Other
The Structural Reform of the Japanese Economy
This is the "Action Plan" for The Program for Economic Structure Reform, adopted by the cabinet. It goes into detail of how they will go about improving the economy of Japan with the year 2001 as their goal.
Internet History Sourcebooks Project
Fordham University: Modern History Sourcebook: Education in Japan 1860
Fordham University gives a short selection from Francis O. Adams' account of Japanese schools in 1860.
University of Wisconsin
Kitchen: "Beauty That Seems to Infuse Itself Into The"
This is a paper by a college student majoring in Japanese. In it, she analyses Banana Yoshimoto's novel, "Kitchen," and the differences she finds between the original and an English translation.
Authors Calendar
Author's Calendar: Yasunari Kawabata (1899 1972)
This site presents a biography of Yasunari Kawabata, who was the first Japanese novelist to win the Nobel prize for literature. The biography highlights the poetic nature of Kawabata's fiction.
Other
Kanzaki: History of Japan's Literature
This resource traces the changes in Japanese literature from its beginnings in the Nara period through the present.
Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Kids Web Japan: High Tech Japan
At this site sponsored by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, high tech aspects of modern Japan are explained by products, such as cellular phone, game machine, bullet train, high tech eco products and dog language translator. The...
Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Web Japan: Japan Atlas
Learn about Japan's historic sites, natural beauty, culture and contemporary society. Search by topic or by region in Japan. You can watch slide shows about major Japanese cities or take virtual tours of historic sites like the Shurijo...
Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Web Japan: Sports
Sports are important in Japan, as they are in many countries. Read about Japan's traditional sports as well as the more modern ones in this article from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
PBS
Pbs: Japan Memoirs of a Secret Empire
A rich site that tells of an ancient kingdom of warriors, tradesmen and artists that would influence the modern world.
Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Web Japan: Culture
Japanese traditional culture and modern culture are explored in this article from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Learn about the many traditional ceremonies and arts that are a part of Japanese culture.
Other
Famous Personages in Japan
This site includes information about a number of famous people in Japan. Designed by a Japanese college to help people learn about modern Japan.
Other
Famous Personages in Japan
This site includes information about a number of famous people in Japan. Designed by a Japanese college to help people learn about modern Japan.
Other
Japan Society: Framing Twentieth Century Japan: A Top Ten List
An essay, by university professor William Tsutsui, itemizes ten themes that can help make the story of modern-day Japan understandable. Themes touch on a range of issues, including the changing role of women, technological advances, and...
Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Web Japan: Japan Fact Sheet
This site actually provides a number of "fact sheets" on a range of topics related to Japan's geography, government, economy, culture, society, and sports. Read online or download handy PDF documents for classroom use. The site has...
Nobel Media AB
The Nobel Prize: The Nobel Prize in Literature 1968
This website from The Nobel Foundation gives the 1968 winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature -- Yasunari Kawabata -- is organized into the following sections: "Presentation Speech," "Biography," "Nobel Lecture," "Swedish Nobel Stamps,"...
Other
Presents From the Dead: Analysis of Haruki's Works
The author of this critical review analyzes the role of the narrator, "I," in Haruki's novels, discussing whether the "I" psychologically plays a mother or father role. This site is a translation of the original critique.
Other
In the Moonlight a Worm Haiku Homepage
Learn the form, inspiration and spirit of haiku poetry and learn to write it yourself. An in-depth discussion of the philosophy behind haiku, as well as the literary structure.
Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Learning Lab: Japan: Images of a People
Young scholars learn to view Japanese paintings, they make a screen, and they learn about the culture of Japan. There are three lesson plans and all allow all needed materials to be downloaded.
Globe Tracks
Travel for Kids: Fun Things to Do in Japan
"Kids already know a little about Japan if they collect Pokemon cards or buy Hello Kitty. Japan may seem very "modern," but it has a long history of tradition deeply embedded in everyday life." This site explores the geography and...
University of Arizona
The Milky Way Train: Celebrating Kenji Miyazawa
This site presents a synopsis of Kenji Miyazawa's novel, "The Milky Way Train," focusing on the author's interest in astronomy and how he weaves that into his story.
Other
Mishima Yukio Cyber Museum
This "cyber museum" of material about Mishima's life and writings accompanies the building of a new museum dedicated to Mishima in Yamanakako. This site has a detailed timeline which combines events in Mishima's life with events in...
Authors Calendar
Author's Calendar: Osamu Dazai
This biographical sketch of Osamu Dazai focuses on how his personal life and experiences were reflected in his writing.
Authors Calendar
Author's Calendar: Junichiro Tanizaki
This brief biography summarizes several of Tanizaki's more important works and a list of many of his writings.
Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Web Japan: Nipponia
Nipponia is an online magazine, published quarterly, that introduces modern Japan to people all over the world. Browse articles on life and culture, travel and history, science and technology, art and entertainment, nature and geography,...