The Graduate School of International Cultural Studies is composed of the Department of International Cultural Studies and the Department of Japanese Studies. Obviously, these two departments, which offer both Master’s and Doctoral courses during the daytime and in the evenings, are derived from the undergraduate School of Foreign Studies, and the School of Japanese Studies, respectively. Students are here encouraged to take a multi-faceted approach to the study of different cultures while building on their profound knowledge of and insights into their own.
The Graduate School is also committed to promoting the continuance of education for adults in this globalized society.

Department of International Cultural Studies

Master’s Course
This course specializes in two areas: Linguistics and Culture, and Society and Culture. These two specialities are further divided into the four study fields of Linguistics, Literature and Culture, International Communities, and Regional Societies. The program provides academic education and research into a number of disciplines from an international perspective, irrespective of national or regional boundaries.
Therefore, a range of subjects which are shared with those in the Department of Japanese Studies are offered - in order that students, through the study of international cultures, accomplish an understanding of both the researched cultures and their own.
In addition, the course supplies a foundation in introductory subjects, and other areas that are, for example, aimed at developing language skills or obtaining a teaching license.

Doctoral Course
In the Doctoral course, students are encouraged by various faculty members to enhance their abilities in advanced research, and to further develop the expertise they acquired during their Master’s course.
Students are allowed to attend specialised lectures from a choice of five. From these lectures, students will gain a comprehensive methodological perspective and understanding of each selected academic field - which would be essential for their doctoral theses.
At the same time, graduates are encouraged to provide articles in journals, or to make presentations at academic conferences, which are related to their respective assignments in the supervised discipline of “Specialized International Studies”. Through these activities, the course aims for its students to obtain their postgraduate qualification.

Department of Japanese Studies

Master’s Course
This course offers two areas of specialization: Linguistics and Culture, and Society and Culture. These specialities are further divided into the four study fields of Linguistics, Literature and Philosophy, Cultural History, and Regional Cultures. The program includes a wide range of studies into Japanese culture, along with subjects in conjunction with the Department of International Cultural Studies. Through this means, students are expected to develop a high understanding of their own and other cultures.
Furthermore, some areas of study, such as those that explore various theories of international communication, and some classes that are pertinent to gaining a specialized certificate, will also equip students with the ability to acquire a higher level of language proficiency.

Doctoral Course

In the Doctoral course, the faculty encourages all students to further develop their abilities at advanced research. Graduates can select a minimum of three subject areas from five of specialized lectures to attend.
From these lectures, students can gain a comprehensive methodological perspective and understanding in each chosen field - which would be essential for their doctoral theses.
At the same time, students have the opportunity to provide articles in journals, or to make presentations at academic conferences, which are related to their respective assignments in the supervised discipline of “Specialized Japanese Studies”. Through these activities, the course aims for its students to obtain their postgraduate qualification.