Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies (KCJS)

Established in 1989, KCJS is a rigorous academic program for undergraduates who wish to pursue advanced work in Japanese language and cultural studies.

[Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies (KCJS) @KCJS_Kyoto]

We are proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our KCJS 36 Fall students. Check out award winners on our Instagram!
https://t.co/oc3HeL3lsQ

[Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies (KCJS) @KCJS_Kyoto]

【Orientation & Campus Tour】
KCJS Summer 2026 has begun!

After orientation, KCJS students joined a campus tour led by Japanese student volunteers.

Let’s make these eight weeks meaningful, rewarding, and memorable!

#kcjs

[Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies (KCJS) @KCJS_Kyoto]

KCJS Summer 2026 has finally begun!

After orientation, KCJS students joined a campus tour led by Japanese student volunteers.

Let’s make these eight weeks meaningful, rewarding, and memorable!

#kcjs

[Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies (KCJS) @KCJS_Kyoto]

【Program Highlights】
This is a recap of KCJS 37 Spring. Let’s look back on the memorable moments from this semester!

Thank you all for an amazing semester!

#kcjs

[Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies (KCJS) @KCJS_Kyoto]

【Closing Ceremony】
At the closing ceremony, the award recipients were announced and a talent show was held. Everyone did a great job!
#kcjs

[Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies (KCJS) @KCJS_Kyoto]

At the end of the spring semester, a talent show was held. The students of KCJS 37 Spring showcased the works and performances they created through their classes and Community Involvement Project (CIP) activities. Thank you all for sharing your wonderful talents!

#kcjs

[Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies (KCJS) @KCJS_Kyoto]

【Classroom Tour】
Every KCJS student has an opportunity once a week to talk to Japanese students as a part of the Japanese language program.

Through interactions with native Japanese students, they can learn natural conversational expressions!

#kcjs

[Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies (KCJS) @KCJS_Kyoto]

This video introduces an elective class. The course, titled ‘Japanese Literature as World Literature,’ is taught by Professor Shigemi Nakagawa.

In this course, students consider various methods for rethinking Japanese literature as world literature.

#kcjs

[Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies (KCJS) @KCJS_Kyoto]

This video introduces a CIP (Community Involvement Project) discussion session.
All KCJS students take part in activities in the local community.

The purpose of this discussion is to share the challenges and insights they gained through these activities with Japanese students.

[Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies (KCJS) @KCJS_Kyoto]

【Cultural event】
KCJS students went on a cherry blossom picnic along the Kamo River in early April.

Under the cherry blossoms, they enjoyed lunch and chatting together🌸

#kcjs

[Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies (KCJS) @KCJS_Kyoto]

We are proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our KCJS 37 Spring students.

【Excellence in Community Involvement Award】
•Sam Lindwall

【Excellence in Japanese Performance Award】
•Emilija Strydom
•Oscar Fong
•AJ Johnston
•Kaya Kamei (Solheid)

#kcjs

[Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies (KCJS) @KCJS_Kyoto]

In March, students went on a hike to Kamidaigo at Daigoji Temple in southeastern Kyoto as an extracurricular activity.

After 1.5 hour of hiking up to the top of the mountain, we were welcomed by a beautiful view and temples.

#kcjs

[Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies (KCJS) @KCJS_Kyoto]

This video introduces an elective class. The course, titled Japanese Buddhism, is taught by Professor Hoyu Ishida.

Through this course, students develop an understanding of Buddhist terminology, as well as the ability to explain concepts and exchange ideas in Japanese.
#kcjs

[Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies (KCJS) @KCJS_Kyoto]

【Classroom Tour】
Today, we’re giving you a glimpse into a 2nd-year class.

KCJS Japanese language courses take advantage of small, level-based groups to enhance Japanese language skills through active discussions and practical exercises!

#kcjs

[Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies (KCJS) @KCJS_Kyoto]

This video introduces an elective class. The course, titled ‘Media Imaginations of Traditional Japan (and Kyoto),’ is taught by Professor Stephen Choi.

Students learn how images of Japanese tradition change over time and develop the skills to analyze them.
#kcjs

[Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies (KCJS) @KCJS_Kyoto]

We enjoyed cherry blossom viewing along the Kamo River!

It is a traditional Japanese custom where people gather under cherry blossom trees to enjoy their beauty, often sharing food and drinks together.

Kayla Hall (Wellesley College, KCJS 37 Spring) shared her thoughts.

#kcjs

[Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies (KCJS) @KCJS_Kyoto]

【Field Trip Report】
As part of the Japanese Buddhism class taught by Prof. Hoyu Ishida, students visited Nishi Hongan-ji Temple.

Samuel Lindwall (Emory University, KCJS 37 Spring) shared his thoughts.

#kcjs

[Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies (KCJS) @KCJS_Kyoto]

【Field Trip Report】
As part of the Japanese Performing Arts class taught by Prof. Cody Poulton and Prof. Luca Domenico Artuso, students visited the National Bunraku Theatre.

Oscar Fong (Boston University, KCJS 37 Spring) shared his thoughts.

#kcjs

[Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies (KCJS) @KCJS_Kyoto]

【Field Trip Report】
As part of Media Imaginations of Traditional Japan (and Kyoto) class taught by Prof. Stephen Choi, students visited Hirano shrine and Kinkaku-ji temple.

Alexandra Klein (Tufts University, KCJS 37 Spring) shared her thoughts.

#kcjs

[Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies (KCJS) @KCJS_Kyoto]

KCJS students joined a Hyakunin Isshu translation workshop.

The guest speaker was Peter MacMillan, a classical literature translator.

Students tried translating the poems themselves and explored different ways of expressing them in modern Japanese and English.

#kcjs

[Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies (KCJS) @KCJS_Kyoto]

As part of the Kyoto Artisans class, taught by Professor Melissa Rinne, with Keiko Kawashima as the teaching assistant, the students visited Nishimura Stone Lantern Shop (西村石灯呂店).

Oleksandra Volakova (Wesleyan University, KCJS 37 Spring) shared her thoughts.

#kcjs