Interreligious Studies in Japan Program (ISJP)
Preparing students to encounter people of different religions and cultures
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Visiting Mount Koya (Shingon School) |
In response to global tensions among
religions today, the Interreligious Studies in Japan Program (ISJP)
offers systematic study of Japanese religions and provides
opportunities for interreligious dialogue. Its aim is to promote mutual
understanding as a basis for peaceful coexistence and cooperation.
One semester consists of courses on Shinto, Buddhism, reading a classic
Buddhist text in translation, New Religions, Japanese Christianity,
Theology of Religions, and introduction to the Japanese language.
Theoretical studies are supplemented by an exposure program consisting
of field trips to various religious centers and meetings with their
representatives. Attending one semester offers basic information, while
participation in two semesters provides broader knowledge.
The goal is to widen the students’ perspectives towards other religions
and to deepen their own faith in order to build peace among people of
different religions. To get a better understanding of past ISJP
activities, see also our report of previous semesters.
ISJP Fall Semester 2006
Courses held from October 10 to December 15:
- Shinto and Folk Religion (Prof. Peter Knecht, Nanzan University):
Wednesdays, 13:15 - 16:30 (two classews every other week)
- Japanese Buddhism (Prof. Robert Rhodes, Otani University):
Fridays, 10:45 - 12:15
- Japanese New Religions (Prof. Martin Repp, Ryukoku University):
Tuesdays, 15:00 - 16:30
- Japanese Christianity and Theology (Prof. Yuki Hideo, Doshisha University; Prof. Mizugaki Wataru, Kyoto University):
Thursdays, 10:45 - 12:15
- Theology of Religions (Prof. Jan van Bragt, Nanzan University):
Thursdays, 13:15 - 14:45
- Reading a Classical Buddhist Text in English Translation: The Lotus Sutra (Prof. Michael Pye, Marburg University / Otani University):
Tuesdays, 10:45 - 12:15
Students who want to attend the entire ISJP Program should follow the proper application procedure.
Students in the Kansai area who want to participate only in selected courses apply directly (PDF, 34 kB) at the NCC Study Center.
Participation fee per course (10 weeks): ¥10.000
(students of K-GURS: ¥8.000)
Fall Semester:
Detailed Curriculum
- Shinto
- Japanese Buddhism*
- Japanese New Religions*
- Christianity in Japan
- Theology of Religions
- Reading a classic Japanese Buddhist text in English translation*
- Basic Japanese language
*The contents are organized in such a way that the two semesters do not overlap but complement each other.
Program Overview
Spring Semester:
Detailed Curriculum
- Folk Religion
- Japanese Buddhism*
- Japanese New Religions*
- Japanese Theology and Philosophy
- Theories of Interreligious Dialogue
- Reading a classic Japanese Buddhist text in English translation*
- Basic Japanese language
Fall Semester:
Detailed Curriculum
- Shinto
- Japanese Buddhism*
- Japanese New Religions*
- Christianity in Japan
- Theology of Religions
- Reading a classic Japanese Buddhist text in English translation*
- Basic Japanese language
*The contents are organized in such a way that the two semesters do not overlap but complement each other.
Exposure Program
- Regular fieldtrips to Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples, headquarters of new religions, and Christian churches.
- Dialogue meetings with representatives of other religions.
- Possibilities to experience Buddhist meditation
practice (zazen), to attend religious ceremonies and festivals, and to
participate in activities of Japanese churches.
- Additional lectures by experts on special themes.
- One-week trip to Tokyo in the fall semester.
Periods
One semester
consists of two weeks of orientation (general introduction) and ten
weeks of regular courses. Fall semester: September – December, spring
semster: April – July.
Participants
ISJP is designed for university students who
are interested in the study of religions in Japan as well as in the
experience of interreligious dialogue. The following are especially
welcome: undergraduate and graduate students of theology, religious
studies, religious education, Japanese studies, and Eastern philosophy.
Requirements
- interest in interreligious dialogue
- flexibility in cross-cultural communication
- willingness to adapt to life in a foreign culture
- solid knowledge of English
- secured financing (scholarship, etc.)
Instead of participating in the whole program, it
is also possible to attend one (or more) class(es) of one’s choice. For
more information, please contact the Coordinator.
Credits
Participants receive
certificates for each class as well as for the whole program. Students,
who write a paper on a subject agreed with the teacher receive credited
certificates.
Living Costs & Tuition
Living costs including accommodation are a minimum of ¥120,000 per month.
Tuition is ¥100,000 per semester.
Application
Please fill in the application form
(PDF file, 64 kB) in English; enclose your curriculum vitae (including
university studies, hobbies and volunteer activities); a letter of
recommendation by a professor; photocopy of passport for visa
application (validity minimum one year); letter of guarantee for
sufficient financial support (e.g. scholarship).
Application Deadlines
March 31 for fall semester, October 31 for spring semester (exceptions are possible in special cases).
Please send your applications to the Program Coordinator. Candidates
should apply for visas at a Japanese embassy or consulate in their home
countries. The proper category is “cultural visa” (bunka visa).
Faculty and Board
Faculty
The teachers of this program are experts in their field and have been selected by the Advisory and Executive Committee.
The names of previous lecturers are listed in the reports.
ISJP Board Members
Rev. Hamaya Peter Norio (Coordinator of ISJP, NCC Study Center, Chairman of the Board of Trustees)*
Prof. Doi Kenji (Kwansei Gakuin University; NCC Study Center, Director)*
Prof. Fujimoto Kiyohiko (Bukkyo University)
Prof. Higuchi Susumu (Kwansei Gakuin University)
Rev. Ichikawa Sadataka (Jodoshu priest, Bukkyo University)
Ass. Prof. Iwano Yusuke (Kwansei Gakuin University, NCC Study Center, Vice Director)*
Prof. Katayanagi Eiichi (Kyoto University)
Prof. em. Mizugaki Wataru (Kyoto University)
Prof. Mizutani Makoto (Doshisha University)
Prof. Nakamichi Motoo (Kwansei Gakuin University)
Prof. Robert Rhodes (Otani University)
Prof. Takada Shinryo (Ryukoku University)
Prof. em. Yuki Hideo (Doshisha University, former Director of the NCC Study Center)
Prof. Miyasho Tetsuo (Doshisha University)*
Rev. Teramoto Tomomasa (Nishi Hongan-ji priest, Ryukoku University; ISJP Secretary)*
* Members of the Executive Board
Contact
Don't hesitate to contact us with your questions or comments:
Send us an email
Phone/Fax: +81-(0)75-432-1945
NCC Center for the Study of Japanese Religions
Interreligious Studies in Japan Program (ISJP)
Attn. Coordinator
Karasuma Shimotachiuri, Kamikyo-ku
Kyoto 602-8011, JAPAN