From Amaterasu to Zyuranger: A Junket Through Japan’s History, Culture & Language

This class has been canceled for October 2023 due to medical reasons. 

This class will take place October 7, 14, 21, and 28, 10:00a.m.-Noon, at the Mercer Library, with Ardith Carlton.

Japanese innovations and pop culture have found their way into everyday life and entertainment worldwide. The land of their origin is a multi-faceted place shaped by a history far longer than that of the United States. Dip into Japan’s mythology, history, culture, language, and more, in learning about the Land of the Rising Sun.

A brief overview of class:

Week 1: The archipelago of Japan itself and an overview of Japanese history, from the ancient mists of mythology to the American occupation.

Week 2: Japan’s post-war comeback and positioning for the international popularity that so many elements of its culture enjoy today.

Week 3: A look at the Japanese language and three alphabets: hiragana, katakana, and kanji. Learn how to read and write your name in katakana, and how to recognize words modified from English for Japanese usage.

Week 4: Japanese culture today, and any students’ particular topics of interest in Japan that have not yet been covered.

Requirements: Having an interest in Japan is helpful but certainly not required. No homework, no worries!

Instructor: Ardith Carlton

Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.

Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 892-3982 or (715) 476-2881.

Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.