International Trade in Japan

This program gives students a practical understanding of current U.S.-Japan trade policies and practices. It explores the history, domestic policy impacts, and key logistical factors shaping the complex trade relationship between the two nations.

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Summer 2026 Deadline: February 13, 2026

Program Details

• Length: ~3 weeks (May 7 - 28, 2026; See Academic Calendar)
• Credits: 3
• Location(s): Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, Japan; Other various locations in Japan
• Housing: JCMU Residence Hall, Hotels
• Eligibility: Min. GPA of 2.5 (cumulative); Completion of at least two semesters of college-level undergraduate enrollment before participation (see Eligibility page for more details)
• Prerequisites: None - Open to all majors; No Japanese language study required

Program Description

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify historical trends in the trading relationship between the US and Japan including the impacts of recent political events on those historical trends.
2. Recognize the influence of larger domestic and international political movements on the international trade outlook of both the United States and Japan.
3. Understand the fundamentals of the "how" of international trade, including the basic components of international goods movement and logistics.
4. Analyze the interplay between the political trends that influence the trading relationship between the USA and Japan and the mechanics of international goods movement and logistics.

Course Format:

The first section of this course will focus on the history of the trading relationship between the U.S. and Japan. The second section will focus on the mechanics of U.S. – Japanese trade, including an overview of the supply chain between the two countries, the shipping infrastructure that enables trade to happen, and current issues, including but not limited to tariffs, relevant to the movement of cargo to/from the U.S. and Japan. Field excursions to ports in Japan and special lectures by experts in U.S./Japan trade will be included.

Program Costs

Review the Know Your Costs page for more details about the billable and estimated out-of-pocket costs listed below. Information about JCMU-specific and external funding opportunities can be found on our Scholarships page. 

Download PDF Cost Sheet

Summer 2026

• Program & Housing Fee (tuition, course materials, health insurance, housing): 
• All Students: $4,500

Out-of-Pocket Costs (estimated)

• Airfare: $2,400
• Food: $600
• Additional Costs: $250
• Ground Transportation: $40