Japanese Studies at Bonn University

In my overview of Japanese Studies at the University of Bonn, I outline the major research projects and history of the institute. The projects undertaken highlight the strengths of Japanese Studies in Bonn, in particular studies of modern and contemporary Japanese culture and society. A further noteworthy characteristic is the combination of Japanese Studies with Korean Studies. I then outline general developments toward the current focus on modern literature and history. Finally, I question future possibilities for premodern Japanese studies, which are not so well represented in Bonn.