The Contemporary Japan Program is specially designed for incoming exchange students to Kwansei Gakuin University. Exchange students are offered a choice between two study tracks that will define the main focus of their time at KGU, the “Japanese Language Track” and the “Modern Japan Track”. Exchange students can also select elective courses to learn more about “Contemporary Japan” from a variety of aspects such as language, culture, society, economy, and politics.
2024-25 KGU Exchange Program Fact Sheet (PDF)
A student exchange is a system based on a written student exchange agreement between Kwansei Gakuin University and a partner institution overseas. Through this system, students enrolled at partner institutions may apply to participate in studies at Kwansei Gakuin University while keeping their status of enrollment at their home institutions.
Participating students will be selected by the home institution. KGU reserves the right to make a final decision on the admission of students nominated for the student exchange program.
KGU Partner Institution List (PDF)
Students enrolled in North American institutions not affiliated with KGU may apply through the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC).
Details about the Contemporary Japan Program are available in the below brochure. A new brochure is published every year in February.
CJP Brochure (2019-2020) (PDF)
CJP Brochure (2020-2021) (PDF)
CJP Brochure (2021-2022) (PDF)
CJP Brochure (2022-2023) (PDF)
CJP Brochure (2023-2024) (PDF)
CJP Brochure (2024-2025) (PDF)
Associate Professor
Mari YAMAMOTO, Ph.D.
Japanese Language Track Coordinator
As a Japanese Language Track student, you will be taking mandatory Japanese Language Courses. Those courses were designed for students who want to learn Japanese in an intensive environment, over a short duration, and who aim to improve their Japanese language skills drastically.
Depending on the result of the placement test, you will be placed into eight levels from beginner level to advanced level. By learning at the level that suits your abilities, you can practically improve the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking in an evenly balanced and steady process. Depending on the subject, Learning Assistants and student volunteers also participate in Japanese language classes, providing opportunities to interact with Japanese students in various situations.
Associate Professor
Matthias HENNINGS, Ph.D.
Modern Japan Track Coordinator
As a Modern Japan Track student, you will be taking the mandatory Modern Japan Seminar. In this course, students will gain an understanding of contemporary Japan’s culture and society through engaging in discussions and activities on various topics related to contemporary Japan. Topics include issues such as food culture, religion, the employment and education system, international relations and natural disasters. The seminar also includes field trips where students can experience Japanese culture and society first hand and encompasses interactive classes and activities with Japanese students. Upon conclusion of the program, students will have a strong base to pursue further studies in their individual fields.