The Center for Japanese Studies sponsors and organizes more than fifty events per year. Events include lectures, films, conferences, demonstrations, performances, receptions, exhibits, and other special events. All events are admission free and many are open to the public.

The CJS Noon Lecture Series features twenty to thirty Japan scholars and specialists each year from a wide variety of academic and professional backgrounds. The talks take place on Thursdays during the fall and winter terms at 12 noon in Room 1636 of the School of Social Work Building.

The CJS Free Film Series, offered each summer and fall, features 16mm and 35mm films from Japan shown on the big screen in Lorch Hall Auditorium. The Summer Series begins in July and normally features four to six films. The Fall Series normally begins at the end of September and features eight to twelve films. CJS also occasionally presents, supports, or provides information on other opportunities to view Japanese films.

The Center organizes conferences from time to time. In 2004, CJS hosted a conference organized by Visiting Professor Hiroshi Ishida, Researching Social Class in Japan. The Center also provides information on other Japan studies conferences around the world through this website and email.

CJS also host special one-time events such as: an evening Q&A with Japanese entertainment celebrity, Kent Derricott (October, 2005), a series of events with acclaimed film director Kiju Yoshida and actress Mariko Okada (November, 2003), and Onnagata: The Making of a Woman with Onoe Umenosuke (October, 2003). In addition to the one-time events, CJS hosts annual events such as a Mochitsuki which is open to the public and features mochi-making in the traditional way, games, music, and other forms of entertainment.

CJS sponsors various exhibits of Japanese and East Asian art at the University of Michigan Museum of Art. Occasional lectures, panel discussions, and symposia are also organized by Center staff and faculty. In addition, the Center hosts welcome receptions for Toyota Visiting Professors and other social functions for the Japan studies community at the University of Michigan.