Bruce Suttmeier

Bruce Suttmeier is Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences and Associate Professor of Japanese at Lewis & Clark College. He holds a PhD in Asian Languages (Japanese Literature) from Stanford University (2002), along with dual degrees from the University of Rochester (BS in Computer Science/Mathematics and BA in Japanese Literature, both 1991). His research focuses on postwar Japanese fiction, WWII memory narratives, and counterfactual historiography. He has led academic programs in Vietnam (2010) and Siena, Italy (2015). As dean, he oversees academic departments, overseas programs, and academic support services while continuing to teach courses on Japanese literature and culture. His work has been supported by grants from The American Philosophical Society (2019) and The Japan Foundation (2020).

Education:

• PhD 2002: Stanford University, Asian Languages (Japanese Literature)
• A.M. 1994: Stanford University, East Asian Studies
• BS & BA 1991: University of Rochester, Computer Science/Mathematics and Japanese Literature (both Magna Cum Laude with highest honors)

Research interests include the intersection of memory and modernity in Japanese literature, particularly WWII legacies and the 1964 Tokyo Olympics' cultural impact. His recent work explores counterfactual historical narratives. He teaches courses ranging from introductory Japanese language to advanced seminars like 'Contemporary Japan in Fiction and Film' (Spring 2025).

Grants and Administrative Leadership:

• Dean of the College since 2017
• American Philosophical Society grant (2019)
• Japan Foundation grant (2020)

Academic Programs: Overseas program leadership in Vietnam and Italy, integrating field studies with literary analysis.