study of classical Japanese literature and culture; kokugaku
Refers to the Edo-period scholarly movement that focused on ancient Japanese texts, poetry, and native traditions, often contrasted with Chinese studies (漢学).
See also: 国学
He majored in the study of classical Japanese literature at university and is researching the Man'yōshū.
Japanology; Japanese studies
A broader, modern academic term for the study of Japan, its culture, language, and society; often used synonymously with 日本学.
See also: 日本学
In the field of Japanese studies, traditional performing arts are also a subject of research.
Standard modern spelling for the study of classical Japanese literature and culture, as well as Japanology.
Historical variant using the older character 倭 for Japan; now largely replaced by 和学.
Compound of 和 (wa, 'Japan, Japanese') + 学 (gaku, 'study, learning'). The spelling 倭学 uses the older character 倭 for Japan, which was later replaced by 和.