Japan for Kids and Teachers
Feudal Japan Lesson Plans & Activities
In the Japanese feudal system, the emperor was at the top, followed by the Shoguns, samurai, and then the peasants.
Feudal Japan: Samurai, Peasant, Artisan, Merchant (Donn)
Japan (Mr. Roughton) - 3 week unit, Samurai, sumos, ninjas, poetry. Designed to follow or combine with a unit on China to better draw distinctions between them.
Shogun
The power of the Shoguns lasted for more than 250 years. Achievement: The Shoguns opened new trade routes to Europe.
Daimyo, Samurai
The Samurai were highly respected, well trained warriors.
The Daimyo was the ruler of the Samurai.
The Bushido was the Code of the Samurai,
which demanded honor and loyalty.
Haiku
Haiku Poetry - with examples and lesson plan (Donn)
Haiku activities: The Shiki site
Haiku - Poetry of the Samurai Warrior
Eno Period: 1600-1867
Ukiyo-e
Rise of Merchant Class in Eno Period (lesson)
General Lesson Plans & Activities
Free Presentations about Japan
Lesson Plans for Teaching Japan through Children's Literature
Tanka activities: A modern travel journal
Kana, Hiragana
Karigami & Origami
Origami (arrived in 6th century Japan from China)
Toys Games Kites Fans
Daruma Dolls (Myth, List of Lessons)
Japan coloring pages to print out
Japanese Religion & Philosophy
Shinto is Japan’s main religion,
and teaches that everything in nature is filled with spirits.
Buddhism is Japan's second main religion.
Zen Buddhism teaches spiritual discipline.
Learning module - Shinto, Buddhism, Christianity
For Kids
The Japanese myth of the trickster raccoon (animated, video)
Japanese Folktale - The Selfish Scholar (animated, Ted-Ed)