Building a Connection With Japan

Starts With You

Join one of our community programs

Learn Japanese with real language partners

Participate in our next cultural event

Welcome to the Study Abroad Campus of Showa Women’s University

Showa Boston Institute is an important venue in support of Japanese-American cultural and educational relations. Founded in 1988 by Tokyo's Showa Women's University as a study abroad campus for Japanese college students, it offers an English language curriculum and access to American culture through partnerships with local universities, non-profit organizations, and businesses.

Showa Boston also provides a platform for the people of Boston and beyond to connect with Japanese language, culture, and society by offering workshops, cultural events, language classes, and exchange programs.

Whether your goal is to build Japanese language proficiency or grow more culturally connected with Japan, Showa Boston offers unique opportunities for the local community to establish deep person-to-person relationships with Japanese university students. We welcome you to become a member of the Showa Boston Institute community.   

Photo of Showa's main building with cherry blossoms

Showa Boston’s campus is located in the Moss Hill neighborhood of Jamaica Plain, steps from Boston’s border with Brookline.

Forging intercultural exchange is our passion, and our Japanese student population - the largest in New England - learn from the time they arrive in Boston about the ways they can impact the community around them.

In addition to our individual-based offerings, we collaborate with US and Japan-based organizations and businesses. Discover how you can get involved, or learn more about Showa Boston’s story.

Finally, we recommend signing up for our newsletter to ensure that you don’t miss out on upcoming offerings.

How To Get Involved

  • A Japanese student helping an American student with her Japanese

    Learn Japanese

    Whether you’re planning for your next trip or looking to obtain professional proficiency, we’re here to help you achieve your Japanese learning goals.

    LEARN ABOUT OUR PROGRAM
  • Four US and Japanese students playing a sanshin and looking at a music book.

    Apply for Community Programs

    Join the Showa Boston community by applying for one of our programs.

    DISCOVER OPPORTUNITIES
  • Five US and Japanese students playing dodgeball

    Join Our Next Event

    Throughout the year, we offer community events, festivals, and discussions to our local audience. Check out our Facebook events page to learn more!

    EVENT SCHEDULE
  • Four people waving at a Japan Airlines jet on a runway

    Partner with Us

    Showa Boston has a rich history of collaborations with local businesses, universities, and non-profits. Find out the ways in which Showa can help enrich your institution!

    COLLABORATE

Recent Updates

Students are feeling ✨bejeweled ✨after getting to spend an evening making friendship bracelets with RAs Lauren and Amelia, inspired by @taylorswift and her #erastour ✨ They’re going to make our whole campus shimmer!
Students are feeling ✨bejeweled ✨after getting to spend an evening making friendship bracelets with RAs Lauren and Amelia, inspired by @taylorswift and her #erastour ✨ They’re going to make our whole campus shimmer!
Students in our New England Studies class recently visited the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum ( @bostonteapartyships ), where they learned about the impact that Boston had on the history of the American Revolution. Thank you to the Museum for ho
Students in our New England Studies class recently visited the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum ( @bostonteapartyships ), where they learned about the impact that Boston had on the history of the American Revolution. Thank you to the Museum for hosting us!
Does your child have an interest in Japanese language and culture? For the first time in our program’s history, Showa Boston will offer Japanese language classes for learners aged 10-15. Whether your child is just starting to learn Japanese or
Does your child have an interest in Japanese language and culture? For the first time in our program’s history, Showa Boston will offer Japanese language classes for learners aged 10-15. Whether your child is just starting to learn Japanese or wants to improve their skills and confidence, we have classes to match their levels. Classes will take place on Saturday mornings. For more information, please visit https://forms.gle/qvYR8mH4cEdjAtRG9
Students from our Tea Ceremony Club hosted staff from @brighamandwomens Hospital, in collaboration with local sculpture artist @niho_kozuru for a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. During their time here, staff learned about the history of the tea ce
Students from our Tea Ceremony Club hosted staff from @brighamandwomens Hospital, in collaboration with local sculpture artist @niho_kozuru for a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. During their time here, staff learned about the history of the tea ceremony and enjoyed matcha prepared by our students 🍵
Students are feeling ✨bejeweled ✨after getting to spend an evening making friendship bracelets with RAs Lauren and Amelia, inspired by @taylorswift and her #erastour ✨ They’re going to make our whole campus shimmer! Students in our New England Studies class recently visited the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum ( @bostonteapartyships ), where they learned about the impact that Boston had on the history of the American Revolution. Thank you to the Museum for ho Does your child have an interest in Japanese language and culture? For the first time in our program’s history, Showa Boston will offer Japanese language classes for learners aged 10-15. Whether your child is just starting to learn Japanese or Students from our Tea Ceremony Club hosted staff from @brighamandwomens Hospital, in collaboration with local sculpture artist @niho_kozuru for a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. During their time here, staff learned about the history of the tea ce

What People Are Saying

Four people playing an icebreaker activity.
 

“Great school, I've been studying Japanese for 1 year with them (2 semesters) and just signed up for the next one. Teachers are very professional. This school is the best in Boston for Japanese language learners.”

— Maria

“The Showa Collge Connection Program is the most fun I’ve had at college, and working with the girls has been an absolute pleasure…This program has truly sparked my already deep interest in Japanese culture and the nation itself.”

— Donnovan

“The campus itself is lovely and there is lots of free parking, which is helpful if you are visiting for class, [Showa Friendship Circle], or any of the many festivals the university hosts throughout the year. If you like Japan and Japanese culture, want to learn Japanese, or meet Japanese friends, this is a great place to get involved.”

— Christina

Stay informed, or ask us a question!

Join the Showa Boston mailing list to ensure you don’t miss out on upcoming events, classes, and community programming. Or, use this form to ask us a question - we typically respond within 1-2 business days.

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