How Belmont Became an Unlikely Gateway from Music City to the Land of the Rising Sun

Inside the University’s educational partnerships with Japan, both foreign and domestic 

In Middle Tennessee, a partnership that began as a practical collaboration between Belmont and Japan’s Consulate Office to the Southeastern U.S., located in Nashville, has evolved into an award-worthy relationship putting Belmont on the global map.

The partnership has fostered more than just goodwill.

It has led to once in a lifetime opportunities for Belmont students, the receipt of several grants from the Japanese government and the Minister of Education Commendation Award in 2020 for outstanding participation in activities between the U.S. and Japan. Belmont was the only American university to receive the honor that year.

Preparing Teachers to Go Abroad

Belmont and the Consulate regularly partner for the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET), a highly competitive teaching initiative funded by Japan’s Ministry of Education that sends foreign teachers into Japanese schools. 

“It’s a really good first professional placement for men and women — the salary is quite decent, they provide you a place to live and you don’t have to speak Japanese to be involved in the program,” said Dr. Ronnie Littlejohn, director of Asian Studies and longtime JET program interviewer.

Earlier this month, Belmont hosted the JET orientation for approximately 50 appointees from across the Southeast U.S. Sessions were led by Consulate officials, former JET participants and was followed by a reception at the Consulate-General’s house.

Typical JET appointments last one year but can be renewed. Roughly 20 Belmont students have participated in the initiative over the years, many of whom extended their initial stay.

World-Class Speakers Take the Stage at Belmont

The partnership has also brought top-tier speakers to campus, many of whom are sponsored by the Asian Studies department. 

Over the last few years, guests have included: 

• Dr. He Qi, recipient of the 20th Century Award for Achievement in Religious Art Theory, presenting his novel "Chinese Christian Art that Breaks Free from European Prototypes." 

• Dr. Kusatsu Yusuke from Tokyo Gakugei University and renowned calligrapher Fumiyuki Kuramoto demonstrating the artistry of shōdo, the traditional "way of the brush." 

• Filmmaker Dr. Han Niu discussing transcending cultural stereotypes through cinema. 

• Consul-General of Japan Honorable Kayoko Fukushima participating in forums focused on women's leadership. 

Real-World Impact Beyond Textbooks

Student opportunities as a result of Belmont’s relationship with the Consulate extend beyond the classroom through study abroad programs dating back to approximately 2012. These interdisciplinary trips draw faculty from Asian studies, business, history and art departments, offering courses ranging from modern Japanese history to Asian art and international business relations. 

Students have also generated practical resources for the broader community. Belmont has received numerous grants from Japan's Ministry of Education and the Japan America Society of Tennessee to create "Being At Home in Tennessee," a comprehensive website helping Japanese nationals navigate life in America — from school registration to obtaining driver's licenses. 

“There are almost 200 Japanese-based businesses in the state of Tennessee, and when they bring in new employees from Japan, our students are helping them with English for them and their families,” said Littlejohn. 

As one of only four Tennessee universities offering Japanese language instruction, and the sole mid-sized private institution doing so, according to Littlejohn, Belmont is filling a crucial market niche in addition to just teaching students. 

A Blueprint for International Collaboration

Though international education faces various challenges, Belmont's sustained partnership with Japan demonstrates how thoughtful collaboration can create lasting impact. 

By aiming to serve more than just convenience, the university has built bridges that benefit students, faculty and the broader community while earning international recognition for its commitment to global connection.