The Department of Japanese Studies, previously known as the Japanese Studies Section, was established in 1967 offering minor and elective courses. To meet the growing needs of the community, a multi-disciplinary major program was set up in 1991

The major programme in Japanese Studies is an intensive and rigorous undergraduate programme that includes training in both Japanese language and in Japanese culture and society. The highlight of the program is a year of study at a university in Japan as an exchange student.

The Department has exchange partner relationships with over 13 top universities in Japan in areas such as Kyushu, Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo. Students may apply for scholarships to help cover expenses of the exchange program.