About the Institute

The Japan Studies Institute (JSI) is a multidisciplinary, national faculty development institute focused on helping participants integrate Japanese studies into the undergraduate curricula.  It is designed for university faculty members and administrators who do not have any previous training in Japanese studies.  JSI is sponsored by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).  San Diego State University (SDSU) is a co-sponsor.  

While modern Japan serves as the focus for the program, participants are provided with a firm foundation in the pre-modern history and culture of Japan.  The Institute involves two weeks of intensive seminars, lectures, readings, films, and cultural activities related to various aspects of Japanese history, education, business and culture.  Previous programs have included topics as diverse as social relations and the changing role of women in Japan, Japan’s policy on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Japanese foreign policy and regional relations, religion, literature, classical music, art, architecture, brush painting, survival Japanese, film, anime and pop culture, and the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.  Institute faculty includes scholars, representatives from the local Japanese community, artists, and government officials.  

The two-week residential program is held on the campus of San Diego State University in June.

JSI Fellowships are awarded to all participants to cover most of the costs of attending the Institute.  While attending the program, participants are housed in shared suites (separate bedrooms with a common living area) in a residential hall.  Because of the intensive nature of the program, families cannot be accommodated and are not permitted to stay in the residential hall.

For more information on the program and its application, visit the JSI site.