In this lesson, pupils will learn about perhaps one of Japan's most iconic and famous ukiyo-e artists - Katsushika Hokusai. Examining his work closely, they will learn all about how ukiyo-e woodblock prints are made, and produce their own Hokusai-inspired prints using polystyrene sheets or other alternative materials.

Samurai were the warrior class that existed in pre-modern Japan, whose origins can be traced back to the Heian Period. They were an extremely powerful group of people that ruled over Japan for hundreds of years, and undoubtedly played an important role within Japanese history. In this lesson, pupils will explore the history of samurai from the early Heian Period up until the Meiji Restoration, where their class was eventually abolished.

This video explores the various different kinds of delicious seasonal dishes that people like to eat during the winter time in Japan.

Are you going on a school trip to Japan soon? This resource includes an information pack and presentation that are filled with useful things to know before embarking on your trip! Learn about different aspects of Japanese daily life that you are likely to encounter during your trip, as well as key phrase and vocabulary you should learn before you go.

This lesson is all about what life is like at a typical elementary (primary) school in Japan. You might expect elementary schools in Japan to be very different to primary schools in Britain, but they actually share a lot in common too! In this lesson, pupils will look more closely at these key similarities and differences, and evaluate which aspects of Japanese school life they like and dislike.

Learn about the art form of Japanese calligraphy, called shodo in Japan, and have a go at the basics using our Calligraphy Tutorial Video.

Japan's trains are world famous. Learn about the Central Japan Railway Company and the latest technology used in Japan's trains.

The Japan Project is a multi-lesson unit designed to give pupils a cross-curricula introduction to Japan.  

Hina-matsuri is also known as the Doll Festival. It takes place in Japan every March and celebrates the health and happiness of girls. In this story, Momoko has just moved from Japan to the UK and is struggling with feelings of homesickness, as well as having to get used to the arrival of her new baby brother! To cheer her up, Momoko’s mum suggests getting out her hina dolls early. Momoko soon discovers that the dolls have a life of their own… Suitable for Year 3 to Year 6.

These two videos explain how New Year is typically spent in Japan and introduce Osechi Ryori - traditional Japanese New Year's foods. These dishes all have a symbolic meaning and are eaten as the first meal of the new year when family members get together to celebrate.