Japan Resources for the Summer Term!
Bring the literature, geography, sports, and arts and culture of Japan into your classroom this summer term with some of our most popular teaching materials! The Japan Society offers a wide range of free online resources designed to engage and inspire pupils, while supporting teaching about Japan across the curriculum.
Whether you're planning a full unit, a one-off lesson, a sports event, or an extracurricular cultural activity, our resources are here to help! Check out our suggested resources and ideas below!
Teach a lesson about Japan | Organise a Sports Event | Hold a Japan Day / Cultural Workshop
Enter the My London Pictogram Design Competition
Teach a Lesson or lead an activity related to Japan!
The Japan Society has a range of free online resources to engage and inspire students and support teaching about Japan. Below are highlights of some of our most popular topics. Visit our website to explore more resources or contact us.
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Hold a Japanese Sports Event!
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Ekiden Relay RaceEkiden is a popular relay race format in Japan; its emphasis on teamwork and community building makes it ideal for schools. The UK Ekiden is taking place on Friday 20 June – see their website for more details of how to get involved. Learn more about ekiden on our Ekiden page here. UK Ekiden https://ukekiden.com |
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Undokai Japanese Sports DayThe Japanese Sports Day (undokai) is a fun-filled day with an emphasis on teamwork and collaboration, and a big event in the school calendar. Learn more on our Japanese Sports Day page here. Download the Japanese Sports Day Games Pack with instructions and illustrations for 14 typical Undokai games! |
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Hold a Japan Day or Japanese Cultural Workshop!
Holding a Japan Day or Cultural workshop at your school can be simple; take advantage of our free loan resources for schools to borrow cultural artefacts and bring Japan to your classroom! Our Japan Day Organiser Pack is designed for teachers who want to organise cultural activities in their school,packed with suggestions and instructions for activities or events of any duration–from hour-long sessions to a week-long event!
- Download our Host a Japan Day Information Pack for teachers - Japan Day Organiser Pack
- The Japan Activity Chest contains over 50 authentic traditional and modern Japanese artefacts and comprehensive teacher’s notes
- Use the Access to Experts database to find a cultural expert to run a cultural session – from origami to calligraphy and more!
- Facilitate a calligraphy session by using our Calligraphy Tutorial video and lesson resources with our loan equipment
- Teach about hanami, the custom of spring picnics under cherry blossom trees and hold an (off-season!) Japanese style picnic
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Enter the My London Pictogram Competition!
Take part, and your creation could be featured in an exhibition at Japan House London!
My London Pictogram competition challenges you to design your own pictogram representing an aspect of London that is important to you. From transport and food to cultural landmarks or iconic symbols of the city such as black cabs or double-deckers, what element of London would you like to show off? Can you design a pictogram that can communicate your chosen view of London across different languages?
Winning designs will be professionally refined by top graphic designers from Nippon Design Center and featured in Pictograms: Iconic Japanese Designs, a major exhibition at Japan House London, opening on 30 July 2025.
Deadline 19 May 2025
Visit Japan House London's website for full details about the competition.