Pursuing research on human beings and their cultures from multidimensional and contemporary perspectives

Even though much time has passed, some things remain unchanged in the cultural aspects of people’s lives, such as thought, behavior, and modes of expression.
A major purpose of humanities research is to capture and identify this aspect of constancy (universality) in the context of the huge historical transformations from ancient times to the present day. With the rapid advancement of globalization and the IT revolution, and with resolution of environmental issues becoming increasingly urgent and crucial for the future of humans, the study of humanities is becoming increasingly significant.
Recognizing the importance of the roles played by the study of humanities, the Graduate School of Letters widely disseminates the results of research and education. We have established three educational objectives:

1. Promote the enhancement of research activity in established research areas and create a new field of humanities
2. Accommodate various needs of students, including those aspiring to become researchers, those pursuing careers as highly specialized professionals, or those who wish to gain broader knowledge and understanding
3. Develop students equipped with a wide range of abilities and skills, from practical language skills to information technology, in order to contribute to society through humanities research

Two Courses of the Master’s Program

The Master’s Program provides two courses.

The Master’s Program of the Graduate School of Letters offers two courses: the Research Course and the Exploratory Course. Applicants are required to decide which course they will take at the time of application for admission. After enrollment, each student will engage in research activities toward their objective.

• Research Course

  This course is designed for (1) students who intend to move on to the Doctoral Program to obtain a doctoral degree and (2) students who aspire to pursue a career as educators or researchers at higher education or research institutions.

• Exploratory Course

  This course is a more in-depth study of the humanities. The course fosters students with the knowledge, skills, and experience to respond to social demands and deal with the diverse issues of our time. After completing the Master's Course, students will apply the knowledge and experience they have gained in graduate school and aim to find employment in a variety of fields, such as junior and senior high school teachers, private companies, civil servants, and curators. The course is also intended for professionals who are currently working in the field and who wish to acquire more specialized skills.