Welcome

Nestled in an unexpected place — the Midwestern campus of a small college — you will find a remarkable educational resource for all things Japan.

Earlham College is known nationwide as one of the finest undergraduate institutions for the study of Japanese language and culture. From the exploration of geological remains in Okinawa to the filmmaking of Yasujiro Ozu, students can discover and deepen their knowledge of Japan in many unique and exciting ways.

Visit the Japan at Earlham YouTube page!

Japan permeates the Earlham campus — nearly two dozen Japanese students enroll and study here each year, and many faculty members have lived, worked, and studied in Japan. These faculty members know the Japanese language well enough to use it in teaching, research, and administration, as well as in conversation.

The moment students make the decision to study Japanese language and culture, they are opened to learning opportunities at every turn — both in and out of the classroom. Recently, students have:

• resided in the Japan House, a residential theme house for students interested in Japan.
• studied abroad in Morioka or Tokyo (at Waseda University).
• used Japanese cooking skills to help host a "Moon Viewing Festival" in the Japanese Garden.
• acted in a skit based on the folk tale "Taketori Monogatari."
• participated in the Japan-America Student Conference and become part of a valuable networking group.
• celebrated the Harumatsuri (Spring Festival), demonstrating Japanese dance moves and karate kata for Earlham's student population.
• attended a lecture by an Earlham alum, currently a professor at Harvard University.