Students watch a video on the Japanese education system and compare it to their own. Then they learn about traditional elements of Japanese culture, including theater arts, tea ceremonies, and floral arranging. Next, students explore Japanese pop culture, researching and reporting on anime, manga, and Pokémon. Finally, students compose a letter to a Japanese student describing their own culture and asking questions about Japanese culture.
Students are introduced to the focus on Japanese culture and education, then share what they already know about how school in their own country compares to school in other countries using a class table. They watch School in Japan to observe a Japanese student’s daily school life and post to a discussion wall comparing Yukiko’s experiences with those of students their age in their own community.
Teacher MovesPresent the lesson overview and objectives. Prompt students to share prior knowledge and questions about schooling in other countries, especially Japan. After the video, guide discussion to highlight that the Japanese education system can be demanding, structured, and emphasizes independence, and explain how these features reflect broader Japanese cultural values.
Students read about traditional and modern elements of Japanese culture, then choose one traditional cultural element (such as kabuki, noh, kyogen, bunraku, tea ceremony, or ikebana). Using the internet, they locate a description and an image or video of their chosen element and post these to a discussion wall. They review classmates’ posts and respond to at least two with a question or positive comment.
Teacher MovesEncourage students to select a variety of traditional cultural forms and support them in finding accurate descriptions and media. If time allows, invite students to present their findings and facilitate a class discussion about what these traditions reveal about Japanese values, aesthetics, and social life.
Students read a summary about manga, anime, and Pokémon, then conduct additional online research on these aspects of Japanese popular culture. They create a report that defines each term, gives a brief history, describes its influence in Japan and globally, and includes at least one image. Students either post their report directly to a discussion wall or share a link to a digital presentation created with an online tool, then review classmates’ reports and respond to at least two with a question or positive comment.
Teacher MovesClarify expectations for the reports and suggest appropriate digital tools as needed. Monitor research and provide guidance on finding credible sources and focusing on cultural influence. After students post, prompt them to compare how manga, anime, and Pokémon function as elements of youth pop culture in Japan and around the world.
Students reflect on what they have learned about Japanese education, traditional culture, and pop culture, then write a letter to a Japanese student their age. In the letter, they describe several features of American pop culture and pose several questions about daily life and youth culture in Japan, submitting their letters to a class wall.
Teacher MovesRemind students to draw on specific examples from the lesson as they describe their own culture and frame thoughtful questions. Provide feedback on clarity, tone, and cultural sensitivity. If there is sufficient interest, explore options for establishing pen pal exchanges so students can send their letters and continue cross-cultural communication.
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher MovesFacilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
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