Introduction to Japanese Culture

Think you know Japan? Otaku or not—now you can understand Japan on a whole new level. This course will expand your knowledge of the country’s unique lifestyle customs and the ancient dynasties that influenced them. Find out how Japanese culture shock manifests, and get tips on the best ways to cope. You’ll finish this course with a fresh appreciation for the vibrant blend of old and new that makes up modern Japanese culture. Use it to go out in the world, connect with others, and create your own incredible intercultural experiences.

Welcome to the Course

 

Is this course for me?

This course will help you to embrace Japanese culture, whatever your motivation may be. You’ll learn lessons that benefit you in personal, professional, academic, and civic contexts.

If you identify with any of the statements below, then this course is the perfect match.

  • I intend to move to Japan to live, work, or volunteer
  • I plan to study in Japan as an exchange student
  • I’m a fan of J-pop, anime, cosplay, Japanese video games, or other forms of Japanese pop culture
  • Someone I know is from Japan and I’d like to improve our relations
  • I’m visiting Japan for a long or short term trip
  • I’m curious how cultural awareness can help me to understand myself and my own culture, as well as other people and their cultures
  • I want to be prepared for how gender, sexual orientation, race, or ethnicity are handled in Japan

Discover Japanese Culture

Unlock more meaningful experiences abroad

  • Connect with the locals: have the confidence to socialize outside of your circle and make life-long friendships.
  • Avoid embarrassing faux pas: you’ll make better first impressions when you interact with respect and maturity.
  • Handle culture shock like a pro: knowing what to expect and how to handle it reduces anxiety.
  • See the 'real' Japan: use your insider knowledge to steer clear of tourist traps and seek the most authentic experiences.
  • Make the most of every moment: return home from Japan without any regrets or missed opportunities.

What’s included?

This course contains everything you need to truly immerse yourself in the fascinating culture of Japan.

  • Six jam-packed modules
  • A friendly course guide to lead the way
  • Extensive interviews with locals and expats
  • Inspiring images and videos
  • Handy course summaries
  • Fun quizzes per module
  • Official completion certificate

Meet Erika, your Japanese course guide

Erika Tone was born in Tokyo and moved to Northern California when she was a child. Although she’s spent most of her life in the US, her family still lives in Japan and she maintains a strong connection to her roots.

 

“I’ve come to realize what a privilege it is to be exposed to Japanese culture, which is so rich in history and tradition. Guiding you through this course is my way to pay homage to Japan”

- Erika Tone, Japan Course Guide

Behind the scenes

CulturaGo’s Introduction to Japanese Culture is the combined effort of many passionate, dedicated, and talented individuals.

Let’s begin with the course creators: George Pytcher and Marcello Francioni (anthropologist of Japan with a PhD from SOAS University). They’ve poured a wealth of experience into this course and imparted all the best tips for living in Japan.

Cultural specialists and senior lecturers at prestigious universities have also lent their expertise to Introduction to Japanese Culture.

Their careful auditing of the course material has kept us true to our core values of accountability and accuracy.

Additionally, Introduction to Japanese Culture draws on the wisdom and first-hand accounts of over twenty-four contributors. This includes teachers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and engineers from various areas of Japan, as well as expats from countries like the US, UK, and South Africa.

We’ve put a lot of work into making this course the best it can be!

Course Modules

We’ve broken things down into six easy-to-manage modules.

Japan at a Glance

Get to grips with Japan at first glance. Discover what principles are considered important, like punctuality, using real world examples. You’ll also cover topics like work ethic, social life, values, communication style, and family dynamics.

Regions of Japan

This section looks at Japan’s towns, cities, and regions, and considers how rural and metropolitan life differs. Pay close attention if you plan to explore this remarkable country from within (and you should!)

Japanese Customs and Etiquette

Moving onto the next section, we explore what life is like in Japan. This is where you’ll get loads of practical advice on how to interact confidently and respectfully, without causing offense or making clumsy faux pas.

 
 

Culture Shock and Adjusting to Life in Japan

This module will teach you what to expect from the inevitable rollercoaster that is culture shock in Japan. Learn how to identify it and adjust effectively, using personal advice and tips from expats who’ve been through it themselves.

Becoming a Local

There are few things more satisfying in travel than when you get to know a place and the people well enough to be considered a ‘local’. In this module you’ll learn about nightlife, where to meet people and make friends, and common hobbies and interests.

Identities, Diversity, and Inclusion in Japan

This module includes lesser-discussed but crucial information for the modern traveler: civil rights, gender and racial equality, safety, and intercultural experiences for LGBTQ+ people and non-Japanese BIPOC.

Learn more

Course Modules

We’ve broken things down into six easy-to-manage modules.

Japan at a Glance

Get to grips with Japan at first glance. Discover what principles are considered important, like punctuality, using real world examples. You’ll also cover topics like work ethic, social life, values, communication style, and family dynamics.

Regions of Japan

This section looks at Japan’s towns, cities, and regions, and considers how rural and metropolitan life differs. Pay close attention if you plan to explore this remarkable country from within (and you should!)

Japanese Customs and Etiquette

Moving onto the next section, we explore what life is like in Japan. This is where you’ll get loads of practical advice on how to interact confidently and respectfully, without causing offense or making clumsy faux pas.

 

Culture Shock and Adjusting to Life in Japan

This module will teach you what to expect from the inevitable rollercoaster that is culture shock in Japan. Learn how to identify it and adjust effectively, using personal advice and tips from expats who’ve been through it themselves.

 

Becoming a Local

There are few things more satisfying in travel than when you get to know a place and the people well enough to be considered a ‘local’. In this module you’ll learn about nightlife, where to meet people and make friends, and common hobbies and interests.

Identities, Diversity, and Inclusion in Japan

This module includes lesser-discussed but crucial information for the modern traveler: civil rights, gender and racial equality, safety, and intercultural experiences for LGBTQ+ people and non-Japanese BIPOC.

Learn more

Why People Love CulturaGo

Learners share their experience of CulturaGo's culture courses.

Try the course in demo mode

Want to know a bit more before you sign up? Now you can sample our Introduction to Japanese Culture course in a demo version for a sneak-peek at the exclusive course material in Module 1: Japan at a Glance.

Japanese  Culture Course

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