Welcome to Japanese Program at Sac State!

The Sac State Japanese Program offers a rigorous and flexible curriculum in language and literature, preparing students for success in Japanese studies.

Sacramento is a thriving center for Japanese language learning, with over 2,000 students studying Japanese across 24 high schools and six community colleges. The region is also home to a rich Japanese American heritage, with organizations like the Japanese American Citizens League, cultural groups, language schools, and historical sites preserving this legacy.

Additionally, Sacramento hosts major Japanese businesses such as Gekkeikan, Nippon Shokken, and Shinmei Foods, as well as the Sacramento-Matsuyama Sister City Corporation.

The Sac State Japanese Program bridges campus and community, connecting students with local businesses, cultural organizations, and preservation efforts, enriching their educational experience while strengthening Sacramento’s deep-rooted Japanese cultural ties.

Check out these videos of our program in the media:

• KCRA Festival of Arts Coverage
• Fox 40 Studio 40 Feature

Japanese Minor

Program Description

A working knowledge of Japanese is increasingly becoming an important tool in the world of international business and foreign affairs; hence Sacramento State offers a minor program in the Japanese language. Coursework in Japanese may be applied toward other specially designed minors and majors such as Asian Studies, Anthropology, Humanities and Religious Studies, International Business, and International Affairs.

If you want to minor in Japanese? Contact one of our Full-Time Faculty:

• Dr. Kazue Masuyama
• Dr. Kristina Vassil (Unavaible Spring 2025)

Spring 2025 Japanese Course Instructors:

• Eliot Kelly
• Dr. Catherine Miskow
• Nobuko Torres

Program Requirements (12 Units)

Required Courses:

• JAPN 110: Introduction to Japanese Literature (3)
• JAPN 116A/B: Third Year Japanese 1/2 - Language and Culture of Japan (3)
• JAPN 150: Advanced Japanese Grammar, Conversation (3)

One of the following:

• JAPN 116A: Third Year Japanese 1 - Language and Culture of Japan (4)
• JAPN 116B: Third Year Japanese 2 - Language and Culture of Japan (4)
• JAPN 120: Japanese Civilization (3)
• JAPN 195: Fieldwork -- Tutoring (3)
• JAPN 199: Special Problems (3)

Study Abroad Programs in Japan

Sacramento State students interested in studying abroad in Japan have access to a variety of programs that offer academic, cultural, and professional experiences. Whether you're looking to improve your Japanese language skills, immerse yourself in Japanese culture, or take courses in subjects like business, technology, or international relations, there are opportunities to fit your goals.

CSU International Programs (one-year study abroad program):

• Waseda University 早稲田大学
• Tsukuba University 筑波大学

Sacramento State Program (one semester or one year):

• Yokohama National University 横浜国立大学
• Shinshū University 信州大学
• Ehime University 愛媛大学

Student Leadership and Events

• Japan Club & Soranbushi Club (Instagram & Facebook)
• World Languages Day - Every Fall: Japan Club officers serve as student leadership
• Japan Day - Every April

Student Success

Our Japanese Minor students continue to achieve remarkable accomplishments, showcasing their dedication to language mastery and cultural exchange.

Recent Achievements:

• Qianhui Renee Zhang (Fall 2024) – 1st Place Winner at the 2nd Annual Japanese Speech Contest at Sonoma State University. Participant wrote essays in Japanese on the topic of “Koutsu Anzen,” or “Traffic Safety.” They presented in front of the 2 Sonoma State professors, a Fukuyama City official, and Deputy Consul General Kishimori. Also see this link more more details.
• Michael Gery (Fall 2023) – 1st Place Winner at Sonoma State Annual Japanese Speech Contest University. His success earned him an invitation to the prestigious Kakehashi Program, where he participated in an 8-day study tour to Japan in January 2024, sponsored by the Japanese Foreign Ministry.

These accomplishments reflect the dedication and hard work of our students in their pursuit of Japanese language proficiency and cultural engagement. We celebrate their achievements and look forward to their continued success!

Japan Day 2024 Gallery