Course
Course 7.5 credits • COSB55
Curious about Japan beyond anime and sushi? Discover what really shapes Japanese society today – from politics and pop culture to robots and ageing.
Japan is a country of contrasts: high-tech robots alongside shrinking rural towns, global pop culture icons alongside centuries-old traditions. In this course, you will explore the key issues shaping Japanese society today.
We focus on Japan after the Cold War, with special attention to the years following the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident. You will study challenges such as an ageing population, low birth rates and gender inequality, and see how these are linked to questions of immigration, family and technology. The course also examines Japan’s domestic political leadership and its role on the world stage, particularly in East Asia.
Throughout the course, you will move beyond the stereotypes to ask deeper questions. How is Japan changing? How do history and politics shape daily life? And what can Japan’s experiences tell us about the future of other societies?
By the end, you will have a clear understanding of the main issues in present-day Japan and stronger skills in critical thinking, discussion and academic writing.
Study period:
autumn semester 2026
Type of studies:
part time, 50 %,
distance course
Study period:
2026-11-02 – 2027-01-17
Language of instruction:
English
Application code:
LU-19501
Eligibility:
General entry requirements and at least 30 higher education credits.
Oral and written proficiency in English equivalent to English 6/B from Swedish upper secondary school is a requirement. International qualifications will be assessed in accordance with national guidelines.
A general exemption from the requirement of proficiency in Swedish is applied.
Information on included parts
- Individual seminar paper , 3 credits
- Individual home exam , 4.5 credits
Second Admission Round
Nationell ansökningsomgång
Autumn semester 2026
Application opens 16 March
15April 2026