Tufts in Japan

Introduction
Despite recent fluctuations in the economy, Japan remains a major world economic power. In order to prepare students for a future of increased contact with Asia, Tufts in Japan offers students a full academic year in Kanazawa, one of the most beautiful cities in Japan. Located on the Japan Sea (facing Korea and China), Kanazawa is an ancient castle town that during the Tokugawa Period (1600-1868) was the administrative center of the Kaga Domain, the largest and most affluent in the entire country. To show Edo they had no designs on central political power, the Maeda clan poured resources into the arts and made their city a "little Kyoto." They built the Kenroku-en, one of the three most spectacular gardens in all of Japan. They brought in numerous artisans, who began a rich legacy of arts and crafts that are alive even today: Kaga yuzen (silk dyeing), Kutani and Ohi pottery, Wajima lacquerware, the Noh theater, papermaking, and confectionery. Kanazawa escaped the bombs of the Second World War with historical landmarks intact. Students can still visit the mansions and gardens of former samurai and tour the city’s two temples.

Like Boston, Kanazawa is a city of many parks and colleges. Emphasis has been placed on education, and the cultural level of the people is high. Students take classes at the newly rebuilt Kanazawa University, one of the leading national universities. By night, students are able to enjoy the lively night life of Korinbo. In addition to a number of sophisticated department stores, the city has a famous open market and wonderful food: anything from Mister Donuts to exquisite Kaga cuisine. In short, Kanazawa is big enough to be interesting and small enough to be intimate and manageable, a perfect place to get started in Japan. Kyoto/Osaka, a more urban environment, is two hours away by train, and Tokyo is just an hour flight, or a four-to-five hour train ride.

Administration
Director: Sonoko Matsuda Shimoie, B. Litt., Gakushuin University.

The resident director supervises the program in Kanazawa. Ms. Matsuda organizes cultural activities and is responsible for the well-being of Tufts-in-Japan participants.

Prerequisites
The Tufts-in-Japan program is open to undergraduate juniors and seniors who meet the requirements listed here and who have completed Japanese 2 (or the equivalent) by the time of departure. Tufts in Japan is open to students from all concentrations.

Comprehensive Program Fee 2012-2013
$57,992 for the academic year includes:

• One-week orientation;
• Full room and board;
• Full tuition and fees at Kanazawa University;
• Participation in extracurricular activities at Kanazawa University;
• Cultural events and excursions.

Scholarships
All applicants (except Japanese citizens) are eligible to apply for an achievement-based scholarship from the Japanese Government (the JASSO Scholarship). JASSO recipients will receive round-trip airfare and a monthly living stipend for the duration of the school term, to be paid directly to the student by the Japanese government. Scholarship applications will first be ranked by the Japanese Program at Tufts University before being sent on to Japan. Because the final selection is made by the Japanese government, receipt of an JASSO scholarship is not guaranteed.