Formally established in 2003, the Department of Japanese at the Royal University of Phnom Penh is the first institution in Cambodia to provide a four-year bachelor course specializing in the Japanese Language. The department offers students a choice of two degree courses through which to gain advanced knowledge in Japanese. The Bachelor of Education program trains students to become professional teachers of Japanese, and prepares them for research studies in universities abroad; whereas a Bachelor of Arts in Japanese for Business degree equips students with a sufficient knowledge of Japanese for employment in business and other organizations.

Like all students at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, those studying in the Department of Japanese spend their first year taking a number of General Education subjects towards a Certificate of Foundation Year. In the next two academic years, subjects focus on Japanese language and culture, preparing students for majors, which are undertaken during the final year of the degree. Students choose one major, and also study electives to build their knowledge in areas of particular interest.