Pepperdine University Launches New Academic Program in Kyoto, Japan

In traditional Japanese, the word ikigai refers to one’s “reason for being,” or one’s greater purpose. 

Guided by the principle of ikigai, Pepperdine University has launched its newest international program in Kyoto, Japan, for the 2026–27 academic year. Beginning September 3, the inaugural fall cohort of students will partake in engaging classes and travel excursions across Japan, along with community-building opportunities among their peers, faculty in-residence, and Kyoto locals. 

“We are delighted to open this Kyoto program to our students," says Brian Swarts, interim director of the Kyoto Program, who will oversee the program from Japan. "This is likely the farthest across the world many students have traveled, which means they will find a unique opportunity to see the world differently and really think about who they are and who they want to be. I want to challenge students from the beginning that they’re here for some greater purpose.” 

Students will immerse themselves in the cultural heart of Japan

As lead of the program’s design, Swarts explains that his intention was to build academic curriculum and student experiences “with ikigai in mind,” which consists of “isshoukenmei, meaning ‘a wholehearted devotion,’ and kizuna, ‘meaningful relationships with others.’” With this framework, he seeks to encourage students to view study abroad as a valued opportunity to learn about Japanese culture while also discovering their God-given callings through intellectual inquiry, friendship, and experiential learning throughout the island. 

A well-rounded portfolio of general education courses will be offered, from social sciences to public speaking, all aligned with Seaver College’s core academic requirements. However, given the immersive nature of being in Kyoto itself, Swarts shares that courses also include multiple levels of Japanese language, a survey covering  300 years of Japan’s recent history, and an art history course that will take students directly into Kyoto's ancient historic sites.

This fall’s Kyoto program leadership will also include Stella Erbes, professor of teacher education, who will serve as faculty in residence. Erbes brings a wealth of passion and knowledge to this role, as a significant sum of her scholarly research examines how study abroad programs can best lead to students’ intellectual, personal, social, and spiritual growth. 

In addition to teaching two courses, Erbes will cultivate student life while encouraging opportunities for spiritual development. Students will be residing in brand-new housing in Kyoto, where a weekly student-led Christian worship service called House Church will be held. This tradition, found throughout Pepperdine’s study abroad programs, will also be coordinated under Erbes’s guidance.  

“Pepperdine always does its best to create comfortable, learning-conducive environments,” Erbes adds. “Within this program, we want to ensure that we’re building bonds with each other and that we’re building bonds with local Japanese people, so that we can come away from the experience feeling like we’ve been part of a family. That is a really beautiful part of the international program experience.” 

A slice of student life when in Kyoto

Considered the cultural heart of Japan, Kyoto stood as the island’s imperial capital for more than 1,000 years, from AD 794 to 1868. Architecture and centuries-old craftsmanship remain preserved from that millennia, inviting students to witness and live within Japan's rich cultural heritage. 

Outside the classroom, students will explore Kyoto and neighboring cities through weekly travel opportunities. From matcha and anime to cityscapes that have inspired Studio Ghibli films, Kyoto remains a center of contemporary popular culture. Yet, beyond the city’s most recognizable offerings, students will learn about traditional Japanese culture while meandering through Kyoto’s covered shopping arcades and spending time in rural areas across Japan. 

Students passing through the Kyoto's Thousand Torri Gates

This new Kyoto program builds upon the success of Seaver College’s Japan Perspectives program, a four-week summer residency led by Ron Cox (MDiv ’96), dean of international programs and Charlie Engelmann (’01), associate dean of operations, international programs. Cox credits both Engelmann and Fiona Stewart, associate dean of academics, as instrumental partners in launching an initial program in Japan. 

Since the summer program received such strong student participation, the University decided to expand its study abroad offerings in Japan into this year-round Kyoto program, permitting students to apply to the fall 2026 or spring 2027 semester. Following this academic year, the University will consider the development of a long-term campus-based Kyoto program.

"Having spent the last three summers in Japan leading the Japan Perspectives program alongside Charlie Engelmann, I am excited to think of students living for a whole semester in Kyoto, what they will learn and experience,” says Cox. “I fully expect their time to expand their appreciation for God's world and for their greater place in it."

Learn more about Pepperdine’s Kyoto, Japan, Program.