The Tübingen Center for Japanese Studies (TCJS) has existed for more than twenty years. It is located on the historic grounds of Dōshisha University’s Imadegawa main campus, next to Kyōto’s ancient imperial palace. The center’s library holds approximately 2,500 Japan-related reference books in German and English, which are often difficult to find in Japanese libraries. With its center in Kyōto, which is unique Europe-wide, the Department of Japanese Studies at the University of Tübingen offers its students an extraordinary opportunity to learn and experience the language and culture of Japan on location.
The TCJS program is designed for Tübingen students of Japanese studies who stay in Kyōto for one year as an integrative part of their bachelor degree course.
Key aspects:
- intensive language instruction (oral and writing skills)
- tutorials in translation and literature
- courses on Japanese history, society, and religion (in German)
During their time in Kyōto, students reside with Japanese host families. The homestay is important for enhancing the students’ linguistic as well as intercultural competences. It offers deep insight into the host country’s lifestyle that is otherwise very difficult to gain.
In addition to these classes, the center offers a rich and varied supporting cultural program, for example:
- visit the traditional school of tea ceremony Urasenke
- attend lessons in a Japanese grammar school
- visit a Nō theatre and look backstage
- symposiums, international workshops, and guest lectures by scholars from Japan, Europe, and the U.S.
