Embedded Files
2026 Program Theme
2026 Program Theme
City（都市）
It is estimated that approximately 85% of the world's population will live in cities by 2100. Japan has already exceeded this share, as almost 92% of the population in Japan lives in cities. The Tokyo Metropolitan Area is the largest in the world. However, Japanese cities used to look quite different in the past.
The focus of this program is the city and urbanization from a variety of perspectives:
1. Sociocultural aspects
Examples from literature, history, and psychology in the way the city is portrayed in literature, how the evolution of cities like Yokohama contributed to Japan as we know it, and what urbanization means from a psychological perspective.
2. Environmental, technological, and political aspects
Examples from Japanese architecture, political science and environmental studies (how big cities like Tokyo tackle pollution and biodiversity loss, what kind of environmental issues remain, and how Japan is coping with them).
4 Key Elements with 2026 Program Theme
4 Key Elements with 2026 Program Theme
Ⅰ Sociocultural aspects
Ⅰ Sociocultural aspects
History: The Becoming of Modern Cities
Prof. Robert Eskildsen (ICU, History)
Literature:
How are cities depicted in Japanese literature?
Prof. James Michael Garza (ICU, Translation, Literature)
From Countryside to Cities: Psychological Diversity Within Japan
Prof. Mioko Sudo (ICU, Psychology)
Ⅱ Environmental, technological, and political aspects
Ⅱ Environmental, technological, and political aspects
Architecture: Bioclimatic Design for Japanese Buildings and Cities
TBA
City Governance in Japan: A Local Politics and Policymaking Perspective
Prof. Yoojin Koo (ICU, Politics and International Studies)
Environmental Issues in Japanese Cities. What The Future Holds
Prof. Audrius Sabūnas (ICU, Environment)
Ⅲ Fieldwork (tentative)
Ⅲ Fieldwork (tentative)
Places to be visited
Places to be visited
Fieldwork related to Japanese regional politics and city development is planned in conjunction with the lectures.
Yokohama City (limited seats)
Other
NOTE: The places to visit are subject to change. Due to the busy summer season, ticket reservations cannot be guaranteed.
Ⅳ Cultural Experiences
Ⅳ Cultural Experiences
Japanese Drums*
Japanese Drums*
和太鼓
Folk Arts
Folk Arts
民芸
Tea Ceremony
Tea Ceremony
茶道
* Subject to change
Course Overview
Course Overview
Language Proficiency
Language Proficiency
The course assumes academic level proficiency in English for all participating students.
Components
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 obtaining academic credits, so classes will be a mix of international students and regular ICU students, offering ample opportunity for collaboration and communication.
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