Teaching Intermediate to Advanced Japanese Language Courses Incorporating Cultural Materials: A Data Analysis

The United States Air Force Academy strives to teach Japanese language and culture through media that students enjoy, such as anime, TV shows, and music videos, while helping them acquire Japanese as a tool for understanding these cultural products (works, programs, and songs). This study aimed to determine if and how much this teaching method could increase students' Japanese language skills. We analyzed the proficiency test results and tracked changes for five years among a group of intermediate to advanced students. Findings indicate that since the deliberate introduction of the new teaching approach, there has been a clear overall improvement in the group's language abilities. Enrollment also increased. Although there were slight declines in some years, a closer look at the student makeup suggests that these were not necessarily negative outcomes. Moreover, the student survey responses generally reflected a positive evaluation of the use of culturally enriched teaching methods. Culturally integrated pedagogy offers a transferable model for sustaining engagement and deepening understanding throughout diverse higher‑education contexts.