Shinji Sato is the Director of the Japanese Language Program at Princeton University.  He completed his Ph.D. in anthropology and education from Teachers College, Columbia University and specializes in educational anthropology. His works critically examine self-evident notions in Japanese language education including learning, culture, communication, competence, and creativity. He also proposes alternative classroom practices.

Sato has taught Japanese at Columbia University, Harvard University, HIF (Hokkaido International Foundation), and Middlebury College Summer Language Program.