Exploros | Japan and the Koreas: Society and Culture

Japan and the Koreas: Society and Culture

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.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

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Overview

In this experience, 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.

Objectives:

Describe elements of the Japanese education system.
Describe traditional and pop cultural elements of Japanese society and their influence.

In this experience, you will explore elements of Japanese culture, both old and new.

Objectives:

Describe elements of the Japanese education system.
Describe traditional and pop cultural elements of Japanese society and their influence.

schoolchildren walking on a street with bags on their backs

What do you know about how going to school in your country compares to going to school in other countries?

Student responses will vary. Discuss what they know and what questions they may have about education in a country like Japan.

To get an idea of the Japanese education system, watch School in Japan.

What did you notice about Yukiko’s school life? How does it compare to students her age in your community?

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Students may note that the education system is demanding. The young children are instructed to do everything on their own, even at an early age. They may also notice that the environment appears strict and structured.

Explain how the Japanese approach to education is a reflection of the culture and its values.

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