Academic discipline given this useless appellation in solidarity with the equally vague European Studies. Includes language, culture, history, anthropology, sociology, politics, etc. Frequently really means the study of China, Japan and distant third Korea, although some schools may emphasize India or southeast Asia. (Usage of "Asian studies" to indicate Russia and the Middle East as well as East Asia is generally a British convention.)

Does NOT mean "fascination with cute Asian girls." Sorry.