Nanzan Anime Study Tour｜Nanzan University

Apply for the tour
(February 1-10, 2025)

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 2025
Kyoto, Hida-Takayama, 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!

Instructors

Tomoko Hoogenboom

Instructor / Principal Lecturer, 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!!

Chie
Fujikake

Anime Study Buddy Advisor/
Assistant Professor

Come and talk with your classmates and Japanese students about Anime while experiencing our culture here in Nagoya! This can be your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

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.

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

Tour: June 23 – July 12, 2025

Application: February 1 - February 10, 2025
Payment Deadline: March 15, 2025
Online Kick Off Session: June 12, 2025
Arrival: June 23, 2025
Program Start: June 24, 2025
Field Trip to Ghibli Park: June 27, 2025
Field Trip to Hida & Takayama: July 2, 2025
Field Trip to Kyoto: July 5, 2025
Program End: July 11, 2025
Departure: July 12, 2025

^*Subject to change

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, 2025.
Possessing English proficiency for higher education level is required.

Required Documents

Official Transcript issued by your university / college
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 hold a selection

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 temperature in summer 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