Japan Society
Nature and the Environment in Postwar Japan
Japan has a complex relationship with the environment. Explore this relationship with your class through this resource. Included are thought questions, several activity ideas that range from writing, to discussion, to research, and an...
Curated OER
Modern Japan Unit Plan
Sixth graders research modern Japanese culture, society and traditions, examine relationship between Japanese culture and its environment,
compare and contrast Japanese Society with Canadian Society, compare lives of people in Japan with...
Curated OER
The Declaration of War Against Japan and Just War Theory
Students examine the attack on Pearl Harbor and how it changed the history of the United States. After watching a video from "The War", they discuss the characteristics of a "just war" and identify the laws in international warfare. ...
Curated OER
Meiji Modernization
Learners analyze the significance of imperialism on the country of Japan. In groups, they use the internet to introduce themselves to the various Meiji leaders and their plans for the country of Japan. They describe the effects of...
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Japanese Modernization and Imperialism
Students examine the period in which Japan ended its isolationism with the rest of the world. Using the internet, they identify the reasons why Japan occupied and annexed Korea along with the country's reasons for going to war with...
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Modern Japan: Tsunami Relief
High schoolers participate in a lesson that is concerned with modern day tsunami relief in Japan. They conduct research and chart the regional alert centers. Students also note the worldwide effort to help those in need.
Curated OER
Examining Gandhi’s Critique of Modern Civilization: The Lessons of Modern Japan
High schoolers examine the political philosophies of Mohandas Gandhi. In this Mohandas Gandhi lesson plan, students investigate Gandhi's thoughts about modern civilization as they listen to a lecture presented by their instructor.
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A Journey To Japan Through Poetry
Third graders gain an appreciation for writing, analyzing, reading and listening to poetry, viewing poems as a motivation for studying Japanese culture and tradition. They study and create their own haiku and tanka poems with illustrations.
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Terminating the War between the Allies and Japan
Ninth graders examine the arms race that took place in the period leading up to and during World War II that produced the atomic bomb. They analyze differing perspectives on terminating the war between the Allies and Japan. They ...
Indiana University
Literature of Asia and the Middle East: "A Sound of Hammering" by Dazai Osamu
Dazai Osamu’s short story, “A Sound of Hammering” is the focus of a three-day investigation of modern Japanese literature and life in post-World War II Japan. The events in Osamu’s story mirror those in his own life, and give a...
Curated OER
Makiko's New World
Students analyze the internal and external causes of the Meiji Restoration. They look at the goals and policies of the state and their impact on Japan's modernization. Students also assess the impact of Western ideas on Japan and realize...
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NCTA Lesson Plan on Japan
Students investigate a controversial issue of discrimination based upon a caste system in Japan. It is compared to India and they use research methods to make discoveries concerning the history and similarities to the two systems.
Japan Society
Popular Culture and Japan’s Gross National Cool
From Manga to Godzilla and Pokemon, Japanese pop culture has been taking the globe by storm. This phenomenon is called "soft power." Learners will examine the differences between hard and soft power, as well as learn the historical...
Curated OER
The 47 Loyal Retainers -- Honor and Murder in Early Modern Japan
Students read articles about the 47 retainer group in Japan. They discuss the importance of honor and law in early modern Japan. They develop their own opinions about how a case should have been handled and share them with the class.
Curated OER
Japanese Fan
First graders learn about the traditional purpose of Japanese fans. They practice using two new brush strokes as they create nature-inspired fans, similar to those seen in Japan. A web link and basic background information is...
Curated OER
The Tale of Genji
Did you know that the world's first novel was written by a woman? Murasaki Shikibu's The Tale of Genji, was published in 1021. Class members research Eastern and Western cultures in the 10th and 11th centuries, view modern adaptations of...
Curated OER
Social and Cultural Scene
Ninth graders examine the Imperial Era of Japan. In this World History lesson, 9th graders address the social and cultural aspects or history. students are given various true incidents and should understand that personal stories...
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Kokeshi Dolls
Students create Kokeshi Dolls using paints, dowel ends and glue. They research the traditions and history of Hina Matsuri, or girls' day in Japan.
Curated OER
Creating and Presenting Haiku With Kid Pix
Students research the history and characteristics of haiku poetry using books and the Internet. They use Kid Pix to create and present original haiku.
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Japanese Manners and Life Style
Students continue their examination of modern Japan and its culture. Using a map, they locate various cities and landforms in the country and watch a video on related topics in which the make a timeline of key events. In groups, they...
Curated OER
Rice Farming in Texas
Third graders explore how rice farming came to Texas. In this rice farming lesson, 3rd graders discover the history of how farmers began to grow rice in the United States. Students color code maps and create a timeline for rice farming...
Curated OER
Kokeshi Dolls
Students study the Japanese holiday Hina Matsuri and its traditions and celebration. They explore the history, location and cultural significance of Kokeshi dolls.
Curated OER
Fish Stories
Students conduct background research about a Pacific Rim country to develop a premise for a documentary film about the fate of traditional fishing industries in the area.
Curated OER
Using News Broadcasts in Japan and the U.S as Cultural Lenses
Students view archives of news broadcasts in order to create a context of cultural understanding. They compare and contrast the news broadcasts in Japan and the United States.