Linguistics and Cultural StudiesProgram
Graduate School of Humanities
Program Overview
Master
AWARD
Master's Degree in Linguistics and Cultural Studies
DURATION
2Y
SCHOOL(S)
Graduate School of Humanities
Linguistics and Cultural Studies Program
Program Introduction
The Linguistics and Cultural Studies program explores globalization’s impact on peace, cooperation, and cross-cultural understanding, emphasizing the critical roles of language and culture. Based in Japan—a nation with rich historical ties and global cultural influence—this program offers a transhistorical, comparative approach to Japanese and global cultures. Students engage with diverse subjects including literature, philosophy, visual arts, media, and subculture, supported by rigorous cultural analysis methodologies and research skills. Courses are taught in English, with comprehensive academic support available, including language and writing assistance. Students also study the Japanese language and its linguistic features.
Graduates are prepared to serve as cultural communicators, fostering international exchange and understanding in governmental, commercial, and nonprofit sectors. Opportunities for doctoral studies within the Graduate School of Humanities are available for qualified students seeking advanced research.
Take a look at the List of Available Research Groups below to see the full list of available research topics.
List of Key Research Topics
Linguistic Typology / Contrastive Linguistics / Cognitive Linguistics / Systemic Functional Linguistics / Japanese Linguistics / Interactional Linguistics / Ecolinguistics, Psycholinguistics / Second Language Acquisition / Conversation Analysis / Foreign Language Teaching / Semantics / Phonetics / Phonology / Multimodal Interaction / Bilingualism / Morphology / Critical Discourse Analysis / Early Modern Japanese Literature and Print Culture / Japanese Visual Culture / Media Fan Studies / Philosophy of Language / Comparative Literature / American Literature / Literary Modernism / Translation Studies / Creative Writing / Electronic Literature / Postmodernism / Sexuality Studies / Literature and Theory / Visual Culture / Subculture / Comparative History of Electrical Technology / History of Technology in Modern Japan / New Media Study / Modern Japanese Popular Culture and Film / Feminist and Queer Theories / Critical Race Studies / Digital Ethnography / Food Culture / Ecology
How to Apply
The application period for the Linguistics and Cultural Studies begins is in January. Applicants are advised to contact their prospective research supervisor in advance to confirm whether the research group can accommodate an additional graduate student. If you do not receive a timely reply, we recommend contacting another research group.
Contact information for program professors can be found in the List of Available Research Groups above or by emailing the Graduate School directly. The Graduate School’s contact details are provided at the end of this page.
Please click the “Apply Here” icon above to view the full application instructions.
Tips for a succesful application :
- Contact intended research supervisor in advance
- Make sure to align research plan to the research field of supervising professor.
- Include examples of past research experience (papers, conference participations etc.)
- Submit your application before the application deadline so AO can check your application for missing documents.
Contact Info
Student Affairs Division
For the admission requirements and scholarship related inquiry, please contact the student affairs division of the school that you are applying for.
Reseach Group
Applicants to the G30 Graduate Programs are required to contact their prospective research supervisor in advance to confirm whether the research group can accommodate an additional graduate student. If you do not receive a timely response, we recommend reaching out to another research group. Contact information for program professors can be found in the List of Available Research Groups below, or by contacting the Graduate School directly via email.
