Japanese Cultural Studies 101

no certificate
with CEU Certificate*
-
12Lessons
-
24Exams &
Assignments -
1,060Students
have taken this course -
10Hours
average time -
1.0CEUs
Course Description
Japan is a strand of islands, or archipelago, that lies to the east of the coast of China. 120 miles of water separate Japan from the Asian mainland. Archeologists think people have inhabited the islands for about 30,000 years. During that extensive period of time, this country has alternated between sharing trade and ideas with the outside world and withdrawing into itself. As a result, Japanese culture is a fusion of trends from around the globe, each marked with a uniquely Japanese stamp.
This course will explore this history as well as discuss Japanese traditions, language, religions, food, etiquette and manners, careers and education, arts, holidays and leisure, architecture, government and the legal system.
Throughout this course you will see how Japanese people value consideration, thoughtfulness, politeness and order. It is one of the safest places on the earth to visit, and although it may be difficult to blend in, it is easy to appreciate well-mannered Japanese culture.
- Completely Online
- Self-Paced
- 6 Months to Complete
- 24/7 Availability
- Start Anytime
- PC & Mac Compatible
- Android & iOS Friendly
- Accredited CEUs

Course Lessons
Lesson 1: Introduction
Lesson 1 Video
Review Article: Japan's Geography
Take Poll: Japan
Take Survey: Reasons for Taking this Course
Complete Assignment: Thoughts on Japan
Complete Assignment: An Introduction
Complete: Lesson 1 Exam
Lesson 2: Traditions
Lesson 2 Video
Review 2 Articles: Japanese Tea Ceremony; The History of Sumo Wrestling
Complete Assignment: Geisha
Complete: Lesson 2 Exam
Lesson 3: Language
Lesson 3 Video
Review 2 Articles: Learn to Speak Japanese; The Japanese Language
Take Poll: Japanese Language
Complete: Lesson 3 Exam
Lesson 4: Religion
Lesson 4 Video
Review Article: Shinto
Complete Assignment: Religion
Complete: Lesson 4 Exam
Lesson 5: Food
Lesson 5 Video
Review 2 Articles: Japanese Dishes; Japanese Food
Complete: Lesson 5 Exam
Lesson 6: Etiquette and Manners Part I
Lesson 6 Video
Review Article: Japanese Names
Complete: Lesson 6 Exam
Lesson 7: Etiquette and Manners Part II: Behavior Inside a Japanese House
Lesson 7 Video
Review 2 Articles: Guide to Chopstick Etiquette; Guide to Japanese Table Manners
Complete Assignment: House Etiquette
Complete: Lesson 7 Exam
Lesson 8: Career and Education
Lesson 8 Video
Review 2 Articles: Business Etiquette; The Work/Life Balance
Complete Assignment: Educational Thoughts
Complete: Lesson 8 Exam
Lesson 9: The Arts
Lesson 9 Video
Review 2 Articles: Haiku; Origami Instructions
Take Poll: Popular Art Forms
Complete Assignment: Japanese Artist
Complete: Lesson 9 Exam
Lesson 10: Special Events, Holidays, and Leisure
Lesson 10 Video
Review 2 Articles: History of Karaoke; Japan's Festivals
Complete Assignment: Special Event
Complete: Lesson 10 Exam
Lesson 11: Architecture
Lesson 11 Video
Complete Assignment: New Things
Complete: Lesson 11 Exam
Lesson 12: Society
Lesson 12 Video
Review Article: Chart of the Japanese Government
Take Poll: Let us know what you think of this course
Take Survey: Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course)
Complete Assignment: Final Thoughts
Complete: The Final Assignment
Complete: Lesson 12 Exam
Complete: The Final Exam
Learning Outcomes
- Summarize and identify Japanese traditions, language, religion, and food.
- Summarize etiquette and manners in Japan.
- Describe career and education in Japan.
- Recognize the arts in Japan.
- Identify special events, holidays, and leisure in Japan, and
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Additional Course Information

- Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
- Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
- Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
- View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
- Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media

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Time to complete | 6 months |
No. of courses | 1 course |
Certificate & CEUs
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Includes CEUs |
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Instructor support |
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Time to complete | 6 months |
No. of courses | 1 course |

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Includes CEUs |
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Self-paced |
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Instructor support |
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Time to complete | 12 Months |
No. of courses | 500+ |
Certificates & CEUs
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Includes certificate |
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Includes CEUs |
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Self-paced |
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Instructor support |
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Time to complete | Monthly |
No. of courses | 500+ |
Student Testimonials
- "The written information was very helpful to me it was very interesting and enjoyable, and easy to get the right information without having to read a whole book to get the right answers." -- Eileen E.
- "All the written material was relevant to my interest, and much of it - not all - was new to me." -- Peter H.