Program Overview

Sapporo ("important river flowing through a plain") in Ainu language is the capital of Hokkaido and Japan's fifth largest city. Sapporo is also one of the nation's youngest major cities. In 1857, the city's population stood at just seven people. Sapporo became world famous in 1972 when the Olympic Winter Games were held there. Today, the city is well known for its ramen, beer, and the annual snow festival held in February.

Program Focus

The Japanese Language and Culture Studies Program (JLCSP) is a ‘junior year abroad’ type program for undergraduate students majoring in Japanese language and culture. Each year international students from our partner universities as well as government-sponsored students come to Japan and take this enriching course. The JLCSP is the leading course of its kind in Japan and has a long history catering to different skill levels from intermediate to advanced Japanese. You can also choose courses from our English curriculum or courses from the standard curriculum taken by Japanese students. If you would like to deepen your understanding of your particular field of independent study, or learn business Japanese, this course can help you achieve your goals. Hokkaido University is set on a large campus widely viewed as the most beautiful campus in Japan. In such a wonderful environment, together with other international students as well as Japanese students, let us help pave your future.