Japanese manga, beloved around the world, is rich not only in story and art but also in distinctive language and cultural nuance. This course examines manga from a translation perspective, focusing on differences in expression and cultural assumptions between Japanese and other languages. Topics include onomatopoeia, role language, tone, and unspoken norms. Through these, participants will explore the depth of Japanese language and culture and experience the joy and challenges of translating “untranslatable” expressions.
Applications closedLearning Japanese Character Language through Manga
Applications for this course are no longer accepted.
Lecturer
Tetsuro SUMIDA/ Kyoto Seika University(Associate Professor)
Completed a doctoral program at the Graduate School of Intercultural Studies, Kobe University. Holds a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies.
Previously held teaching positions at Dongshin University (Korea), Kobe University, and Soochow University (Taiwan).
Since 2017, he has held his current position.
His research focuses on manga from the perspective of Japanese linguistics, exploring how character-specific language styles (yakuwarigo) function in manga.
His works include "日本マンガの翻訳不可能性に関する一考察" (A Study on the Untranslatability of Japanese Manga), "役割語とキャラクターの関係性 ―いわゆる〈王様語〉の分析を通じて―" )Role Language and Character Relationships: Analysis of “Kingly” Speech), and "マンガの笑い声表記に見る役割語" (Laughter and Role Language in Manga, contributing valuable insights into manga linguistics).
* Membership registration is required to apply.
* Various payment methods are available. About payment method
* The "Attend" button (link to the meeting URL) will be activated on the course opening day. To access, you need to log in to your member page. If you can't find the "Attend" button, check if you're logged in.
* Please make sure to read "how to attend online" by the day of the course, and access the "Attend" button after preparation of the necessary settings. If there is a deficiency in the setting, certificates may not be issued. Please access well in advance to access.
* Preliminary materials, lecture materials, and lecture videos may not be available.
* The viewing deadline for lecture materials and videos is 7 days including the date on which they became available for viewing. (*It will be available within 7 days from the course date.)
* In order to attend the course, you need to answer the pre-questionnaire. To view the materials on the day, you need to complete both the pre-questionnaire and the post-attendance questionnaire. The deadline for answering the post-attendance questionnaire is 7 days, including the day of the lecture.
Course outline
Lecture nameLearning Japanese Character Language through Manga
Date and timeAugust 22, 2025 (Friday) , 02:50 PM (JST) 〜 August 22, 2025 (Friday) , 04:20 PM (JST)
Lecturer
Tetsuro SUMIDA
Kyoto Seika University(Associate Professor)
Kyoto Seika University(Associate Professor)
TargetInternational students or employees with Japanese proficiency equivalent to JLPT N2 or above.
* Non-Toyo University students can also take this course.
* Participation from abroad is highly welcomed.
* Non-Toyo University students can also take this course.
* Participation from abroad is highly welcomed.
Capacity1,000 participants per lecture (first-come-first-served basis)
Streaming service
Zoom
FeeFree
Application periodJuly 28, 2025 (Monday) , 12:00 AM (JST) ~ August 21, 2025 (Thursday) , 11:59 PM (JST)
Precautions
- Courses will be conducted entirely in Japanese.
- You can freely choose to participate in only one course or multiple courses.
- Those who responded to the questionnaire after the course will be able to view the materials and videos used in the course only if the instructor has given permission to distribute them. (This time all courses will provide the materials and videos.)