Accepting applicationsUnderstanding the Structure of Kanji and Sino-Japanese Words in Business Japanese

This course explores the structure of commonly used Sino-Japanese words in business, such as “輸出 (export),” “設立 (establishment),” and “消耗 (consumption).” These words often have roots in Chinese and have undergone phonetic and semantic changes as they were adapted into Japanese. The course introduces historical aspects of on-yomi (including Go-on, Kan-on, and customary readings) and kun-yomi, explaining how kanji-based vocabulary conveys meaning in modern Japanese. Participants will deepen their understanding by analyzing phonetic shifts, ateji (phonetic renderings), and word formation mechanisms.

Lecturer
Shin OYAMA/ Nara Women's University (Professor)

Born in Osaka.
Completed a doctoral program at the Graduate School of Letters, Osaka City University. Holds a Ph.D. in Literature.
After working as a specially appointed lecturer at Osaka City University and part-time lecturer at Kyoto University and Bukkyo University, he assumed his current position in 2013.
Also serves as the head priest of Hōju-in Temple (Omuro school of Shingon Buddhism), contributing to religious and cultural studies.
His research focuses on the history of the Japanese language, especially the development and use of characters in ancient times, including writing systems and orthographic innovations.
Recipient of the Shinmura Izuru Prize for Young Scholars, the Manyogaku Society’s Encouragement Prize, and the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation’s Honorable Mention for Research in Kanji Culture.
Author of "日本語の文字と表記 学びとその方法" (The Characters and Writing of Japanese: Learning and Methodology), "朝倉日本語ライブラリー漢字" Kanji (Asakura Japanese Language Library), and other works offering valuable insights into the history and functions of kanji.

* 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 introduction
FAQ
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Course outline

Lecture nameUnderstanding the Structure of Kanji and Sino-Japanese Words in Business Japanese
Date and timeAugust 20, 2025 (Wednesday) , 01:00 PM (JST) 〜 August 20, 2025 (Wednesday) , 02:30 PM (JST)
Course name2025 Summer Business Japanese Special Courses
Lecturer Shin OYAMA
Nara Women's University (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.
Capacity1,000 participants per lecture (first-come-first-served basis)
Streaming service Zoom
How to attend online
FeeFree
Application periodJuly 28, 2025 (Monday) , 12:00 AM (JST) ~ August 19, 2025 (Tuesday) , 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.)
Course introduction
FAQ
Apply