The Japan Studies Association
“Tokyo 2026: Experiencing History & Culture”
A Professional Development Workshop held in Tokyo, Japan
June 8-17, 2026
Sponsored by the Japan Studies Association
With valued support from: The University of Kansas Center for East Asian Studies
Workshop Chairs:
Dawn Gale, Professor and Chair, Department of Philosophy and Religion, Johnson County Community College
Alisa Freedman, Professor, Japanese Literature, Cultural Studies, and Gender, University of Oregon
“Tokyo 2026: Experiencing History & Culture” offers a range of experiences geared toward navigating and interacting with the city of Tokyo to gain a nuanced understanding of its historical, cultural, and economic influence in preparation to take students on study abroad trips and incorporate material into a range of courses across the curriculum. In addition to experiential learning activities, faculty will have a chance to engage in lectures, group discussions, debriefing activities, and other activities to workshop ideas for study abroad programs and curriculum development. All participants will be expected to complete a post-trip report detailing how they will use this experience for future study abroad programs and to enhance the curriculum. Participants are also strongly encouraged to present their ideas at the 2027 Japan Studies Association Annual Conference, January 6-8 in Honolulu, HI.
Tentative Activities/Day-by-Day Workshop Calendar
Please note that we are still confirming details so these activities and dates are all tentative and subject to change.
Day 1: Introduction to Tokyo Transit, Visit the Tokyo City Government Building for the 360-degree observatory & Shinjuku, Welcome dinner at a traditional ryōtei (Japanese restaurant) with seasonal kaiseki meal and short introduction to Japanese dining etiquette
Day 2: Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Shibuya
Day 3: Walking tour of Asakusa: Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise-dori, and the Shitamachi district; hands on workshop or cultural performance
Day 4: Guided tour of the Edo-Tokyo Museum and Sumida River area
Day 5: Team Lab Planets & Walking tour of Akihabara; Japanese Baseball
Day 6: Visit to Yanaka District; calligraphy workshop and talk with a local calligraphy master
Day 7: Day trip to Yokohama – Cup Noodle or Ramen museum, Chinatown
Day 8: Free time in the morning; Matinee at Kabuki-za
Day 9: Visit Shin-Okubo (Korean Town), Kusama or Soseki Museum, & Kagurazaka; cooking workshop
Day 10: Explore areas of individual interest or small group options; reflection & synthesis; farewell dinner
Costs, Application Timeline, and Funding
Costs:
Workshop participants will be responsible for their international airfare, for local transportation to the workshop hotel; and for most lunches and dinners.
The registration fee from the night of June 7 through night of June 17 is currently estimated at $1,800. It includes accommodation with full breakfast; local transportation fees, entrance/activity fees, speakers, and some group meals.
Application Timeline & Selection Criteria:
Applications are due no later than March 27, 2026.
Selection criteria for workshop attendance will include factors based on the application form including a statement of interest, CV, and one recommendation. Note that JSA’s Mission is to expand and strengthen interest and understanding of Japan.
Funding:
*The Japan Studies Association is applying for funding to help offset costs for this program. If our grant application is successful, it is possible that the program fee will be reduced; however, for the time being, please plan for the expenses listed above including the full program fee of $1,800.
Dawn Gale, Professor and Chair, Department of Philosophy and Religion, Johnson County Community College
Alisa Freedman, Professor, Japanese Literature, Cultural Studies, and Gender, University of Oregon
“Tokyo 2026: Experiencing History & Culture” offers a range of experiences geared toward navigating and interacting with the city of Tokyo to gain a nuanced understanding of its historical, cultural, and economic influence in preparation to take students on study abroad trips and incorporate material into a range of courses across the curriculum. In addition to experiential learning activities, faculty will have a chance to engage in lectures, group discussions, debriefing activities, and other activities to workshop ideas for study abroad programs and curriculum development. All participants will be expected to complete a post-trip report detailing how they will use this experience for future study abroad programs and to enhance the curriculum. Participants are also strongly encouraged to present their ideas at the 2027 Japan Studies Association Annual Conference, January 6-8 in Honolulu, HI.
Tentative Activities/Day-by-Day Workshop Calendar
Please note that we are still confirming details so these activities and dates are all tentative and subject to change.
Day 1: Introduction to Tokyo Transit, Visit the Tokyo City Government Building for the 360-degree observatory & Shinjuku, Welcome dinner at a traditional ryōtei (Japanese restaurant) with seasonal kaiseki meal and short introduction to Japanese dining etiquette
Day 2: Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Shibuya
Day 3: Walking tour of Asakusa: Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise-dori, and the Shitamachi district; hands on workshop or cultural performance
Day 4: Guided tour of the Edo-Tokyo Museum and Sumida River area
Day 5: Team Lab Planets & Walking tour of Akihabara; Japanese Baseball
Day 6: Visit to Yanaka District; calligraphy workshop and talk with a local calligraphy master
Day 7: Day trip to Yokohama – Cup Noodle or Ramen museum, Chinatown
Day 8: Free time in the morning; Matinee at Kabuki-za
Day 9: Visit Shin-Okubo (Korean Town), Kusama or Soseki Museum, & Kagurazaka; cooking workshop
Day 10: Explore areas of individual interest or small group options; reflection & synthesis; farewell dinner
Costs, Application Timeline, and Funding
Costs:
Workshop participants will be responsible for their international airfare, for local transportation to the workshop hotel; and for most lunches and dinners.
The registration fee from the night of June 7 through night of June 17 is currently estimated at $1,800. It includes accommodation with full breakfast; local transportation fees, entrance/activity fees, speakers, and some group meals.
Application Timeline & Selection Criteria:
Applications are due no later than March 27, 2026.
Selection criteria for workshop attendance will include factors based on the application form including a statement of interest, CV, and one recommendation. Note that JSA’s Mission is to expand and strengthen interest and understanding of Japan.
- Current college and university faculty who plan to develop and lead study abroad programs or who plan to develop new courses or modules that integrate Tokyo into the curriculum will be given priority.
- Applicants who have little prior experience with Tokyo and workshop themes will be given priority.
- Demonstrated interest in Japan and workshop themes is required. Faculty who are not Japan or East Asian specialists are encouraged to apply.
- JSA seeks to strengthen its network of faculty by encouraging participation in future JSA conferences; in-person workshops, virtual events; and/or other outreach activities. Applicants are encouraged to think about how this workshop would inform papers and panels for the JSA Annual Conference in Hawaii, January 6-8, 2027.
Funding:
*The Japan Studies Association is applying for funding to help offset costs for this program. If our grant application is successful, it is possible that the program fee will be reduced; however, for the time being, please plan for the expenses listed above including the full program fee of $1,800.