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Asian economies have been growing rapidly in recent years. If the United States is to remain competitive in Asian markets, Americans must begin in earnest to study Asian languages and cultures, as well as the markets of these countries.
Asian languages are sufficiently different from Western languages that they cannot be picked up on short notice when the necessity arises. Yet more and more people in business and other professions find themselves in need of language skills. Although it takes years to master Asian languages, the intellectual and practical reward is worth the effort, and the university is probably the only place where you can devote sufficient time to learning Asian languages.
Study of Japan, long under the influence of the great civilizations of India, China, and Korea, provides an understanding not only of Japan, but of Asia in general, with which Japan shares many of its religious beliefs, ethics and aesthetics. Serious studies of Asian culture, so different from Euro-American culture, may help you to re-examine your own cultural values and assumptions from different perspectives.
No one fails to recognize the importance of Japan in today's world economy. Japan is the second largest economy in the world, the largest foreign investor in California, and California's second largest trade partner after Mexico. Yet few Americans understand the Japanese language and the social practices and values that propel "Japan, Inc."The Minor or the Major in Japanese may give you an advantage in obtaining jobs. Since even corporations that do not have direct business with Japan have come to recognize the usefulness of studying Japanese business and employment practices for improving their own performance, one can imagine competence in Japanese and understanding of Japan being appreciated in any job that you might seek after graduating from the University.
There is much that a person without knowledge of the language cannot begin to perceive about a country. Our courses and programs in Japanese provide you with an understanding of Japanese culture and career opportunities that only fluency in a language affords. Many of you may be now taking Japanese to fulfill the General Education requirement. We encourage you to continue your studies and minor or major in Japanese.