Established in 1991, the Terasaki Center for Japanese Studies at the University of California Los Angeles is a vital bridge between Japan and the United States, dedicated to fostering deep, cross-cultural understanding. Today, the center has become a hub for Japanese studies, supported by a wide network of alumni and institutions across Japan and the U.S.
“We aim to be a platform for scholars, students, and community members who share an interest in Japan,” said Hitoshi Abe, chair of UCLA Terasaki Chair for Contemporary Japanese Studies Architecture and Urban Design.
Think of Japanese traditions like sushi or manga. They’ve become global phenomena, adapted by diverse cultures without losing their essence.
Hitoshi Abe, chair of the UCLA Terasaki Chair for Contemporary Japanese Studies Architecture and Urban Design.
In an interview with GMI POST, Abe shared that the Terasaki Center promotes a dynamic approach to Japanese culture through its Global Japan Initiative, which emphasizes Japan’s evolving role in a global context. This initiative encourages a shift from viewing Japanese culture as static to something more dynamic, with a growing international influence.
“Think of Japanese traditions like sushi or manga. They’ve become global phenomena, adapted by diverse cultures without losing their essence,” Abe said.
Terasaki’s location holds much appeal because Los Angeles has deep, long strong ties with Japan and UCLA’s reputation is globally recognized.
The center hosts regular events and symposiums, partnering with institutions like Japan House and the Japanese American National Museum, to promote Japanese art and architecture, among others. These initiatives have boosted the center’s visibility with full-house turnouts and collaborative discussions with leading cultural organizations.
Additionally, the center has expanded into fields beyond humanities, incorporating science and technology collaborations with Japanese corporations to address global issues like disaster resilience. This interdisciplinary approach has attracted interest from Japanese companies, including partnerships with Mitsui Fudosan and Link-J to foster research in life sciences and architecture.
For students and scholars interested in a comprehensive exploration of Japanese studies with an international perspective, the Terasaki Center stands out as an ideal choice for its blending of academic rigor with cultural accessibility.
