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Alumni

Graduates of our program are actively involved in Japanese language education and research in the US, Japan and other parts of the world.  The schools where our graduates hold positions include Columbia University, Duke University, Harvard University, Smith College, University of California at San Diego, University of Iowa, University of Michigan, University of Notre Dame, University of Southern California, University of Texas, University of Washington, Associated Kyoto Program, Kansai Gaidai University, Kyushu University, Nanzan University, Oita University, Waseda University, University of Venice, among many others.  The international network of our graduates also helps us develop teaching and research projects beyond the UW-Madison campus.

Here are profiles of some of our alumni:

Tadashi Sakamoto
Professor, Nanzan University
http://www.nanzan-u.ac.jp/English/cjs.htm

After obtaining an MA from UW-Madison, Professor Sakamoto continued to study SLA and then earned his EdD from Boston University. He taught at Middlebury Summer Japanese School, Boston University and Harvard University, and returned to Japan in 1986. Since then, Professor Sakamoto has been teaching at Nanzan University, Nagoya, Japan, where he iscurrently a professor of Japanese language and second language acquisition. Thus far, he have served in the capacity of Dean, Center for Japanese Studies at Nanzan University (NU); Director, Center for Japanese Studies at NU; Chair, Department of Japanese Studies at NU, and he is currently working as Board member, Nihongo Kyoiku Gakkai (NKG, The Society for Teaching Japanese) and Vice President, NKG.

I hope you enjoy learning at UW, make many good friends, and find ways to relax. During your summer break, return to Japan and attend as many conferences as you can, and be sure to come and see me in Nagoya while you are here.

Tomiko Kuwahira
Lecturer of  Japanese Language,  Princeton University
http://www.princeton.edu/~eastasia/faculty/kuwahira.shtml

Kuwahira-sensei graduated from Doshisha Women’s College in Kyoto, Japan. where she majored in English literature.  Completed one -year program for teachers of Japanese as foreign language at Kokuritsu Kokugo Kenkyusho (National Language Research Institute) in Tokyo, Japan and earned an M.A. in Japanese linguistics from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.  Since then, Kuwahira- has taught Japanese at Columbia University (New York), Kyoto Seika College (Japan), Beijing University & Beijing Institute of Technololgy (China),  summer school at Sophia University (Japan).  Currently,  she is a lecturer at Princeton University and also the Home Director of  Princeton-In-Ishikawa Summer Program. 

The days I spent in Wisconsin, surrounded by the great professors, friends and  Japanese students  have been so precious and memorable to me.  I am very proud of  being a graduate from Univ. of Wisconsin. Please remember that you are blessed with a wonderful studying environment.   Best of luck in your studies and endeavors at Wisconsin!

Chisako Shinagawa
Lecturer, University of California, Santa Barbara
http://www.eastasian.ucsb.edu/content/people_shinagawa.html
http://genki.japantimes.co.jp/

After finishing her studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison,  Professor Shinagawa has taught Japanese at the University of California at Irvine and at Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka. She is one of the authors of introductory level textbooks titled "Genki I and II" (Japan Times), which are widely used in the US. She is currently teaching at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

UW-Madison was a turning point in my life. I gained so much as a student and a person. Wonderful mentors. Professors, students and friends who I will cherish for the rest of my life. Above all, the enhancement of my career. I really feel privileged and fortunate to have been a part of the UW-Madison community.  I am sure you will also find UW-Madison challenging, exciting and rewarding.

Kenichi Miura
Senior Instructor, Temple University
kmiura@temple.edu

Professor Miura taught Japanese at Northwestern University and Harvard University and he is currently teaching at Temple University.  In addition, his contributions include serving as acting director and assistant director for the summer Japanese program at Middlebury College, as well as serving on the board of directors for ATJ.  He is a tester-trainer of OPI for ACTFL and also is a certified tester of OPI for DIA (Defense Intelligence Agency). 

Studying at UW-Madison provided the foundation for my future.  The outstanding faculty and the community of fellow students and scholars provided an atmosphere of collegiality that inspired me to continue my career.  So, while you are at UW-Madison, take advantage of everything that the university can offer.  It is a unique and wonderful experience.  I hope you will enjoy your time in Madison as much as I did. 

Noriko Hanabusa
Associate Professional Specialist, University of Notre Dame
http://www.nd.edu/~eall/

Professor Hanabusa received M.A. degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1994. Since then, she has been teaching at the University of Notre Dame to develop and structure the Japanese language program. In addition, during the summers she has taught in summer programs in Japan, such as Hokkaido International Foundation and Princeton in Ishikawa Program. In the past few years, she has been involved in teaching at Middlebury Japanese School during summer.

While at UW-Madison, I was fortunate enough to have had opportunities to be trained by wonderful professors, teach with other TAs, and observe many senpai’s classes. I believe that this was the true foundation for my current career. I often feel amazed how tight the UW-Madison graduate community is, which is quite unusual and unique as compared to other universities. This is why I can expand the circle of my friends and acquaintances in the field.

Kazumi Yoshimura
Lecturer, Associated Kyoto Program Center
http://www.associatedkyotoprogram.org/

Since her graduation from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Professor Yoshimura has taught Japanese at the Associated Kyoto Program Center, located at Doshisha University in Kyoto.  The Associated Kyoto Program is anintensive 8 month-long study abroad program, and most of the students are junior year college students from 15 consortium schools in the US.  In addition, she has taught an intensive summer course at the HokkaidoInternational Foundation in Hakodate, Hokkaido.

It has passed almost a decade since I left Madison.  What I learned at UW-Madison is however still alive in my memory, and I sometimes go back to that basis when I can not be satisfied with my teaching.