It's a tale of life, retold by a genius, full of sound and fury. Akira Kurosawa's Throne of Blood takes center stage in a resource that spotlights how the director adapted the characters and themes in Shakespeare's Macbeth to Japanese...

The Cleveland Museum of Art presents this interdisciplinary model unit that asks class members to explore how the same themes are presented in the folktales and art of several cultures.

Discover the kabuki form of Japanese classical theater performance and its reflection of the historical evolution of Japanese government and culture. As the first dramatic performance form catering to the common people, kabuki is shaped...

After a quick warm up activity, learners get ready to use their keen observation skills to examine an ornate Japanese pencil box. They discuss the artistry, skills, and story of the box, paying close attention to details. They then...

The Eleven-Headed Bodhisattva is a piece that represents characteristics, meanings, and ideals common to those who practice Buddhism in Japan. Learners fully analyze this piece, then take a virtual trip to examine the Buddhist temples...

What a wonderful way to meld art and culture! Learners create art work in the Suminagashi style using this detailed lesson plan. This art form, which is Japanese in origin, employs ink to create beautiful results. This will be a hit with...

A reading of Eleanor Coerr's Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes provides upper elementary students an opportunity to contribute to the Children's Peace Monument in Hiroshima, Japan. After reading the story, class members learn about...

Japan is home to the world's largest city, Tokyo, but its use of the natural landscape is also remarkable. The Japanese have harnessed their seismically active area to enjoy hot springs, and the country is home to a plethora of wildlife....

When your class thinks of medieval history, they probably think of European castles and knights. But they may not know that the Heian period in Japan, which coincided with the Middle Ages in Europe, saw a significant development in...

Davina Pardo's documentary Minka asks viewers to consider that value of preserving traditional dwellings and traditional building techniques by examining how American journalist John Roderick and Japanese architect Yoshihiro Takishita...

Young learners discover kamishibai, a popular Japanese storytelling art, and explore how these Japanese folktales illustrate the country's cultural themes and values through discussion and storyboarding. 

As part of a series of resources examining Japanese art, individuals create a colorful, stenciled kimono (Katazome) using the provided templates. Complete instructions for the activity are included in the packet.

Japanese tea gatherings are the inspiration for a great lesson. Learners are provided with an image of a tea caddy made for thick tea and asked to describe what they notice and what that might mean. This leads into a larger lesson about...

If your class doesn't know what a haiku is, show them two examples from the Japanese poet Issa (both included here), and have them make some observations. How long are they? What is the structure? A video and a list of questions help...

Notan is a Japanese word that expresses the interaction between light and dark. Learners explore Notan while creating dimensional art pieces that examine positive and negative spaces. They'll discuss the art of Notan, create their...

Discovering the creative process can be done through critical analysis. Upper graders examine a hand -carved Shinto Deity, discussing purpose, technique, and artistic expression. They then read a poem about the creative process. and...

Bring the excitement and beauty of Japanese festivals into your classroom. Kids with special needs create calendars that reflect special festivals and holidays common to Japanese culture. They start the project by creating a list of...

Zen Buddhism, the Tokugawa, bunraku, and centralized feudalism; sounds like it's time to study up on feudal Japan. Here are 10 cards. Each card contains a definition of a Japanese concept, cultural activity, or aspect of the feudal era....

Paper folding is a great art form that can be incorporated into cultural, mathematic, and art lessons. This resource includes the full instructions needed to fold a paper crane, as well as a Haiku poetry idea. Tip: This activity would be...

Conduct a literature study in order to review the sequence of a story with an ELD class. Here, middle schoolers read the story and practice the skill of summary in order to increase reading comprehension and writing skills. Allen Say's...

Art from early China, Korea, and Japan is historically significant. Present these stunning images to your class, while you explain art movements that define traditional Chinese, Korean, and Japanese time periods and culture. Note: This...

An excellent overview of historical Japanese culture, this presentation could carry through a world history unit or a lesson on the history of Japan. Especially interesting are the slides that compare Japanese armor and castles to other...

A comprehensive look at Japan and its characteristics will engage and inform the viewer about one of the most prominent powers in the world today. The demographics, topography, and climate of Japan are covered in these slides with maps,...

Kabuki and Bunraku may sound like new age exercise routines, but they're actually types of Japanese theater. An informational video describes the history of theater in Japan during the nineteenth century. The resource includes a...