Asian Studies Program

For more than four decades, Akiko Kawano Jones was a deeply engaged member of the GREAL/World Languages & Cultures Department and Asian Studies Program. She began teaching Japanese at BGSU in 1983 and demonstrated a strong devotion to her students.

She was granted Emeritus status in 2021 but continued to remain involved with students, BGSU, and the community up until her death in June 2026. In addition to bringing Japanese culture to Bowling Green, Akiko was generous in ensuring learning opportunities were available to as many as possible. She established the Akiko Kawano Jones Study Abroad Scholarship in 2014.

Akiko believed her work was about more than teaching a language; she wanted to immerse her students, colleagues, and the public in an entire culture. She founded and advised the BGSU Japanese Club until her passing in 2026. Akiko also started the Cherry Blossom Festival for students, faculty and staff and the public, which marked its 25th year in 2026; and led Nakama, an outreach program for Japanese and American businesses in Ohio and Michigan, which celebrated its 59th business dinner and meeting in Spring 2026.

Donations can be made in her honor to the Akiko Kawano Jones Japanese Study Abroad Scholarship.

http://bgsu.edu/DrAkikoJonesMemorial

About Asian Studies Program

In the age of global economy and digital communication, Pacific Rim nations have become America’s close partners in multinational business, diplomacy and cultural exchange. The most populated region of the world, Asia has developed some of the fastest and most productive economies. A growing demand exists for Americans to become familiar with Asian business, journalism, government, education, information technology and service.

BGSU is one of few Ohio universities to offer a bachelor’s degree in Asian Studies. Students gain a broad knowledge of the culture and societies of East Asia, South Asia and Southeast Asia; an in-depth knowledge of one of the East Asian countries (Japan, China, and Korea); and basic conversational and reading skills of an Asian language.