Japanese
The subjects below are taught in Japanese and include offerings in language, literature, and cultural studies.
The indication of prerequisites for specific Japanese offerings does not apply to students who have already completed equivalent work. For further placement advice, consult one of the field advisors in Japanese.
Fundamental Language Subjects
21G.501 Japanese I
 ( ,  ) 
(Subject meets with 21G.551)
Prereq: None
Units: 4-0-8
Credit cannot also be received for 21G.S51, 21G.S57
Introduction to modern standard Japanese. Emphasis on developing proficiency in speaking and listening, using basic grammar and vocabulary. Basic skills in reading and writing are also taught. Lab work required. For graduate credit see 21G.551. Limited to 16 per section.
Fall: A. Uwabo
IAP: W. Maekawa
Textbooks (IAP 2025)
21G.S51 Special Subject: Japanese I
(New)
()
(Subject meets with 21G.S57)
Prereq: None
Units: 3-0-9
Credit cannot also be received for 21G.501, 21G.551, 21G.S57
Experimental version of Japanese I, which offers a combination of in-person and remote instruction. Designed for students with no previous knowledge of the language, providing opportunities to acquire basic skills for conversation, reading and writing in Japanese. In in-person sessions, students participate in vigorous drill exercises and discussions, engaging in face-to-face interactions within an immersive learning environment, ensuring immediate feedback. In asynchronous sessions, students engage in asynchronous learning activities at their own pace. Activities include grammar and culture lessons, speaking and reading practice, as well as interactive pair/group work designed to develop students' communication skills, language proficiency, and collaborative abilities while deepening their understanding of the Japanese language and culture. Licensed for Fall 2024 by the Committee on Curricula. Limited to 16 for pedagogical reasons.
W. Maekawa
21G.502 Japanese II
 ( )
(Subject meets with 21G.552)
Prereq: 21G.501 or (placement test and permission of instructor)
Units: 4-0-8
Credit cannot also be received for 21G.S52, 21G.S58
Enhancement of the four basic skills. Extension of basic grammar. Vocabulary and kanji (Chinese characters) building. Lab work required. For graduate credit see 21G.552. Limited to 16 per section.
W. Maekawa
Textbooks (Spring 2025)
21G.S52 Special Subject: Japanese II
(New)
()
(Subject meets with 21G.S58)
Prereq: 21G.501 or (placement test and permission of instructor)
Units: 3-0-9
Credit cannot also be received for 21G.502, 21G.552, 21G.S58
Asynchronous video materials. Students are expected to view. Lecture: MWF9 (16-644) or MWF11 (16-644) or MWF12 (16-644)
Experimental version of Japanese II, which offers a combination of in-person and remote instruction. Designed to enhance the basic skills for conversation, reading, and writing in Japanese. In in-person sessions, students participate in vigorous drill exercises and discussions, engaging in face-to-face interactions within an immersive learning environment, ensuring immediate feedback. In asynchronous sessions, students engage in asynchronous learning activities at their own pace. Activities include grammar and culture lessons, speaking and reading practice, as well as interactive pair/group work designed to develop students' communication skills, language proficiency, and collaborative abilities while deepening their understanding of the Japanese language and culture. Licensed for Spring 2025 by the Committee on Curricula. Limited to 16 for pedagogical reasons.
W. Maekawa
Textbooks (Spring 2025)
21G.503 Japanese III
()
Prereq: 21G.502 or (placement test and permission of instructor)
Units: 4-0-8
Credit cannot also be received for 21G.S53
Students further develop their skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Involves continued vocabulary and kanji building. Coordinated language lab. Limited to 16 per section.
A. Uwabo
21G.S53 Special Subject: Japanese III
(New)
()
Prereq: 21G.502 or (placement test and permission of instructor)
Units: 3-0-9
Credit cannot also be received for 21G.503
Experimental version of Japanese III, which offers a combination of in-person and asynchronous remote instruction. Students further develop four basic skills in Japanese - listening, speaking, reading and writing. Involves continuous expansion of vocabulary and kanji. Promotes the development of effective communication and collaborative skills, while nurturing learning autonomy. Aims to establish a solid linguistic foundation while deepening understanding of Japanese culture. Licensed for Fall 2024 by the Committee on Curricula. Limited to 16 for pedagogical reasons.
M. Ikeda-Lamm
21G.504 Japanese IV
()
Prereq: 21G.503 or (placement test and permission of instructor)
Units: 4-0-8
Credit cannot also be received for 21G.S54
Lecture: TR9-10.30,F12 (16-644)
Review and expansion of basic skills. Emphasis on application of basic grammar and vocabulary in various situations. Lab work required. Limited to 16 per section.
A. Tanemura
Textbooks (Spring 2025)
21G.S54 Special Subject: Japanese IV
(New)
()
Prereq: 21G.503 or (placement test and permission of instructor)
Units: 3-0-9
Credit cannot also be received for 21G.504
Asynchronous video materials. Students are expected to view. Lecture: MTF9 (4-249) or MTF11 (4-249) or MTF12 (4-249)
Experimental version of Japanese IV, which offers a combination of in-person and asynchronous remote instruction. Aims to build a foundation of basic language skills in Japanese - listening, speaking, reading and writing, enhancing collaborative and interactive skills, while also cultivating learning autonomy. Introduces Japanese honorific and humble language to prepare students to navigate various social and professional situations. Includes comprehensive review of intermediate grammar, along with instruction on versatile writing and persuasive presentation skills. Licensed for Spring 2025 by the Committee on Curricula. Limited 16 for pedagogical reasons.
M. Ikeda-Lamm
Textbooks (Spring 2025)
21G.505 Japanese V
()
Not offered regularly; consult department
Prereq: 21G.504 or (Placement test and permission of instructor)
Units: 4-0-8
Credit cannot also be received for 21G.S55
Systematic development of reading, writing, and oral communication skills. Introduction to advanced grammar that deepens the understanding of Japanese culture and society through reading and discussion. Lab work required. Limited to 16 per section.
Staff
21G.S55 Special Subject: Japanese V
()
Prereq: 21G.504 or (Placement test and permission of instructor)
Units: 3-0-9
Credit cannot also be received for 21G.505
Experimental version of 21G.505, which offers a combination of in-person and synchronous remote instruction. Aims to achieve simultaneous progression of four skills — listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Immerses students in various aspects of Japanese culture through authentic everyday Japanese media. Licensed for Fall 2024 by the Committee on Curricula. Limited to 16 for pedagogical reasons.
T. Aikawa
21G.506 Japanese VI
()
Not offered regularly; consult department
Prereq: 21G.505 or (Placement test and permission of instructor)
Units: 3-0-9
Credit cannot also be received for 21G.S56
Continuation of 21G.505. Further development of reading, writing, and oral communication skills. Extension of advanced grammar and further enhancement of advanced vocabulary. Variety of cultural elements studied through readings, video, and discussion. Lab work required.
Staff
21G.S56 Special Subject: Japanese VI
()
Prereq: 21G.505 or (Placement test and permission of instructor)
Units: 3-0-9
Credit cannot also be received for 21G.506
URL: https://languages.mit.edu/language-placement-proficiency/
Lecture: MWF9 (14N-313) or MWF10 (14N-313)
Experimental version of 21G.506, which offers a combination of in-person and remote instruction. Aims to achieve simultaneous progression of four skills — listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Immerses students in various aspects of Japanese culture through authentic everyday Japanese media and engaging in multiple task or project-based activities. Licensed for Spring 2024 by the Committee on Curricula. Limited to 16 for pedagogical reasons.
T. Aikawa
Textbooks (Spring 2025)
Advanced Subjects
21G.510 Project-based Japanese Learning with Multimedia
()
Prereq: 21G.506 or (Placement test and permission of instructor)
Units: 4-0-8
Builds advanced Japanese skills that can be applied to real-life issues and/or problems through project-based learning. Focuses on topics in technology, science, and society, such as AI, robotics, environment issues, social justice, the global pandemic, etc. Develops communicative skills (e.g., explaining, expressing opinions, describing) and expands vocabularies and expressions through class debates and discussions. Students conduct two projects (individual and group) to create quality end-products, using digital technologies (e.g., video, 360 images, VR). In-class time devoted to project progress reports and tangible outcomes; Zoom sessions are used for questions and individualized feedback about the projects. Taught entirely in Japanese. Limited to 16 for pedagogical reasons.
T. Aikawa
Graduate Language Subjects
21G.551 Japanese I
 (, )
(Subject meets with 21G.501)
Prereq: None
Units: 4-0-5
Credit cannot also be received for 21G.S51, 21G.S57
Introduction to modern standard Japanese. Emphasis on developing proficiency in speaking and listening, using basic grammar and vocabulary. Basic skills in reading and writing are also taught. Lab work required. Same as 21G.501, but for graduate credit. Limited to 16 per section.
Staff
No textbook information available
21G.S57 Special Subject: Japanese I
(New)
(, )
(Subject meets with 21G.S51)
Prereq: None
Units: 3-0-6
Credit cannot also be received for 21G.501, 21G.551, 21G.S51
Experimental version of Japanese I, which offers a combination of in-person and remote instruction. Designed for students with no previous knowledge of the language, providing opportunities to acquire basic skills for conversation, reading and writing in Japanese. In in-person sessions, students participate in vigorous drill exercises and discussions, engaging in face-to-face interactions within an immersive learning environment, ensuring immediate feedback. In asynchronous sessions, students engage in asynchronous learning activities at their own pace. Activities include grammar and culture lessons, speaking and reading practice, as well as interactive pair/group work designed to develop students' communication skills, language proficiency, and collaborative abilities while deepening their understanding of the Japanese language and culture. Licensed for Fall 2024 by the Committee on Graduate Programs. Limited 16 for pedagogical reasons.
Staff
21G.552 Japanese II
()
(Subject meets with 21G.502)
Prereq: 21G.551 or (placement test and permission of instructor)
Units: 4-0-5
Credit cannot also be received for 21G.S52, 21G.S58
 Subject Cancelled
Enhancement of the four basic skills. Extension of basic grammar. Vocabulary and <em>kanji</em> (Chinese characters) building. Lab work required. Same as 21G.502, but for graduate credit. Limited to 16 per section.
Staff
No textbook information available
21G.S58 Special Subject: Japanese II
(New)
()
(Subject meets with 21G.S52)
Prereq: None
Units: 3-0-6
Credit cannot also be received for 21G.502, 21G.552, 21G.S52
Asynchronous video materials. Students are expected to view. Lecture: MWF9 (16-644) or MWF11 (16-644) or MWF12 (16-644)
Experimental version of Japanese II, which offers a combination of in-person and remote instruction. Designed to enhance the basic skills for conversation, reading, and writing in Japanese. In in-person sessions, students participate in vigorous drill exercises and discussions, engaging in face-to-face interactions within an immersive learning environment, ensuring immediate feedback. In asynchronous sessions, students engage in asynchronous learning activities at their own pace. Activities include grammar and culture lessons, speaking and reading practice, as well as interactive pair/group work designed to develop students' communication skills, language proficiency, and collaborative abilities while deepening their understanding of the Japanese language and culture. Licensed for Spring 2025 by the Committee on Graduate Programs. Limited to 16 for pedagogical purposes.
Staff
No textbook information available
Japanese Language Option Subjects
21G.554 Inventing the Samurai
 ()
(Subject meets with 21H.154)
Prereq: 21G.504 or permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-10
Lecture: TR9.30-11 (26-168)
Explores the historical origins of the Japanese warrior class as well as its reinvention throughout the archipelago's history. Special focus on the pre-modern era (200-1600 CE). Highlights key historical contexts including the rise of the imperial court, interactions with the broader world, and the establishment of a warrior-dominated state. Also considers the modern imaginations and uses of the warrior figure. Taught in English with a project that requires research in Japanese. Preference to Japanese minors.
H. Nagahara
No textbook information available
21G.555 Modern Japan: 1600 to the Present
()
(Subject meets with 21H.155)
Prereq: 21G.504 or permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-10
Surveys Japanese history from the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate in 1603 to the present and explores the local and global nature of modernity in Japan. Highlights key themes, including the emergence of a modern nation-state, the rise and fall of the Japanese Empire, the development of mass consumer culture and the middle class, and the continued importance of historical memory in Japan today. Taught in English with a project that requires research in Japanese. Preference to Japanese minors.
Staff
21G.556 World War II in Asia
()
(Subject meets with 21H.354)
Prereq: 21G.504 or permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-10
Lecture: T1-4 (1-136)
Examines World War II in the Asia-Pacific region, starting with the rise of the Japanese Empire after World War I and ending with the Allied occupation of Japan from 1945 to 1952. Highlights the diverse and, at times, contradictory forces in politics, society, and culture that shaped the wartime experiences of the empire's inhabitants. Taught in English with a project that requires research in Japanese. Preference to Japanese minors.
Staff
No textbook information available
21G.562 Gateway to Japanese Literature and Culture
()
(Subject meets with 21G.062[J], 21L.493[J])
Prereq: 21G.504 or permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-10
Lecture: MW9.30-11 (1-135)
Surveys the nature, history, and distinctive features of Japanese literature and cultural history from the beginnings through the threshold of modernity. Examines various genres of poetry, historiography and mythological lore, prose tales and fiction, diaries, essays, Noh and puppet plays, short stories and novels; and helps students appreciate the texts' relevance in the historical and cultural context in which authors wrote them, in the broader context of literary traditions from around the world, and for the humanistic and aesthetic power that make them poignant to us today. Showcases how authors increasingly enjoyed adapting, redoing, and satirizing earlier models, while constantly developing new expressive forms suited to the urgent needs of their time. Includes an eco-literature lab, a creative writing lab, and a history-writing lab for collaborative experimentation. Taught in English with a project in Japanese.
W. Denecke
Textbooks (Spring 2025)
21G.591 Gender and Japanese Popular Culture
()
Not offered regularly; consult department
(Subject meets with 21A.143[J], 21G.039[J], WGS.154[J])
Prereq: 21G.504 or permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-10
Examines relationships between identity and participation in Japanese popular culture as a way of understanding the changing character of media, capitalism, fan communities, and culture. Emphasizes contemporary popular culture and theories of gender, sexuality, race, and the workings of power and value in global culture industries. Topics include manga (comic books), hip-hop and other popular music, anime and feature films, video games, contemporary literature, and online communication. Students present analyses of materials during in-class discussions and develop a final project based on a particular aspect of gender and popular culture. Several films screened outside of regular class meeting times. Taught in English with a project that requires research in Japanese. Preference to Japanese minors.
I. Condry
21G.592 Introduction to Japanese Culture
() 
Not offered regularly; consult department
(Subject meets with 21G.064)
Prereq: 21G.504 or permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-10
Examines the major aesthetic, social, and political elements that have shaped modern Japanese culture and society. Includes readings on contemporary Japan and the historical evolution of the culture. Students study literary texts, film and art, and analyze everyday life and leisure activities. Taught in English with a project that requires research in Japanese. Limited to 18; preference to Japanese minors.
Consult P. Roquet
21G.593 Japanese Media Cultures
()
(Subject meets with 21G.065[J], CMS.354[J])
Prereq: 21G.504 or permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-10
Lecture: TR11-12.30 (1-273)
Examines storytelling media in twentieth and twenty-first century Japan, situating emerging media aesthetics and practices alongside broader shifts in cultural and social life. Engages with pivotal works in a wide range of media including film, literature, anime, manga, and video games, as well as critical concepts in Japanese media studies. Taught in English with a project that requires research in Japanese. Preference to Japanese minors.
Consult P. Roquet
No required or recommended textbooks
21G.594 Cinema in Japan and Korea
() 
Not offered regularly; consult department
(Subject meets with 21G.094[J], CMS.352[J])
Prereq: 21G.504 or permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-10
Focuses on landmark art cinema from both countries while providing a thorough introduction to film style. Each week examines a different component of film form, using the close analysis of specific films in their cultural and historical context. Explores the use of video essays as a form of critical analysis. Taught in English with a project that requires research in Japanese. Preference to Japanese minors. Limited to 18.
P. Roquet
21G.595 Cultures of Popular Music in East Asia: Japan, Korea, China
()
Not offered regularly; consult department
(Subject meets with 21G.095[J], 21M.297[J], WGS.150[J])
Prereq: 21G.504 or permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-10
Explores a variety of music cultures in contemporary East Asia. Emphasizes examples from Japan, but forays elsewhere, including South Korea and China. Uses writings, videos, and recordings of musical performances, events, and objects in a variety of contexts to better understand how the concept of culture gives insight into gender, class, sexuality, race, ethnicity, nationhood, and individual identities. Explores ethnographic approaches to musical cultures with a focus on the last thirty years. Topics include Japanese hip-hop, K-Pop idols, Vocaloids (virtual idols), Chinese popular music and protest, street music, streaming and online distribution for global music, and experimental music. Students conduct ethnographic fieldwork and produce sonic presentations. No music experience nor technical expertise required. Taught in English with a project that requires research in Japanese.
I. Condry
21G.596 Anime: Transnational Media and Culture
()
(Subject meets with 21G.063)
Prereq: 21G.504 or permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-10
Explores anime (Japanese animated films and TV shows) as a study in flows among media and cultures. Discusses Japan's substantial share of the TV cartoon market and the reasons for anime's worldwide success. Focuses on cultural production and the ways anime cultures are created through the interactive efforts of studios, sponsors, fans, broadcasters, and distributors. Uses anime scholarship and media examples as a means to examine leading theories in media and cultural studies, gender and sexuality, technology and identity, and post-industrial globalization. Taught in English with a project that requires research in Japanese. Preference to Japanese minors.
I. Condry
21G.597 Digital Media in Japan and Korea
()
Not offered regularly; consult department
(Subject meets with 21G.067[J], CMS.351[J])
Prereq: 21G.504 or permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-10
Examines the social, cultural, and political stakes of digital culture in Japan and Korea. Focuses on digital media use (and abuse), including the internet, streaming and mobile media, gaming, robots, and augmented realities; the digital remediation of older media; and methods for the study of online life. By considering how digital media use has developed in each country and reshaped identity, politics, public space, and creative practice, students build a conceptual and critical vocabulary for the comparative study of algorithmic cultures. Taught in English with a project that requires research in Japanese. Preference to Japanese minors.
P. Roquet
For Japanese Literature and Culture subjects offered in English, see 21G.027, 21G.039, 21G.063, 21G.064, and 21G.065.
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