Studies Career prospects

A degree in Japanese Studies opens up a wide range of career opportunities – in Germany, Europe and Japan. Our graduates work in a variety of fields, from the public and private sector to academia, media, the cultural sector and education. They also work in translation, management consulting, marketing and international organisations.

The results of our graduate survey (2025) show that:

• Over 85% of respondents are employed, most of them in regular employment.
• Almost 40% work in companies with more than 500 employees, and 36% work with Japan or the Japanese language on a daily or frequent basis.
• Fields of work range from teaching, research and communication to tourism, IT and trade.

Particularly exciting: many of our graduates spend a longer period of time in Japan after completing their studies – whether as part of exchange programmes, professional experience or private projects. The connection to Japan therefore often remains even after graduation.

Studying Japanese not only enables students to engage with the language and culture, but also trains them in intercultural competence, analytical thinking and critical reflection – skills that are in high demand in a globalised working environment.

Today, Japanologists work in a wide range of professional fields – often with, but also without, a direct connection to Japan. The intercultural, linguistic and analytical skills acquired during their studies are in demand in many areas:

• Business and trade: positions in international companies, in import and export, in project management or customer service with a focus on Asia.
• Cultural sector and media: work at publishing houses, in journalism, in museums or cultural institutes – also in the field of translation/interpreting or at film festivals.
• Education and science: teaching and research at universities, language teaching, adult education or school cooperation with Japan.
• Communication and marketing: especially at companies with links to Japan, in agencies or in international organisations.
• Public service and NGOs: for example, in the Foreign Office, at foundations or non-governmental organisations with links to East Asia.
• Tourism and logistics: Travel agencies, town twinning schemes or international trade fairs offer further possible fields of work.

It is not uncommon for Japanese studies graduates to continue their academic careers – e.g. with a master's degree or doctorate – or to supplement their profile with additional qualifications, for example in business administration, translation or international relations.

The range shows that Japanese studies is not a narrow vocational training subject, but a foundation in the humanities that can open many doors.