Japanese Studies (MA) (120EC)

Why study Japanese Studies at Leiden University?

The two-year MA Japanese Studies offers an immersive experience that goes beyond the classroom. At Leiden, you will join a state-of-the-art and multidisciplinary programme taught by leading academics in the field. Our program is designed for a select group of talented and highly-motivated students who wish to engage into specialised research on various topics in Japanese studies, such as contemporary society, politics, art history, classical and contemporary texts, and linguistics. Recent student thesis projects focused on Japanese martial arts, political discourses on transgender identities in Japan, student activism and gender representations in Shunga. 

Study in Japan

A highlight of the two-year programme is that two semesters of your degree will be spent studying at a university in Japan, offering you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, language, and society, take courses on topics of interest at a leading Japanese University, and conduct on-site research for your MA thesis. Develop your fluency in Japanese and gain a host of skills and insights that will prepare you for real-world success after your master's degree.

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Aya Ezawa

Researcher and university lecturer

"Studying contemporary Japanese society is like a journey: full of discoveries and new insights. It is not just a question of acquiring knowledge, but reflecting on issues relevant to our own lives. My classes on contemporary Japanese society address, for instance, gender inequality in contemporary Japan. What explains the persistence of gender inequality in the workplace in Japan despite the existence of laws ensuring equal opportunities? Engaging with these kinds of questions means developing not only a better understanding of Japan, but reflecting on the meaning and significance of gender, and how gender operates on a societal and personal level."

What are your career prospects?

Our alumni can be found working within Japanese multinationals such as banks, insurance companies, and government bodies. Others have followed paths into consultancy, management, journalism, PR and marketing, tourism, and education. Our alumni can be found working at international organizations and Japanese companies, whilst others have followed paths into consulting, media, PR and marketing, tourism, education, and more.

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Is Japanese Studies the programme for you?

A comprehensive range of topics in modern and pre-modern Japan combined with a flexible programme format mean that you can tailor your studies to your interests and career goals. Alongside your specialised knowledge, you will acquire analytical and critical-thinking skills and the ability to independently conduct high-quality research. Do you want to find out if you are eligible for this Master's Programme?

Check the admission requirements

Jona Boekesteijn: My year in Japan

During my stay in Japan, Japanese language classes were part of the curriculum that I followed at the university there. It was a fairly intensive programme, and I learned a lot from it, but I also found that it is important to make sure that you leave space for other subjects. In terms of Japanese language skills, you ultimately learn the most by using it in your everyday life there anyway! Read more.

A centre of expertise on languages and cultures of the world

If you’re interested in languages and cultures, Leiden University is the best place to study. The university’s global expertise places our programmes at the top. In Leiden and The Hague, we study languages and cultures from all regions of the world and from prehistory to the present day. In this way, we create a broad view of the world; the key to mutual understanding. 

Video: Our experts on Languages and Cultures explain

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