13 Best Literature in Japan for 2024

The Master's Program in Japanese Literature and Calligraphic Culture has a curriculum combining literature, the voice of the spirit, and calligraphy, the graphical expression of the spirit. The program develops practical researchers and research-oriented practitioners who can play a leading role in responding to an era of spirituality, internationalization, and lifelong learning.

We cover almost all eras and fields of Japanese literature, and in addition have specialists in Japanese linguistics, teaching the Japanese language, and ancient Chinese thought. More than a century has passed since our school’s founding, and during that time we have gathered a rich collection of books of which we are very proud. In the field of Japanese literature, our Yamagishi Collection and Kurokawa Collection are particularly famous, with their valuable classic books, and researchers from outside Jissen come to view both of these collections. The Japanese literature program of the graduate school does not end with a master’s degree, but goes on to a doctoral program, so for all of our students, obtaining a doctor’s degree is not a mere dream. We also have a system of official credit exchange with the graduate schools of Seikei University and Chuo University.

International Liberal Arts is foundational at SILA and permeates every aspect of the curriculum. Liberal arts colleges, though global in scope, are small in scale. We are a learning community where classes are small and the relationship between teachers and students is close. With the exception of Japanese Expression, Career Design, and some classes in the Teacher Certificate program, all the classes are taught in English. The educational curriculum of Miyazaki International College consists of General Education Courses, Language Courses, Study Abroad Courses, Specialized Courses, Career Education Courses, Senior Thesis and Optional Courses. Courses are developed in accordance with the following principles: Classes conducted through active learning enable every student to practice and develop critical thinking skills By studying the cultures of Japan and other countries through a broad range of liberal arts courses, students will learn how to compare, analyze, and value different cultures Students practice identifying and solving problems through specialization in their chosen research areas and through the development of individual research projects Language courses (“Japanese Expression”, “Studies in Japanese Expression” and “English”) serve the purpose of developing a solid proficiency in the Japanese language and complementing and enhancing the English language proficiency that is foundational for global citizenship Courses shall offer students opportunities to acquire ICT knowledge and skills, and the ability to employ ICT in the use of the e-Portfolio system and presentations, etc.

A fundamental fact must first be made clear: the Faculty of Letters is not just a place to study literature. Philosophy, religion, history, language, art, and social sciences are included among the wide range of subjects that can be studied here.

Upon successful completion of the study program students receive an international private Master of Arts (MA) in Liberal Studies degree awarded by the school's main campus in Zurich, Switzerland, based on the recommendation of the faculty of the local campuses where credits were earned, and upon the recommendation of the school's Academic Council.

Graduate Program in Japanese Literature aims to enrich and develop Onomichi literature and art history and to foster people who willfully contribute to society. This program focuses on the following: (1) Japanese ways of consideration and comprehensiveness of language culture This program explores the origin of Japanese literature / culture that has created the characteristics of the Japanese language. (2) Restoration of communication with human beings, history, environment, and nature Onomichi has a traditional art culture consisting of beautiful nature and enriched historical environment. Essential research and investigation of Japanese literature and culture could be an important starting point to promote precise human nature and expressive sensitivity. (3) Realization of genuine internationalization High-level adults and/or vocational specialists with genuine global sense are prospective resources to contemporary society.

Acquire specialized knowledge in Japanese literature, linguistics and calligraphy. Along with carrying out instruction and research that values the importance of experiencing the best works of literature, we have established a program to assist with students' path after graduation.

The Department provides English courses to strengthen students' English proficiency and courses on English and American literature, poetry, theatrical performance, film and arts culture, and history. The Department also offers courses on English linguistics ranging from the history of English to variation in English.

KIU offers a 2-year degree in the liberal arts department that has two distinctive. First, the program is comprised of a broad balanced study of natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Students will develop practical applied learning skills in this program. The second distinctive is the Japanese emphasis. Living in Japan, a foreigner has a great opportunity to learn the Japanese language, about the culture, history, and politics. KIU will teach students these subjects and broaden the students' horizons and international potential upon degree completion. Non-Japanese students will attain a certain level of Japanese proficiency and be able to use acquired knowledge and skills in cross-cultural settings with confidence.

The Master's program is divided into three courses. Educators working in research and teaching amount to three times the number of students enrolled. The Japanese Literature major mainly researches classical literature, contemporary literature, and Japanese language studies. Graduate students choose specialties from among the following: ancient times (Nara Period), medieval times (Heian Period), the middle ages (Kamakura and Muromachi Periods), early modern times (Edo Period), contemporary times (Meiji Period and thereafter), or Japanese language studies; but it is also possible to study across multiple periods. The English Literature and English Education programs include three fields. The English literature field focuses mainly on English and American literature, Studies in Language and Culture, and the English language field uses connectives and pragmatics as samples of the linguistic culture of various English-speaking countries for research. The English education field cultivates English teachers who can contribute to inter-cultural exchange through the promotion of linguistic education using English. Furthermore, the English education course meets the needs of current teachers (elementary, junior high, and high school teachers) by offering programs with flexible schedules, such as lectures at night, so that teachers can attend while continuing to work. The international culture field mainly focuses on local culture and international culture. Graduate students specialize in set regions of Europe or Asia, or in the systems and relations between certain regions and countries. In addition, the Doctoral programs established for the Japanese Literature, English Literature, and English Education programs enhance specialization even further.

The Faculty of Letters was established in May 1949 as part of the new Faculty of Law and Letters. This faculty was then split into the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Letters in 1979.

The Department offers courses in Japanese language and literature, from classical literature (e.g., Manyoshu, the Tale of Genji, and Heike Monogatari) to contemporary literature (e.g., works of Soseki Natsume, Haruki Murakami, Shuntaro Tanikawa). The Department also provides various courses such as courses in Media, on Child literature, and on Performance.

This department has the longest tradition of English education of all the universities in Hokkaido. Students develop their understanding of global cultural values and different cultures mainly through learning and research on various aspects of Anglo-American culture, as well as exploring their own Japanese identity. We introduce multi-media classes that actively utilize the internet and computers, and we also offer five-month overseas study programs as part of the formal curriculum in order to deepen intercultural understanding.