Although language study is the focus of the KCP program, “experiencing” Japan is also a crucial component. The Japanese Culture and Civilization Course, in English, offers you an opportunity to increase your understanding of Japanese culture through lectures, cultural activities, and educational excursions, all designed to increase the students exposure to life in Japan—its history, traditions, and culture.

You’ll hear lectures covering various aspects of Japanese traditional and modern life. Topics may include Japanese traditional entertainment, customs and lifestyle, business, economics, politics, history, psychology, and religion. To further develop the material in the lecture, you’ll take part in educational excursions to many important historical, political, economic, and cultural sites in and around Tokyo. Unless otherwise noted, you will meet at KCP by the scheduled times. The class will then leave KCP as a group for that day’s destination. For each lecture and educational excursion, you’ll receive informative handouts. Students keep a journal of reflections on this material as part of the course, which can also serve as a record of experiences and impressions for your trip.

Students will visit some of the most notable sites in Tokyo. Past excursions have included Kamakura, the Edo-Tokyo Museum, Asakusa Temple, Tsukiji Fish Market, the Tokyo Stock Exchange, a Sumo beya, and Kabuki and Bunraku theaters. Other activities focus on the study of traditional Japanese art forms.