The Japanese Studies Program at Hunter College has received a commendation from the Foreign Minister of Japan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan announced.
The ministry cited the Hunter program’s longevity and its decision to begin issuing bachelor’s degrees in Japanese language and culture in 2023, the only CUNY program that does so. It also offers two minors.
“Since launching its first Japanese language class in 1986, the program has opened doors for countless students to explore the Japanese language and culture,” the ministry wrote in social posts. “This honor reflects the tireless dedication of the faculty, the unwavering support of the community, and the enthusiasm of all the students to choose to learn about Japan over the years. Congratulations!”
Classical and Oriental Studies Department Chair David Petrain called the commendation a wonderful recognition of the work of Hunter’s Japanese instructors and especially of program Director Maayan Barkan, Associate Director Akiyo Furukawa, and Doctoral Lecturer and Career Services Liaison Alex Rogals, who is acting as program head during Barkan’s sabbatical.
“We are very proud of the dynamic program that our Japanese faculty have built and of all the ways it brings together the Hunter community and the communities that surround us in the appreciation of Japanese language and culture,” Petrain said, “I am overjoyed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan has recognized our program with this award.”
Hunter’s program was founded by the late Japanese-born Sue Kawashima, who moved to New York with her family in 1977 to study art history at Columbia University. A self-taught speaker of English, she taught Japanese language and culture from 1987 until her retirement in 2018 at 89.
The program, which receives many honored guests, serves as a cultural bulwark for the Japanese community in New York, maintaining close ties with the Consulate General of Japan and the Japan Society.
