Visual Geography Series®: Japan

Japan

Photos [downloadable for reports]

Maps & Flag [downloadable for reports]

Links

The Land

Cherry Blossoms Basic Information (Japan-Guide.com) - Explains different varieties of cherry blossoms and when they bloom
Cherry Blossom Photo Gallery (Japan-Guide.com) - View a variety of cherry blossom photos
Japan (CIA World Factbook) - Find up-to-date population figures and other statistics
Onsen Guide (Outdoor Japan) - Introduction to the various Japanese spas

History and Government

Hiroshima A-bomb Photo Museum - See photographs and learn about the effects of the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Official Web Site - Information on current government policies and issues, the economy, etc.

The People

Etiquette Inside the House (Japan-Guide.com) - Explains what to do when visiting a Japanese home
Social Outcasts (TIME Asia) - Learn how the Burakumin minority group lives on the fringes of society in Japan
Welcome to our School (Kids Web Japan) - Find out what middle school is like in Japan from students just like you!

Cultural Life

Annual Events (JapanZone) - Learn about New Year, Obon, and other Japanese festivals
Asia Pacific News (World News Network) - Daily news on Japan
Bonsai (JapanZone) - An overview of the art of cultivating small trees
BuddhaNet.net - Learn more about the Buddhist religion
Digital Sushi - Learn the origin and basics of sushi eating with colorful photos and simple descriptions
Eating Out (Japan National Tourist Organization) - Information on Japanese cuisine, where to eat, how to eat with chopsticks, and more
Festivals (JapanZone) - Find photos and details about "matsuri" (festivals)
Ikebana (JapanZone) - An overview and history of the art of flower arranging
The Japan Times Online - Weekly online newspaper
Japanese Food (Japan-Guide.com) - Includes popular dishes and ingredients, some recipes, table manners, etc.
Kimono (JapanZone) - Describes the traditional kimono dress, includes an illustrated diagram
Origami (JapanZone) - An overview and history of the art of paper folding
Sumo (JapanZone) - Learn about the 2000-year old form of wrestling
Tokyo Food Page - A guide to eating in Tokyo
Virtual Japanese Culture (Kids Web Japan) - Make virtual origami, bonsai, Ikebana, and more (requires a Shockwave plugin)

The Economy

Country Briefings: Japan (Economist.com) - The latest articles about the Japanese economy
Currency Converter - Convert U.S. dollars to Japanese Yen

For More Information

Country Profile: Japan (BBC News) - Find up-to-date headlines, colorful maps, timeline, overview, and watch video news clips
Japan (CountryReports.org) - Find general country information, including geography, government, economy, etc.
Embassy of Japan - Detailed government information
Kids Web Japan (Japan Information Network) - Though we've given you some individual pages, go to the main site to find even more fun facts about Japan and play some fun interactive games
Listen to Japan's National Anthem, "Kimigayo"
United States Embassy Tokyo, Japan - Find out about the U.S. government's relationship with Japan

Teacher Resources

Haiku, Chaiku, God Bless You: Teaching Japanese Poetry Writing (Education World) - Curriculum Article for middle school teachers
Investigating Culture Traits (TeAch-nology.com) - Lesson plan (grades 5-12)
Japan's Secret Garden (NOVA) - Program for purchase, includes viewing and online activity ideas (grades 9-12)
Out on a Limb in the Pacific Rim? (The New York Times Teacher Connections) - Lesson plan on past and present foreign policy between the United States and East Asian countries (grades 6-12)
The Story of Sadako and the Art of Origami (TeAch-nology.com) - Lesson plan (grades 4-6)
War in the Pacific (TeAch-nology.com) - Lesson plan (grades 11-12)

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