Nanzan Anime Study Tour｜Nanzan University

Apply for the tour
(February 1-10, 2026)

Anime Study Buddyに
関心のある南山生

For Nanzan students

Learn about Anime and Japan from cultural & social perspectives

Enjoy the opportunity to explore Japanese culture and society through the lens of Anime for 3 weeks. The tour includes lectures about Japanese anime in English and 3 field trips to visit Anime-related places around central Japan to the equivalent of 30 contact hours.

Field Trip Destinations 2026
Kyoto, Shiga, and Ghibli Park

Interact with Japanese students called "Anime Study Buddy"

To enrich your total experience, you have a chance to spend with "Anime Study Buddy" members. They are regular Nanzan students who like anime. Enjoy developing your intercultural skills and making friends with Japanese students through various activities and experiences.

Possible Activities
Going to Karaoke, Izakaya, traditional festivals, local rural areas, and Anime merchandise shops etc. Discuss and decide what activities suit you with your buddy!

Instructor

Tomoko Hoogenboom

Instructor / Teaching Professor, Modern Languages, Linguistics and Intercultural Communication & Affiliate Assistant Professor, Asian Studies at UMBC

Do you like anime? Then this program is for you!! Let's discuss your favorite anime and experience Japanese culture behind the scenes. You can also get to know students from different countries including Japan. Looking forward to meeting you in Nagoya this summer. We will have fun!!

Message from the President

Robert Kisala

President of Nanzan University

I became interested in anime several years ago, in the course of studying the connection between contemporary religion and popular culture. I am especially interested in religious themes in the works of Hayao Miyazaki and what they reveal about religion in Japan today. We welcome students from all over the world to participate in the Nanzan Amine Study Tour, and I hope that you will also be able to share in this wonderful experience.

The third largest city area in Japan

Being one of the largest cities in Japan means that there are plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy too! We believe you’ll find whatever you want here!

Conveniently located in the heart of Japan

With its central location, Nagoya is the ideal place to make trips to other areas in Japan.

Rich in nature and historical sites

While Nagoya might be a big city, you can enjoy easy access to the sea and mountains not to mention a number of famous historical sites.

Lectures are fun and interactive, and Hoogenboom-Sensei is funny and accommodating to everyone. Most of the field trips are places I'll have never been and probably never go myself, it was pretty fascinating.

There’s a good balance of work and fun, so you’ll have a lot of time to explore new places. Also, don’t waste days just lounging around in your hotel room. 21 days goes by fast, and you might regret not visiting more places.

I highly recommend this program, even if you are an introvert. It's a lot easier to make friends with likeminded enjoyers of Anime and get to know all sorts of people from overseas and from Nanzan University!

The Nanzan Anime Study Buddies were all great and very friendly. It was a fun way to experience authentic Japanese youth culture and find places to go that wouldn't be featured on tourist websites.

This tour is a brilliant opportunity to learn so much about Japanese culture and anime. I have had the most amazing time during this tour interacting with both Japanese and other international students. This is a program I will remember forever.

As a person who has never traveled to Japan, this program is the best way to experience different aspects of Japan not just as a tourist but with as a student with a routine. This program helped me understand Japan through anime which fostered a deeper understanding of the culture.

The course consists of 13 lectures (100 minute in-class lectures × 13) and 3 field trips related to Anime or Japanese cultural experience. This is equal to 30 contact hours.
Please note that no credits are awarded for this course, but you will receive a Certificate of Attendance showing study hours at the end if you participate in all of the classes. Course materials will be provided to students upon confirmation of payment.

List of Lecture Topics here

Eligibility

University / college undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in learning Japan through this course. You must be currently enrolled in undergraduate/associate or graduate programs as of June, 2026.
Possessing English proficiency for higher education level is required.

Required Documents

Official Transcript issued by your university / college
Copy of Valid Passport

Application Form

Make an application

Fill out the form and submit it during the application period accordingly.

Capacity

Max. 20 students

^*If the number of registration exceeds the tour capacity, we will conduct the selection process based on applicants' statements of purpose.

I am Japanese citizen. Am I eligible to participate?

As long as you are a student at a university/college outside Japan or its equivalent, you can participate.

Should I book the entrance ticket for Ghibli Park beforehand?

No, you don't have to. We will give you a ticket after you arrive at Japan.

What is the summer weather like in Nagoya?

Nagoya is traditionally hot and humid, so please make sure to avoid getting heat stroke. Remember to drink plenty of water and frequently apply sunscreen etc.

How much will it cost for meals and commuting to school?

It will cost approximately 45,000–50,000 JPY for meals and commuting for the entire period of the program. We would recommend participants to bring enough cash.

Contact

Office of the Center for International Affairs, Nanzan University
intl-exchange@ic.nanzan-u.ac.jp

International Summer Program Nanzan Anime Study Tour

Learn about Anime and Japan from cultural & social perspectives