Although the modernization of Japan in many fields of endeavor was modeled on their counterparts in the Western world, Italian culture, despite its exceptional significance in Western culture, was not necessarily included in the “West&quot that served as model for post-Meiji Japan. As a result, Italian studies in Japan have been limited to a relatively small research community, leaving a great expanse of the field uncultivated.

The department has the honor of being Japan’s oldest institution to train specialists in Italian language and literature. Against the backdrop of a tradition dating back to the pre-war period, students now pursue their research interests in an open, liberal atmosphere, on works that are not confined to literary study defined in terms of poetry or novels but may include the works of political figures such as Machiavelli, librettos of operas, or the lyrics of madrigals. Courses are conducted in a seminar format in which students are given instruction tailored to their individual needs and levels of ability, allowing novices unfamiliar with Italian literature to move smoothly into the world of academic research.

Because, as noted above, the Italian studies community in Japan is still a fledgling one, the department continually seeks talented new students. Discovering the secrets of Italian genius from ancient and modern times is in fact so fascinating that it is not unusual for students to switch to our program from some other faculties at Kyoto University, or for graduates of other universities to enroll in our undergraduate program. Why don’t you join us to take part in this challenging endeavor?

To get the feel of what it is like to study in the department, please visit our website ITALOMANIA at http://www.kyoto.zaq.jp/italomania/. We welcome your visit.

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• http://www.kyoto.zaq.jp/italomania/ (in Japanese)