Tenri University was originally founded as a religious coeducational language institute in 1925 under the auspices of Tenrikyo Religion. In 1949 it was reorganized as an educational institute of higher learning with the present name of Tenri University. Then again in 1992 it underwent institutional reformation which included the establishment of a new Faculty of International Studies. Under this Faculty a new Department of Japanese Studies was created which offers classes to students from around the world who are interested in studying Japanese language and culture.
Currently, the Department has approximately 80 foreign students who are pursuing a four year degree in coursework related to Japanese Studies.In this Department I teach classes in Japanese cultural history, religious history, and intercultural communication. Here is a typical classroom setting with me teaching:
Matthew Eynon teaching at Tenri University
One of the unique points of the Department of Japanese Studies at Tenri Univeristy is a course which all third year students in the Department are required to take entitled "Cultural Practicum." In this course,throughout the academic year, students take field trips to historical and cultural points of interest in the surrounding environs of Tenri, Nara, Osaka and Kyoto. Below are several pictures from field trips.
For those interested in learning more about this unique program, or are interested in applying, informaton and application forms can be obtained by writing to:
The International Exchange Section
Tenri University, 1050 Somanouchi
Tenri City, Nara Prefecture JAPAN, 632
or by sending me an E-mail message.
Inquiries about the Department of Japanese Studies
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