The incorporation of Hip Hop dance in English language education in Japanese universities

This article explores the possibility of incorporating Hip Hop dance and culture into English language education in Japan. Japan’s unique context, where Hip Hop dance is immensely popular but knowledge of its history and culture is lacking, provides a unique opportunity for research on Hip Hop dance and education. Data were collected from four key groups of participants to obtain perspectives and suggestions for a Hip Hop-based English language course for undergraduate students. With the growing popularity of Hip Hop dance and culture in Japan, dance can be utilized in Japanese universities as a valuable pedagogical tool and contribute to the development of innovative and effective practices of teaching and learning. The results of the study indicate that attitudes towards Hip Hop dance and culture in English language education were largely positive, and participants shared extensive suggestions for potential courses in the future. Participants also highlighted key benefits, as well as important challenges that need to be overcome in advancing Hip Hop-based English language education. This study shows that a content-based English language course on Hip Hop history and culture would be ideal for expanding understanding of Hip Hop in Japan.