Sustaining and Diversifying Japan Studies

Session Submission Type: Roundtable Session

Abstract

There is rising concern amongst academic circles in the United States and Japan that Japan Studies as a field is in “crisis”. Some of the contributing factors include the fact that senior Japan Studies faculty members around the United States are nearing retirement age or have begun to retire. The academic community is concerned that retiring Japan Studies faculty are not being replaced with junior Japan Studies faculty. Instead, university departments are choosing to forego funding for these positions. In an environment where funding is limited, universities are favoring broader Asia Studies positions over Japan Studies, and the study of Japan is being subsumed under larger Asia Studies curricula. As a result, junior Japan Studies faculty are either leaving the field altogether or are considering a pan-Asia focus for lack of viable employment in this field.
The Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission (the Commission) proposes to organize a roundtable discussion, featuring Japan Studies experts as well as representatives of academic institutions that are interested in Japan Studies. Roundtable participants will discuss current trends in Japan Studies and solicit recommendations on creating a demand for, and diversifying Japan Studies in the United States.
Proposed discussion participants include Patricia Steinhoff (chair), Professor, University of Hawai’i, Patricia Maclachlan, Associate Professor, University of Texas, Austin, Leonard Schoppa, Professor, University of Virginia, T.J. Pempel, Professor, University of California Berkeley; Dyron Dabney, Associate Professor, Albion College, Eric Singer, Associate Provost for International Studies, Goucher College.
Discussants will outline the status of Japan Studies programs and discuss ways in which to:
- articulate the impact of Japan Studies using existing resources
- mentor the next generation of Japan Studies experts
- make Japan Studies coursework more relevant and innovative in the context of a global work force
- build innovative educational partnerships to engage diverse student populations and faculty

Area of Study

• Japan

Session Organizer

• Niharika Chibber Joe, Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission

Chair

• Patricia Steinhoff, University of Hawai'i at Manoa

Discussants

• Leonard Schoppa, Univeristy of Virginia

• Patricia Maclachlan, University of Texas at Austin

• Dyron Dabney, Albion College