6 Best Literature Master's Degree Programs in Japan for 2024

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.