UW Center for Japanese Studies

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Information and News from University of Washington Center for Japanese Studies

The UW Japan Studies Program is a university-wide program of affiliate faculty, departments and degree programs devoted to promoting the understanding and knowledge of Japan. Coursework at the UW which teaches about Japan and the Japanese language date back to 1909. Follow us for information about issues related to Japan, Japan-related events happening at the university, and to engage with our community.

05/05/2026

Are you interested in studying in Japan? Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) offers scholarships for international students who want to further their studies at a Japanese college or university.
The Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle is now accepting applications for the 2027 MEXT Scholarships for students (U.S. citizens) of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Washington State. The deadline to apply is May 29, 2026.
Learn more or apply: https://www.seattle.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/scholarship.html

04/27/2026

Happening next week 🗓️

Join us Monday, May 4 as researcher Tobias Harris examines this question and more during the 2026 Griffith and Patricia Way Lecture

In-person | 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Kane Hall 225 (with reception to follow)
More details: bit.ly/japan-harris

Register now at bit.ly/waylecture-2026

Jackson School of International Studies at University of Washington
University of Washington College of Arts & Sciences
University of Washington
Asian Languages and Literature - University of Washington

04/24/2026

Join us for a film screening of “Black Box Diaries” featuring a discussion with the film’s director, Shiori Itō. “Black Box Diaries” represents Itō’s directorial debut and depicts her seven-year investigation of the sexual violence she experienced. These events helped spark the rise of the Me Too movement in Japan.
🗓️ May 1, 2026
🕑 3:15 p.m. – 6p.m.
📍 UW Campus, MGH 389
🔗 https://jsis.washington.edu/japan/news/film-screening-and-director-discussion-black-box-diaries/

04/03/2026

How have relations between the U.S. and Japan fared during rapid changes of power and worsening frictions, and how does this impact Taiwan? Join us on April 23 for 'The U.S.-Japan Alliance and Taiwan' with Adam Liff!

🗓️ Thursday, April 23
🕐 1 - 2:30 p.m.
📍THO 317
🎟️ Registration required at bit.ly/REGISTER-LIFF

📌 Free and open to all - registration required. Students encouraged to attend.

Learn more at bit.ly/Liff-April23

📌 Co-sponsored by UW Taiwan Studies UW Center for Japanese Studies Japan Foundation 国際交流基金

03/27/2026

Discover the work of Akutagawa Prize-winning author Hirano Keiichiro next Friday, April 3. Hirano will discuss ideas he has been developing during his career on how to establish a social identity amid the destabilizing forces of Neoliberal economics.

4 – 5:30 p.m. | Thomson Hall (THO) 317
Learn more: bit.ly/cjs-hirano

Jackson School of International Studies at University of Washington
Asian Languages and Literature - University of Washington
University of Washington College of Arts & Sciences
University of Washington
UW Cinema and Media Studies

03/09/2026

Where is Japan headed after its February election, the crumbling of the 'Abe consensus,' and declining U.S. enforcement of the international order?

Join us Monday, May 4 as researcher Tobias Harris examines this question and more during the 2026 Griffith and Patricia Way Lecture

In-person | 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Kane Hall 225 (with reception to follow)
More details: bit.ly/japan-harris

Register now at bit.ly/waylecture-2026

Jackson School of International Studies at University of Washington
University of Washington College of Arts & Sciences
University of Washington
Asian Languages and Literature - University of Washington

02/17/2026

Mark your calendar for Tuesday, Feb. 24 🗓️

Join Harvard University postdoctoral fellow Colin Moreshead for a discussion on Japanese news coverage and whether the political elite shape public opinion even when they cannot dictate what gets covered

In person | 3:30 - 5 p.m.
Thomson (THO) Hall 317

More details: bit.ly/japan-moreshead

Jackson School of International Studies at University of Washington
Asian Languages and Literature - University of Washington
University of Washington College of Arts & Sciences
University of Washington

02/05/2026

Extra! Extra! Learn all about it 🗞️

Join Harvard University postdoctoral fellow Colin Moreshead on Tuesday, Feb. 24 for a discussion on Japanese news coverage and whether the political elite shape public opinion even when they cannot dictate what gets covered

In person | 3:30 - 5 p.m.
Thomson (THO) Hall 317

More details: bit.ly/japan-moreshead

Jackson School of International Studies at University of Washington
Asian Languages and Literature - University of Washington
University of Washington College of Arts & Sciences
University of Washington

02/04/2026

Join us in Japan for the 2026 UW Converge 🇯🇵🌸

UW Converge is the University of Washington’s signature event for international alumni and friends. Besides alumni, join university faculty and leadership to discuss topics such as economic trends, the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and semiconductor technology, and the transformative impact of startups on global industries.

Learn more: bit.ly/converge-tokyo

University of Washington College of Arts & Sciences
Jackson School of International Studies at University of Washington
UW Alumni - Japan

02/02/2026

Added to calendar ✅

Join Georgia Tech Professor Jay Maa on Monday, Feb. 9 and learn how to navigate the messaging app LINE and computer-mediated communication

Maa will look at how students move beyond “textbook” Japanese to negotiate relationships and express identity by examining how learners use LINE to interact with local community members

In person | 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Thomson (THO) Hall 317
Learn more: bit.ly/japan-maa

Jackson School of International Studies at University of Washington
Asian Languages and Literature - University of Washington
University of Washington College of Arts & Sciences
University of Washington

Address

University Of Washington 2023 Skagit Lane
Seattle, WA
98195

Website

https://jsis.washington.edu/japan/

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