Inter-University Center for Japanese Language Studies

Center Endorsements

"The Inter-University Center's role in providing advanced Japanese language training to Americans specializing on Japan is vital to the ongoing U.S.-Japan relationship. For years Center graduates have been playing a central part in all aspects of the relationship, and it is in the interests of both countries to continue to train such people as we move towards the 21st century. I strongly urge full support of the Center from both the public and private sectors of both countries."
Thomas Foley, United States Ambassador to Japan

"For nearly forty years, the Inter-University Center has played a vital role in training young Americans to learn Japanese at the advanced professional level. Its more than 1,000 graduates, a virtual Who's Who of academic, diplomatic, and business circles, have greatly enhanced the United States' national interest in dealing with Japan. Maintaining the Center is imperative for the sake of America's future relations with this important partner."
Walter F. Mondale, Former United States Ambassador to Japan
and Former Vice President United States of America

"The Inter-University Center is the prime site internationally where graduate students and post-doctoral candidates can be trained in the high levels of Japanese language skills that are needed for scholarly pursuits. The Northeast Asia Council of the Association for Asian Studies wishes to affirm its support for the mission and activities of IUC. On behalf of the community of scholars who conduct research on Japan in all the academic disciplines, we wish to express our deep gratitude for the immeasurable contribution that IUC has made to our field."
Karen Wigen, Chair, Northeast Asia Council of AAS

"As all Americans engaged in business in Japan know, mastery of the Japanse language is both essential and rewarding for those who want to live and work in this country. No institution is more important in providing the language expertise that Americans require to remain competitive in Japan than the Inter-University Center for Japanese Language Studies in Yokohama."
Glen S. Fukushima, Former President American Chamber of Commerce in Japan

"Foreign language training is vital for any American historian who hopes to deal with Asia today. It is institutions such as the Inter-University Center for Japanese Language Studies in Yokohama that make it possible for American graduate students to master the skills they need to become leaders in this challenging field."
Joyce Appleby, Past President American Historical Association

"As the many alumni of the Inter-University Center know very well, there is no substitute for the kind of intensive language study offered by the Center. Since the need for advanced proficiency in Japanese has grown ever greater over the years, the role of the Center will be as imporant in the future as it has been in the past."
Carol Gluck, Past President Association for Asian Studies

Find out what alumni of the Center have to say

Take a look at the career profiles of a few select graduates