Japanese Society

Japanese Society

Major Courses

-

School of Economics and Management

All

KCCBG1MCA7

2.00Credits

講義・演習 (Lecture/Seminar)

Spring semester 2026

(Spring semester)

Stephanie Assmann Terada

School of Economics and Management
Global Business Course

English

Not applicable.

5／8／10

Thursday
10:40-12:10
Research Building I
Room A-231

E-Mail:
assmann@em.u-hyogo.ac.jp

2◎／4〇

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N/a

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Learning Objectives: This course provides an overview of contemporary Japanese society with an emphasis on population development, ethnicity, politics, employment, and gender.
Learning Targets: By examining Japan as a global nation, which faces a challenging demographic transformation but remains characterized by traditional gender norms and family structures, students reflect upon their own culture from a comparative perspective.

Demographic change, population, ethnicity, employment, gender

I. Course Content

This course provides an overview of Japanese society with an emphasis on population decline and aging, ethnicity and multiculturalism, politics, employment, and gender. Through an analysis of topical readings, students will acquire a basic knowledge of contemporary Japanese society and develop critical thinking skills.

II. Course Schedule

1. Introduction
2. Geography and Climate
3. Population (1): Population Decline and Aging
4. Population (2): Population Decline and Aging
5. Population (3): Rural Life and Domestic Migration
6. Multicultural Japan: The Ainu (1)
7. Multicultural Japan: The Ainu (2)
8. Multicultural Japan: The Nikkeijin (1)
9. Multicultural Japan: The Nikkeijin (2)
10. Politics: Government, Bureaucracy and Institutions (1)
11. Politics: Government, Bureaucracy and Institutions (2)
12. Work, Gender, and Employment (1)
13. Work, Gender, and Employment (2)
14. Work, Gender, and Employment (3)
15. Summary

In-person

• In-person classes only
• Not subject to the cap on distance-education credits

Completely forbidden

1. Statistics Bureau Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. (Ed.). (2023). Statistical Handbook of Japan 2023.
(https://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/handbook/)
2. Hendry, J. and E.E. Cook (2025). Understanding Japanese Society. Routledge.
3. Sugimoto, Y. (2015). An Introduction to Japanese Society. Cambridge University Press.
4. Weiner, M. (Ed.). (2008). Japan's Ethnic Minorities. The Illusion of Homogeneity. Routledge.

Selected readings will be made available in class.

[Preparation] Students are expected to complete the assigned readings prior to class and take two written tests (15 hours).
[Review] Students are expected to review the assigned readings prior to the final examination (15 hours).

Students will have an opportunity to listen to a guest lecture.

[Grading Criteria]
Students who demonstrate understanding of the demographic transition, social stratification, and gender equality in Japanese society will be graded according to the syllabus objectives: S (90 points or higher), A (80 points or higher), B (70 points or higher), and C (60 points or higher). Anyone who receives at least a C will earn credit for the course.

[Grading Methods]
Grades are based on two written tests (20% each, 40% in total), class participation (20%), and a final exam (40%).

1. The instructor will return the written tests with detailed comments.
2. Before the final examination, the instructor will review the entire course content and conduct a feedback session to hear the students' opinions about the course.

Regular attendance is required.

Not applicable.

In past semesters, some students left the classroom after attendance was taken.
Students are expected to remain in the classroom for the entire duration of the class.
Attendance will be taken at the end of each class.