside, as far south as Roseburg and as far east as Pendleton.

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