Japan Studies Module
2025 Program Theme
US AND THEM（ウチとソト）
Why do anthropologists of Japan place such a heavy focus on concepts such as 'uchi and soto' and 'honne and tatemae' (real intentions and public face)? This program will allow us to look at such concepts from a variety of academic perspectives in an attempt to gain a better understanding of how Japanese society operates.
During the ISPJ2025, we are going to focus on the concepts of 'uchi and soto' from two main perspectives:
1. 'uchi and soto' as a key to understanding the Japanese approach to the environment they live in.
Examples from Japanese art, philosophy, religion, and environmental sciences.
2. 'uchi and soto' as a means of defining the "in-group" and the "out-group" and justifying them.
Examples from history and psychology/anthropology.
4 Key Elements with 2025 Program Theme
Ⅰ Contemporary Japan
Us and Them from the Psychological Perspective
TBA (Psychology/Anthropology)
Us and Them in Environmental Issues. Imagining the future
Prof. Audrius Sabūnas (ICU, Environment)
Special Talk
More details to be announced later
Ⅱ Traditional Japan
Us and Them in Shinto
Prof. Stephen Eskildsen (ICU, Philosophy and Religion)
The becoming of Modern Japan and the factor of ウチとソト
TBA (History)
Japanese Art: aesthetics and expression for ソトとウチ
Prof. Yukiko Shirahara (ICU, Art and Cultural Heritage)
Ⅲ Fieldwork (TBD)
Places to visit (tentative)
Fieldwork related to Japanese religion and future technologies will be planned in conjunction with the lectures.
Miraikan or other future technology museum
Observation of nature on Campus
Other
NOTE: The places to visit are subject to change. Due to the busy summer season, ticket reservations cannot be guaranteed.
Ⅳ Cultural Experiences
Zen Meditation
座禅
Rakugo
落語
Folk Arts
民芸
Tea Ceremony
茶道
NOTE: The activities are subject to change.
Course Overview
Language Proficiency
The course assumes academic level proficiency in English for all participating students.
Components
The Japan Studies Component will be composed of lecture and discussion modules, lecture and workshop modules, as well as lecture and fieldwork modules, representing a broad range of academic perspectives, and taught through an inquiry-based student-centered approach.
This component will also be offered to ICU regular students for credit, so classes will be a mix of international students and regular ICU students, offering ample opportunity for collaboration and communication.