初空に鶴千羽舞う幻の
In the sky of New Year’s Day
thousands of cranes hover –
or so it seems to me
Yasunari Kawabata, haiku poem
The Sembazuru Centre for Japanese Studies
The Sembazuru Centre for Japanese Studies (SCJS), the first centre of its kind at Babeș-Bolyai University, was founded in 2008 together with the Department of Asian Languages and Literatures, when the Faculty of Letters introduced the major Japanese Language and Literature (following Decision no. 455 of 11 January 2008 and Decision no. 23,057 of 28 January 2008, approved by the Administrative Council of UBB).
Creating the SCJS is a natural recognition of research activity in the field of Japanese studies and an important step in consolidating the school of Japanese studies at Babeș-Bolyai University. Over time, the Centre has supported and complemented the curriculum of the Japanese Language and Literature major, initiating numerous actions to broaden and strengthen relationships with universities and organisations in Japan.
The Sembazuru Symbol
千羽鶴 — One Thousand Cranes
Sembazuru (1,000 cranes), a motif several hundred years old in Japan, is originally a stylised design representing a flock of cranes in flight. An emblematic figure, cherished for the way it flies and dances, the crane (tsuru) is believed to be a noble bird, descending from the world of the gods.
A migratory bird, the crane has gained, through its cyclical return, the symbolism of regeneration in Japanese spirituality, being associated with an endless spring.
Fields of Expertise & Objectives
Japanese studies: cultural semiotics and Japanese poetics, Japanese language and literature.
The Centre’s Objectives
- ❖Creating a team of researchers (teaching staff, master’s students, doctoral students) in the field of Japanese studies;
- ❖Designing research projects that contribute to the foundation of a school of Japanese studies at our university;
- ❖Publishing research results in specialised journals (CNCSIS-rated, BDI- or ISI-indexed) and in individual or collective volumes;
- ❖Complementing the curriculum of the Japanese Language and Literature major through extracurricular activities — workshops, lectures, conferences, round tables — with the support of distinguished specialists;
- ❖Promoting the Japanese language, literature and culture through collaborations in educational and cultural programmes for the general public;
- ❖Developing relationships with Japanese universities and organisations;
- ❖Providing, through donations, the book fund for the Japanese Studies Library.
Events & Activities
17-25.07.2026 Oaspeți de la Universitatea Ehime la CSJS
Rodica Frențiu la TVR Cluj – 21 iunie 2026
Academic Research
Teams of teaching staff, master's and doctoral students contributing to the foundation of the school of Japanese studies at UBB Cluj-Napoca.
Cultural Events
Conferences, workshops, lectures and round tables with distinguished specialists from Japan and around the world — open to the general public.
Specialised Publications
Research results are published in CNCSIS-rated, BDI- or ISI-indexed journals, as well as in individual or collective volumes.
Useful information
Specializare Japoneză
Cultură și Civilizație
Cercetare & Publicații
Contact & Înregistrare
Visit us
31 Horea Street,
Cluj-Napoca 400202, Romania
Contact us
sembazuru.centre@ubbcluj.ro
Faculty of Letters, UBB
Faculty of Letters
Babeș-Bolyai University
31 Horea Street, Cluj-Napoca 400202, Romania
The Faculty of Letters of Babeș-Bolyai University lies in the heart of Cluj, one of the most important university centres in Romania. The Japanese Language and Literature major offers the most comprehensive Japanese studies programme in Romania.
- Japanese studies library
- Conference room
- International collaborations
- Access to digital resources
- Study space
- Dedicated teaching staff
- Active university centre
- Academic community
