Facts and sources advocating for Japanese language education in the U.S.

Updated 2025

This page contains facts and sources that could be used to advocate for Japanese language education in the United States. Feel free to use these facts to advocate for Japanese language programs near you! All the points listed here are available in our customizable advocacy brochure tool, go check it out!

 

CAREER

Japanese businesses employ Americans:
Trade Fact of the Week: Japanese firms are the top international investors in the United States. - Progressive Policy Institute

Japan is the top provider of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the United States:
JETRO | Japan US Investment Report

GDP:
GDP (current US$) - Japan | Data

Critical Languages:
Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program | American Councils
Languages List - Critical Language Scholarship Program

America’s 4^th largest trading partner:
Japan - Investment Climate Statement

5^th largest importer of U.S. goods and services:
U.S. Census
United States (USA) Exports, Imports, and Trade Partners | The Observatory of Economic Complexity

Language as 21^st century skill:
ACTFL | World Readiness Standards

 

INNOVATION

Japan Robot Manufacture:
Japan is World´s number one Robot Maker - International Federation of Robotics
Japan Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics

Space cooperation with U.S.:
Japan-U.S. Space Cooperation | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
US-Japan Space Cooperation in the Artemis Generation – Asia Matters for America

Japanese automakers market share in the U.S.:
Ranked: Automakers by U.S. Market Share

Nobel Prize:
Japan secures fifth place in Nobel Science Prizes as U.S. remains leader - Business Upturn Asia
Japan Data | Japan’s Nobel Laureates

Bullet Train:
JR-EAST:Press Releases - Tohoku Shinkansen Speed Increase

R&D investment by Japanese companies in the US:
JETRO | Japan US Investment Report

Japanese Inventions:
Wikipedia | List_of_Japanese_inventions_and_discoveries

 

LIFESTYLE

Ikigai:
Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life

Recycle:
Mastering Japan's Recycling Practices for Global Brands | WPIC Marketing Technologies

Students cleaning at school:
Cleaning Time in Japan: What are the educational benefits? - Shin Edupower Pvt Ltd
Japan’s Cleanest Schools: A Peek into the Culture of Ōsōji

Public transportation:
TDL Brief: Public Transit in Japan - The Decision Lab

Mottai nai:
This Japanese word is helping the country recycle and waste less | World Economic Forum

Good service and no tip:
No Tipping in Japan: Good Service is Expected | Japan Travel Pros

Seasonal Festivals:
Japanese Traditions: Hanami - Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii
Momijigari - Fall Red Leaf Hunting

Learning Japanese aids social awareness:
The Appeal of Learning the Japanese Language | Japan Up Close

Forest Bathing:
Shinrin-yoku, the Japanese Art of Forest Bathing| JAPAN Monthly Web Magazine

 

TASTE

Number of Japanese restaurants in the US:
Statista | Number of Japanese restaurants in the US

Umami:
How umami became the fifth taste and how it makes food irresistible : Shots - Health News : NPR

Tokyo has more Michelin Stars than Paris:
The MICHELIN Guide Tokyo 2024: Newly Awarded Restaurants Announced Including One 3-Star Restaurant

UNESCO, Washioku and Sake making:
Washoku World Challenge | What is Washoku?
Washoku, traditional dietary cultures of the Japanese, notably for the celebration of New Year - intangible heritage - Culture Sector - UNESCO
Traditional knowledge and skills of sake-making with koji mold in Japan - intangible heritage - Culture Sector - UNESCO

Ramen:
World Instant Noodles Association.

 

CONNECT

Americans in Japan:
Number of foreign residents as of the end of Reiwa 6 | Immigration Services Agency
Japan breaks annual tourism record, sets new goal of 60M visitors

Sister Cities:
Northern and Central Californian Sister Cities in Japan | Consulate-General of Japan in San Francisco

Most frequently used for web content:
Most used languages online by share of websites 2025 | Statista

 

TRADITION

World Heritage Sites:
Japan - UNESCO World Heritage Convention
Japan-guide | Japan’s World Heritage Sites

Calligraphy, flower arranging and tea ceremony:
Japan.travel | The Art of Calligraphy
The Three Japanese Arts of Refinement: Kado, Kodo, and Chado

Martial arts:
Kanzen Japan | Japanese Martial Arts

Shrines VS Convenience Stores:
JINJA HONCHO - Association of Shinto Shrines | Q & A
Number of convenience stores in Japan 2023 | Statista

Ise Shrine:
Visit Iseshima | Ise Shrine

Kabuki theatre:
Kabuki theatre - intangible heritage - Culture Sector - UNESCO
Kabuki on Stage: A Solo Performance at Portland Japanese Garden

Shogi:
Shogi: Japan’s Traditional Game 

 

IMAGINE

Manga & Anime:
What’s behind the growing popularity of Japanese comics and animations in U.S. | PBS News Weekend
How to Learn Japanese with Anime and Manga at Different Levels - YouTube

Murakami Haruki:
About Haruki Murakami - Haruki Murakami

Pokémon is the highest-grossing media franchise in the world, followed by Hello Kitty:
Statista | Revenue of media franchises
Pokeball Royalty-Free Stock Illustration Image - Pixabay

Kurosawa films:
10 iconic directors influenced by Akira Kurosawa

Tale of Genji:
About the "World's First Novel" - Tale of Genji - The Westport Library Resource Guides at The Westport Library

Studio Ghibli:
How Studio Ghibli Has Inspired a New Generation of Artists | Artsy

Shogun won 18 Emmy awards:
Japan celebrates record Emmy wins for 'Shogun' | AP News