Kokugakuin University Academic Structure and Research Facilities
Kokugakuin University is a distinguished institution of higher learning known for its deep commitment to both traditional Japanese studies and modern professional disciplines. By balancing specialized research in humanities with practical faculties in law, economics, and education, the university provides a comprehensive academic environment for students pursuing diverse intellectual paths.
Key Facts
- Shinto Priest Certification: One of only two institutions in Japan providing courses for kannushi (Shinto priest) qualifications.
- Diverse Undergraduate Options: Offers faculties ranging from Letters and Shinto Studies to Law, Economics, and Human Development.
- Advanced Research: Maintains a robust Graduate School of Letters with specialized fields in Shinto, Religious Studies, and Archaeology.
- Specialized Facilities: Houses dedicated research institutes for Japanese literature and ancient studies.
Undergraduate Faculties and Departments
The university's undergraduate programs are designed to foster critical thinking and specialized knowledge across several core faculties.
Faculty of Letters
The Faculty of Letters focuses on the humanities, offering specialized departments in:
- Japanese Literature
- Chinese Literature
- Foreign Literature and Culture Studies
- History
- Philosophy
Faculty of Shinto Studies
This faculty is globally recognized for its specialization in Shinto, the indigenous spirituality of Japan. Notably, Kokugakuin University is one of only two institutions—alongside Kogakkan University's Faculty of Letters—that offers the necessary coursework to obtain kannushi (Shinto priest) qualifications.
Faculty of Law and Faculty of Economics
For students pursuing professional careers in governance and finance, the university provides a Faculty of Law and a Faculty of Economics, the latter of which includes departments for Economics and Business Administration.
Faculty of Human Development and Tourism
The Faculty of Human Development prepares students for careers in education and wellness through departments in Elementary Education, Health and Physical Education, and Child Studies. Additionally, the Faculty of Tourism and Community Development focuses on the intersection of travel and regional growth.
Graduate Schools and Advanced Research
Kokugakuin University extends its academic reach through advanced graduate programs that allow for deep specialization in specific scholarly fields.
Graduate School of Letters
The Graduate School of Letters is divided into three primary fields of study:
- Shinto and Religious Studies: Focusing on Shinto Studies and general Religious Studies.
- Literature: Covering Japanese Literature, Japanese Language, Chinese Literature, Oral Traditions, and Advanced Japanese and Japanese Language education.
- History: Encompassing Japanese History, Foreign History, Archaeology, Aesthetics and Art History, and Museum Studies.
Other Graduate Programs
The university also hosts the Graduate School of Law, specializing in Jurisprudence and Political Science, as well as the Graduate School of Economics.
Junior College and Affiliated Facilities
In addition to its four-year degrees, the university operates a Junior College Division offering two-year programs in Japanese Literature, Communications, and Child Education.
To support its rigorous academic standards, the university maintains several specialized research facilities:
- Japanese Literature Research Institute
- Dr. Orikuchi Memorial Ancient Research Institute
- Shinto Reference Facility
- Archaeology Reference Facility
- Dr. Kōno Memorial Room
- Dr. Takeda Memorial Room
| Level | Key Faculties/Programs | Specializations |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Letters, Shinto Studies, Law, Economics, Human Development, Tourism | Humanities, Priest Qualifications, Business, Education |
| Graduate | Letters, Law, Economics | Archaeology, Jurisprudence, Religious Studies, Political Science |
| Junior College | Two-year programs | Japanese Literature, Communications, Child Education |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can students become Shinto priests at Kokugakuin University?
Yes, the Faculty of Shinto Studies provides the specific courses required to obtain kannushi (Shinto priest) qualifications.
What are the primary research areas in the Graduate School of Letters?
The Graduate School of Letters focuses on three main fields: Shinto and Religious Studies, Literature (including Japanese and Chinese), and History (including Archaeology and Museum Studies).
Does the university offer short-term degree programs?
Yes, the Junior College Division offers two-year programs in Child Education, Communications, and Japanese Literature.
What specialized research institutes are available on campus?
The university hosts several facilities, including the Japanese Literature Research Institute, the Dr. Orikuchi Memorial Ancient Research Institute, and dedicated reference facilities for Shinto and Archaeology.
Which departments are included in the Faculty of Human Development?
The Faculty of Human Development consists of the Department of Elementary Education, the Department of Health and Physical Education, and the Department of Child Studies.