The research and teaching focus of Japanology at Frankfurt centers on premodern and modern/contemporary Japan. Methodologically, Frankfurt's Japanology draws on a solid repertoire of philological-literary studies as well as cultural and intellectual history, with an emphasis on the linguistic component forming the foundation for adequate research on Japan.
Language instruction ensures confident and fluent mastery of modern Japanese in both written and spoken forms (formal and colloquial language) at a level that meets the minimum requirements for Japanology courses in the respective semesters.
As part of the B.A. program, students can choose between four areas of focus: Literature Studies (Prof. Dr. Lisette Gebhardt), Cultural and History of Ideas (Prof. Dr. Michael Kinski) (FB 09), Law (Prof. Dr. Moritz Bälz, FB 01), and Economics (Prof. Dr. Cornelia Storz, FB 02). With its four Japan-related professorships, Japanology in Frankfurt is considered one of the major centers for Japanese studies in the German-speaking world.
Other highlights include a vibrant academic life with numerous events (workshops, lectures, conferences, colloquia, readings, literary discussions, active working groups, Japanese studies research projects), collaborations beyond the university (research projects with Japanese studies departments at other universities, the Nippon Connection film festival), partner universities in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, as well as the location advantage of the Rhine-Main region: Frankfurt offers an exceptionally favorable infrastructure with representations of Japanese companies, a large Japanese community, the annually held Book Fair, and numerous cultural institutions.
This provides many opportunities for extracurricular activities and Japan-related career choices on site.