Kites are a traditional toy in Japan and there are kite-flying festivals in various places throughout the year. Make and decorate your own Japanese kite!

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.

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

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

Dogu are ceramic figurines which were designed and made by people in Japan thousands of years ago. The dogu had spiritual significance and feature intricate patterns and unique facial expressions. These beautiful artefacts inspire modern artists in Japan and will provide inspiration for students to create their own 3D dogu figurine.

As well as being a creative artform, origami can be a source of practical mathematics. In this lesson, students apply some mathematical concepts and problem solving to origami.

This page provides some background information and materials to support schools outlines taking part in the activities for the Arts & Culture for Peace Initiative.

A collection of origami and craft activities

The Spider’s thread is a well-known story in Japan. It is a moral fable inspired by Buddhist beliefs about good, evil and redemption, written by Ryunosuke Akutagawa and published in 1918. This kamishibai is suitable for KS3 and above. 

Looking for some craft activities to do for Valentine's Day this year? Why not try making your own origami decorations, a gift box for Valentine's Day sweets, or a secret message envelope?