Japanese Culture and Society

Course Title

Course Title in English

Japanese Culture and Society

Course Type

-

Core Specialized Courses

Eligible Students

Graduate School of Social Sciences

Target Grade

All

Course Numbering Code

KCWMS5MCA1

Credits

2.00Credits

The course numbering code represents the faculty managing the subject, the department of the target students, and the education category (liberal arts / specialized course). For detailed information, please download the separate manual from the upper right 'question mark'.

Type of Class

講義 (Lecture)

Eligible Year/Semester

Fall semester 2026

(Fall semester)

Instructor

Stephanie Assmann Terada

Affiliation

Graduate School of Social Sciences
Department of Global Business

Language of Instruction

English

Not applicable.

Related SDGs

5／8／10

Office Hours and Location

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

Contact

assmann@em.u-hyogo.ac.jp

Corresponding Diploma Policy

A double circle indicates the most relevant DP number and a circle indicates the associated DP.

Corresponding Undergraduate School DP

ー

Corresponding Graduate School DP

1◎／3〇／5〇

Corresponding University-Wide DP

N/a

Academic Goals of Teacher Training Course

ー

Course Objectives and Learning Outcome

【Learning Objectives】
This course focuses on the role of migration in Japan as the country is facing a demographic transition. For students who may consider working in this country, an understanding of migration and ethnicity is relevant. In this context, we will investigate care migration and skilled migration from the perspectives of employment, skills, and ethnicity. (Terada)

【Learning Targets】
Students will gain an understanding of migration to Japan through various readings. Students will reflect upon concepts that are relevant to the study of migration such as ethnicity and identity.

Subtitle and Keywords of the Class

Population decline, migration, ethnicity, identity

Course Overview and Schedule

【Course Content】

In this course, students will examine the role of migration in Japan in an aging society. Through reading a variety of materials on Japanese society, students will develop skills in critical thinking, discussion, and research presentations. Students will also be familiarized with the concept of identity and have an opportunity to reflect about this concept from a comparative perspective.

【Course Schedule】

1. Population Decline and Aging in Japan (1)
2. Population Decline and Aging in Japan (2)
3. Population Decline and Aging in Japan (3)
4. Immigration in Japan (1)
5. Immigration in Japan (2)
6. Immigration in Japan (3)
7. International Migrants in the Japanese Workplace (1)
8. International Migrants in the Japanese Workplace (2)
9. International Migrants in the Japanese Workplace (3)
10. The Concept of identity (1)
11. The Concept of Identity (2)
12. The Concept of Identity (3)
13. Japan as an Multiethnic Society (1)
14. Japan as an Multiethnic Society (2)
15. Concluding Session (Survey and Discussion)

In-person/Remote Classification

In-person

Implementation Method and Remote Credit Limit Application

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

Uses of Generative AI

Completely forbidden

Precautions for using Generative AI

Textbook

1. Liu-Farrer, G. (2020). Immigrant Japan: Mobility and Belonging in an Ethno-Nationalist Society. Cornell University Press.
2. Sugimoto, Y. (2015). An Introduction to Japanese Society. Cambridge University Press.
3. Weiner, M. (Ed.) (1997). Japan’s Minorities. The Illusion of Homogeneity. Routledge.

Selected readings on migration in Japan will be distributed in class.

References

To be announced in class.

Contents and Estimated Time for Pre- and Post- Learning (Preparation and Review)

【Preparation】A detailed list of readings for each class will be distributed to the students during the first class, and will afterwards be available on the Universal Passport. About 60 minutes individual study are necessary to be able to actively participate in each class. Altogether, 15 hours are estimated for the total preparation time.
【Review】Students are highly encouraged to review the class content to become familiar with the concepts used and be able to follow and participate in class discussions (approximately 60 minutes of individual review time for each class). Altogether, 15 hours are estimated for the total review time.

Contents of Active Learning

Not applicable.

Grading Criteria and Methods

【Grading Criteria】
S (90%~) excellent (thorough mastery of course material & concepts)
A (80%~) good (proficient grasp of most course material & concepts)
B (70%~) fair (a general understanding of the principal course material & concepts)
C (60%~) poor but passing (superficial familiarity with some course
material)

To obtain the credits for this course, at least a C (60%) is necessary.

【Grading Method】
Contributions to class discussion: 30%
Presentation: 40%
Written summary of presentation: 30%

How to Disclose Assignments and Exam Results

Students will receive continuous feedback in class, during class discussions, and after their midterm and final presentations.

Precautions and Requirements for Course Registration

1. Students should actively participate in class discussions and give two presentations.
2. Regular attendance is required.
3. Students should have a basic knowledge of Japanese.

Practical Education

Not applicable.

Remarks

Not applicable.

In cases where any differences arise between the English version and the original Japanese version, the Japanese version shall prevail as the official authoritative version.

Syllabus data