Welcome to the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) of the National University of Singapore!

1. Established in 1929, the Faculty has a long-standing tradition of providing a rich and fulfilling educational experience for every generation of students led by award-winning educators who bring their research expertise into the classroom. Our researchers also carry out impactful research that advances our understanding of culture, society, and the world around us.
2. One of the largest faculties in NUS, FASS offers a comprehensive range of academic programmes in the areas of Asian Studies, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Language studies. To enhance the educational experience, FASS students can be part of our special programmes, such as double degrees, special degrees with global partners, FASStrack Asia, and an array of Student Exchange Programmes. As part of the College of Humanities and Sciences (CHS), students of the Faculty can access an even wider spectrum of opportunities, gaining a truly interdisciplinary education that will play a pertinent role in their future endeavours.
3. The establishment of a Department of Japanese Studies at the National University of Singapore (NUS) was first considered by the then Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew in 1979 during a meeting with his Japanese counterpart, Prime Minister Ohira Masayoshi. The proposal grew out of a wider initiative among Singapore’s leadership at the time to “Learn from Japan” in recognition of Japan’s status as Asia’s first “economic superpower.” The Department took shape two years later with funding from the Japan Foundation. In May 1981, Professor Kumekawa Mitsuki of Ferris Women’s College in Yokohama was appointed as its acting head.
4. During these early years, the Japanese Studies curriculum placed strong emphasis on Japanese language acquisition through module offerings in basic and intensive language training. Non-language modules on culture, society, history, politics, and literature rounded-off students’ Japanese Studies education with readings and coursework on Japan itself.