As one of the world's forefront universities, Harvard offers state-of-the-art programs and facilities for individuals searching for truth, knowledge, and a better world. The university was launched in 1636 and was named after its benefactor, John Harvard.

With Japan's emergence as the world's second greatest economic power, the Japanese language has progressively become an instrument of communication on the international business scene. Harvard presents a full course of study in standard Japanese language that develops a student's mastery of listening, speaking, writing, and reading in the language and gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation of Japan. The program integrates in-class learning with the extra-curricular life of students. Students are able to visit Japanese researchers and their families at Harvard for cultural and linguistic exchange. Additionally, either in summer or year long, they can travel to Japan for study abroad, research, or work experience through internship programs. 

Yale University is a local and internally-renowned private Ivy League research institution located in Hartford, Connecticut. Over 16,000 students are enrolled in Yale, representing 120 countries worldwide. 

In 1936, the Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures was established at Yale. It opened its doors for Japanese, Arabic, Chinese, Hebrew, and Sanskrit language programs for undergraduates in 1942. Individuals interested in enrolling in the Japanese program must take a placement testing and interview conducted online and a written test to apply. The  East Asian Languages and Literatures Major students may choose either the Japanese or Chinese track but are encouraged to study courses on the other track and become accustomed to East Asian literary culture characteristics that surpass these geographic parameters. Additionally, they are also encouraged by the department to study abroad for at least one term. 

A part of the Ivy League and one of the best private research universities globally, Dartmouth College offers outstanding undergraduate liberal arts and graduate education with over 6,500 undergraduate and graduate students and 900 dedicated faculty members.

Asian cultures have become dominant forces in the contemporary world. Dartmouth recognizes the need for a program to study and understand the traditions, arts and literature, science and technology, political philosophy, business and economics, religious beliefs, and practices of people from Asia. The Asian Societies, Cultures, and Languages (ACLS) program includes a language study that increases students' language competency and a language minor for students who desire to focus solely on language acquisition. To determine their fluency level, students are required to take a placement test consisting of two components—written and oral/speaking. 

Stanford University was established in 1891 in Stanford, California, as a private research university. In a span of more than 125 years, the university has grown into a world-renowned educational institution with over 16,424 students and seven exceptional schools. 

The university's Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and East Asian studies as well as study abroad opportunities.  Students must complete required courses and prerequisites with at least a 2.0-grade point average (GPA). The students with a 3.5 GPA or above are qualified to apply for the honors program by presenting a senior thesis proposal to the Director of Undergraduate Studies and Student Services Officer during the Winter or Spring Quarter of their junior year.  Students majoring in other departments may also apply for a minor in Asian Languages to gain an extensive introduction to Chinese (Mandarin), Japanese, or Korean language as well as an introduction to the culture and civilization of East Asia.

Instituted in 1793, Williams College is a private, liberal arts, and residential institution. It comprises three academic divisions— languages and the arts, social sciences, and science and mathematics— encompassing 25 departments, 36 majors, and more than a few concentrations and special programs.

Housed within the Department of Asian Studies, William's Japanese Language degree incorporates literature and Japanese traditional theatre arts and Japanese history, music, art, religion, and other fields offered by allied faculty from several departments. The Japanese major requires four years of language work. Students are urged to study abroad during one or both semesters of junior year, summer, or over winter study. The program's goal is for students to develop practical proficiency in the Japanese language and, in the tradition of the liberal arts, gain a meaningful understanding of essential aspects of the disciplines represented within Japanese Studies.

Pomona College is a premier liberal arts college located in Claremont, California. It has an enrollment of 1,477 students, 98 percent of which live on campus, and offers an all-inclusive curriculum; 48 majors in the arts, social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences.

The Japanese Language and Literature major in Pomona aims for students to develop advanced language skills and introduce Japan's literary and cultural traditions. By taking courses in other fields in the Asian Studies program, students broaden their knowledge of Japan as well as study for or a semester or more in Tokyo and or in Kyoto. The curriculum involves Advanced courses in reading, writing, translation, and Japanese literature. It also includes courses in Japan's classical, modern and pop culture. During their senior year, students are expected to complete a senior project before graduating.

Located eleven miles from Philadelphia, Swarthmore College boasts a 425-acre arboretum campus that features wooded hills, rolling lawns, a creek, and hiking trails. The private, nonsectarian, and liberal arts college offers more than 600 courses on campus each year, with a Student to Faculty Ratio of eight. 

Swarthmore offers a selection of programs for students who wish to learn Japanese. The  major in Japanese at SC offers a platform for students to benefit from a rich language study environment, including concentrated introductory language courses, language tables and conversation hours with native speakers, multimedia resources, and study abroad opportunities. Japanese special major students are to complete their coursework through a mixture of study at Swarthmore, courses at Bryn Mawr or Haverford College, and study abroad through the University of Tokyo Exchange Program. Students seeking a broader experience of East Asian culture and society may consider a Japanese concentration within the Asian Studies major.

Instituted in 1853, Washington University in St. Louis has long transformed into a leading global figure in research, teaching, service to society, and patient care. The university is encompassed of eight academic divisions: Art & Architecture, Arts & Sciences, Business, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Social Work & Public Health, And Continuing Education

Washington University's East Asian Languages and Cultures Department features a Japanese Language & Culture Program that features an intensive and substantially interactive classroom experience that fosters natural fluency and cultural competence from the earliest stages. Several study-abroad opportunities further reinforce the learning experience, and by the end of the program, graduates are expected to have achieved advanced proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The major requires 24 upper-level (300-level or above) units, while the minor requires 18 units. 

Georgetown University is a top private Jesuit research university located in the vibrant city of Washington, D.C. It is the first Catholic and Jesuit university in the States. It has a student body of over 17,000 intelligent individuals that makes up a warm and nurturing campus community in an exciting world-class capital city.  

The Department of East Asian Languages and Culture offers an intensive Japanese major program. The curriculum is a combination of written and spoken language training with the study of Japanese culture through a wide range of materials and methods, including classical and modern literature, philosophy, linguistics, history, visual arts, and popular culture. The students are first to undergo language study and an introduction to subjects in East Asian cultures and then progress to advanced work in language and culture with a semester or year abroad. Students must take a minimum of one course on the English department's Japanese culture and submit a Senior Honors Thesis or Senior Seminar paper.

In November 1842, a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross who strived to establish a great Catholic university in America founded the University of Notre Dame. Today, it has remained one of America's leading research and teaching institutions, ranked among the Top 25 institutions of higher learning by Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, Niche, and others. 

Individuals looking to expand their cultural horizons and explore career prospects in a wide variety of industries may apply for admissions to Notre Dame’s Japanese programs. There are plentiful options to choose from; the university offers a Japanese Minor, Major, Supplementary Major, an Honors Track, and a Japanese International Economics Major. Study abroad programs in Tokyo and Nago are available, and intensive summer language study abroad and international research and internship programs to enrich the student's learning experience. 

Tufts University is a nationally recognized institution for higher education situated in Medford, Massachusetts, with around 11,875 local and international students. This private research university is recognized for its global leadership, innovation, transformative student experiences, diversity, and inclusion. 

The knowledge of the Japanese language and culture is a valuable asset for careers in academics, business, law, diplomacy, and technology. Tuft's Japanese program imparts a solid foundation in the Japanese language. It introduces the many facets of Japanese culture, focusing mainly on literature, film, popular culture, and anime. During their junior year, students are encouraged to study in Japan for at least two semesters. At the start of the fall semester, students are to take a language placement examination to gauge their knowledge and skills in the subject.

The beginning of the University of California – Los Angeles dates back to 1882. The award-winning public land-grant research university is the most applied in California, offering top-notch undergraduate and graduate programs. 

Committed to studying the societies of the Asian region, the Department of Asian Languages & Cultures (ALC) offers a variety of Japanese courses taught by experienced faculty and lecturers with classes on languages, literature, linguistics, religions, film, theater, and histories of Japan. All aspiring Japanese majors who must take an Asian language course at UCLA must take the appropriate language placement exam to determine which course is most suitable for their proficiency level. The students must achieve advanced proficiency levels in modern written and spoken Japanese and comprehensive and detailed knowledge of Japanese premodern, modern, and contemporary culture.

Located in Lewiston, Maine, Bates College is a prominent liberal arts college home to more than 2,000 degree-seeking students. Founded in 1855, it became the first coeducational college in New England and has welcomed men and women from diverse ethnic, racial, religious, and economic upbringings up to this day. 

Students study at Bates' Japanese program to develop language —both written and oral— and cultural awareness and competency. First-year students usually start their learning journey studying Japanese 101 for beginners, while those with prior background in Japanese can take a placement test. It will prepare them to study in Japan at the Associated Kyoto Program for a semester or a year during their junior year. 

Middlebury is a private residential college located in Middlebury, Vermont, with values centered on the liberal arts. Over 2,500 undergraduate students study at Middlebury, and most classes are conducted in small lectures with a student-faculty ratio of 8:1.  The college is renowned for its leadership in language instruction and global studies. Their Japanese language degree program trains students to obtain language and cultural fluency. Top-notch faculty members teach classes, and students get to participate in organized co curricular activities such as Japanese tea ceremonies, calligraphy, karaoke, and soccer. The 8-week rigorous program is designed for beginners and advanced students who seek to develop language proficiency. Before starting, students must take a placement examination, and beginners must start an online self-study learning module approximately one month before the start of actual classes. 

The University of California is a top-ranking public research university. It has been listed number one among the public universities in global rankings according to U.S. News & World Report for five years in a row. Its campus also hails as the fourth-best overall among publics and privates for three consecutive years, making it one of the top higher-level education options. 

In 1900, the Japanese Language Program at UC Berkeley blossomed and continued to grow over the years. Creating such a program originated from the arising demands due to the rapid economic growth in East Asia. Various courses ranging from introductory to advanced levels are offered. Individuals with a Japanese background can take a placement test consisting of three parts: An online placement test, a writing test, and an oral interview. A proficiency test is also conducted twice a year for students requesting to have their foreign language and other academic requirements renounced.

With a history dating back to October 12, 1866, Carleton College strives to prepare students to lead lives of learning by providing exceptional undergraduate liberal arts education. The small-sized private college makes it the perfect location for a warm and close-knit community of intellectuals striving for personal growth. 

The Japanese Program has been taught in Carleton for more than fifty years. First-year students are taught to master basic Japanese to survive in Japan. Students taking intermediate classes that develop their reading skills, mastery of Kanji, and polish their writing and speaking skills. Lastly, students taking advanced courses are to attain expertise in Japanese communication. Students may enroll for a special major in Japanese, a minor in the Japanese language, and or an Asian Studies major, depending on their learning objectives. 

Home of award-winning faculty and student body, Carnegie Mellon University is a top-rated private institution based in Pittsburgh, PA. CMU has seven schools and colleges and offers various degree-granting programs worldwide.   CMU offers both Major and Minor in Japanese programs that help develop a student's language skills and impart a greater comprehension and appreciation of Japanese culture. Students with prior language experience and high Advanced Placement, an International Baccalaureate, or internal placement exam scores can start taking courses towards the minor or major ahead in their undergraduate program and can also complete an additional major. All majors are recommended to study abroad, which can accelerate their progress towards a program major. 

Wellesley College is a nonprofit, private liberal arts college that offers undergraduate degrees for women. It was founded in 1870 by Pauline and Henry Durant and prided itself for having one of the most stunning campuses in North America.

Students study Japanese for various reasons. Some wanted to obtain fluency in East Asian languages to gain an edge in their careers, while others just want to watch Japanese anime and dramas without subtitles. Either way, the Japanese Program at Wellesley is a good option for interested individuals. Classes are taught by brilliant and dedicated Japanese faculty, and students can experience studying in Hokkaido, Tokyo, Nagoya, and Kyoto. Additionally, they can complete internships during the summer with financial support. 

Named after Bishop John Emory, Emory University is a private research university situated in the bustling city of Atlanta, Georgia, that offers undergraduate and graduate education with over eleven schools and colleges. 

The courses in Emory’s Japanese Program train students to accomplish language fluency and gain a valuable understanding of Japan by studying its literature and culture. The program is equipped with a curriculum that offers elementary to advance language training in addition to a wide range of elective courses. Emory offers a Japanese major, minor, and an honors program. Students may also opt to spend at least one semester in a study abroad program which can count toward major and minor requirements. The major required twelve courses and 42 completion hours, while the minor required eight courses and 30 completion hours. 

Vassar College was founded in 1861 and started as liberal arts college for women. Over the years, it has changed its status into a co-educational institution recognized for being one of the best in America, home to over 2,441 students. 

The Department of Chinese and Japanese offers a major and a correlate sequence (minor) in both Chinese and Japanese. Students will dedicate four years of language instruction and study a wide range of literature and culture courses on linguistics, drama, film, poetry, fiction, and popular culture. Students with prior knowledge of either one of the languages can take an Advanced Placement test to determine the appropriate level to enroll. Students may spend a summer in Tokyo and apply for a study abroad program during their junior year.  

Colgate University is a private liberal arts college that has been around for 200 years, continually producing world-class graduates. The college is small with a student population of 3,000; however, its size makes it possible for students to interact closely with their professors and thrive in a close-knit community of knowledge seekers. 

The Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures programs are a combination of engaging language learning in small classes and study-abroad experiences with a dynamic English-based examination of East Asian arts, cultures, and scholarship. The department offers Japanese major and minor degree tracks for qualified applicants.   Students can utilize Colgate's Japanese Studies center full of resources that will further enhance their learning experience. Graduates will walk out as language experts with critical cultural analysis skills essential to engaging in various careers in graduate study related to East Asia. 

Boston University is a large private research university that employs around 10,000 faculty and staff to keep the university running and teach over 34,000 students. It comprises 17 schools and colleges that offer more than 300 degree-granting programs. 

BU's Japanese major students develop a more profound sense of appreciation and understanding of Japan—a country rich in history, culture, and literature. Japanese Language & Literature majors begin with a team-taught course in which students meet the World Languages & Literatures Department faculty through guest lectures and are familiar with the rich diversity of the world's literary traditions. Students are also encouraged to study in Tokyo at Keio University or the Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies for a semester or a full year.

Established in 1874, Macalester College is a small and intimate community of highly motivated individuals striving to make a difference in society. Its academic program ranked among the top 20 in America and is the flagship institution for undergraduate studies in Minnesota.

Macalester College offers a Japanese Language and Culture Major, Minor, and Honors program where students study the cultural, historical, political, and economic forces that have shaped Japan. Students can learn to make sushi and sample the art of origami in Macalester's Japan House— a place that offers an immersive language and cultural experience where students can develop their language skills and houses a highly trained native educator. Students also have Study Abroad opportunities in Kyoto, Nagoya, Osaka, and Tokyo for at least one semester. 

Scripps College is a private, residential, and women-only college that employs an educational system influenced by the liberal arts. Ellen Browning Scripps founded it in 1926 as a college and now emerges as a nationally-recognized institution that offers Over 65 majors at Scripps and The Claremont Colleges.

In cooperation with The Claremont Colleges, Scripps' Asian Studies is an interdisciplinary undergraduate program that tackles the language, history, culture, and politics of Japan, China, India, and or Southeast Asia. It is an excellent choice for students to gain a firm footing in careers in social work, journalism, law, government, foreign service, public administration, and many more. Students may choose to enroll for an Asian Studies Major or Minor. A major in Asian Studies requires at least eight upper-division courses (one of which must be a seminar) and submitting a senior thesis. On the other hand, a minor in Asian Studies requires six upper-division Asian Studies courses (one must be a seminar).

Wake Forest University is a private research institution for higher education in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and has around 8,000 students. For 25 consecutive years, it ranked as one of the top 30 Universities in the Nation according to U.S. News & World Report. 

The East Asian Languages and Cultures (EAL) Department offers excellent Japanese Language and Culture major and minor programs that require students to have an average grade of C in all courses. The Japanese Language and Culture major students must 31 credit hours (including four advanced language courses), and the Japanese Language and Culture minor only requires six credit hours of advanced study. Students who wish to enhance their learning experience may opt to join a study abroad program in Tokyo or Osaka, Japan.