The Japan Society
Education Teach about Japan

For more information, please contact our Education Team:

Online Resources

The Japan Society has a range of free online resources to engage and inspire students and support teaching about Japan. Most resources are designed so they can be used without specialist equipment, or can be used in conjunction with our physical Loan Resources.

You can Search Resources by Subject, Key Stage, Age, Resource Type or Keyword or browse all the materials under the search function box. Resource topics include: manga, cultural festivals, traditional storytelling and more.

If you cannot find what you are looking for, please Contact Us as we may be able to help or put you in touch with someone else who can.


5 Minute Focus Activities

These short and simple craft activities introduce an aspect of Japanese culture, require minimal equipment, and are suitable for all.

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Valentine's Day Origami Ideas

Valentine's Day Origami Ideas

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Video: How to Make An Origami Box

Video: How to Make An Origami Box

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Video: How to Make an Origami Rabbit for Tsukimi

Video: How to Make an Origami Rabbit for Tsukimi

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Video: How to Make a Tanzaku

Video: How to Make a Tanzaku

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Video: How to Make an Origami Kabuto – Samurai Helmet

Video: How to Make an Origami Kabuto – Samurai Helmet

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Video: How to Make a Teru Teru Bozu – Sunshine Charm Doll

Video: How to Make a Teru Teru Bozu – Sunshine Charm Doll

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Video: How to Make a Chouchin – Lantern

Video: How to Make a Chouchin – Lantern

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Video: How to Make an Origami Uchiwa – Paper Fan

Video: How to Make an Origami Uchiwa – Paper Fan


Japanese Culture and Wellbeing

Using the NHS ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing’ (Connect, Be Active, Keep Learning, Take Notice and Give) pupils will explore the concept of wellbeing and how it might be improved through engagement with the events, customs and celebrations of Japan. 

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Japanese Culture and Wellbeing - Lesson 6

Japanese Culture and Wellbeing - Lesson 6

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Japanese Culture and Wellbeing - Lesson 5

Japanese Culture and Wellbeing - Lesson 5

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Japanese Culture and Wellbeing - Lesson 4

Japanese Culture and Wellbeing - Lesson 4

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Japanese Culture and Wellbeing - Lesson 3

Japanese Culture and Wellbeing - Lesson 3

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Japanese Culture and Wellbeing - Lesson 2

Japanese Culture and Wellbeing - Lesson 2

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Japanese Culture and Wellbeing - Lesson 1

Japanese Culture and Wellbeing - Lesson 1

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Japanese Culture and Wellbeing

Japanese Culture and Wellbeing


Festivals & Seasonal Events

Japan has a number of unique festivals and seasonal celebrations throughout the year. Select one below, or see all festival resources >>

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7-5-3 (November)

7-5-3 (November)

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Otsukimi (September/October)

Otsukimi (September/October)

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Obon Festival (August)

Obon Festival (August)

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Tanabata Festival (July)

Tanabata Festival (July)

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Tsuyu - The Rainy Season (June)

Tsuyu - The Rainy Season (June)

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O Hanami (April)

O Hanami (April)

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Hina-matsuri - The Doll Festival (March)

Hina-matsuri - The Doll Festival (March)

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New Year’s Celebrations (January)

New Year’s Celebrations (January)

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Children’s Day (May)

Children’s Day (May)

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Setsubun - Marking the Arrival of Spring (February)

Setsubun - Marking the Arrival of Spring (February)


Soroban: The Japanese Abacus

Soroban, the Japanese abacus, provides a visual and tangible tool which allows students to see and manipulate a physical representation of abstract numbers.

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Soroban: Additional Resources Page

Soroban: Additional Resources Page

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Soroban: Lesson 5

Soroban: Lesson 5

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Soroban: Lesson 4

Soroban: Lesson 4

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Soroban: Lesson 3

Soroban: Lesson 3

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Soroban: Lesson 2

Soroban: Lesson 2

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Soroban: Lesson 1

Soroban: Lesson 1

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Soroban: The Japanese Abacus

Soroban: The Japanese Abacus

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Soroban (Japanese Abacus)

Soroban (Japanese Abacus)


Kamishibai

Kamishibai originates from traditional Japanese street theatre in the form of picture card storytelling. More Kamishibai Information & Resources >>

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Kamishibai: Momoko and Hina (Doll's Festival)

Kamishibai: Momoko and Hina (Doll's Festival)

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Kamishibai: Onikko (Setsubun)

Kamishibai: Onikko (Setsubun)

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Kamishibai: Taa-chan's Oshogatsu (New Year)

Kamishibai: Taa-chan's Oshogatsu (New Year)

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Kamishibai: Swim, Swim, Koinobori (Children's Day)

Kamishibai: Swim, Swim, Koinobori (Children's Day)

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Kamishibai: The Spider's Thread (Kumo no Ito)

Kamishibai: The Spider's Thread (Kumo no Ito)

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Kamishibai: Japanese Storytelling

Kamishibai: Japanese Storytelling

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Digital Kamishibai

Digital Kamishibai

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Kamishibai: Momotaro – Peach Boy

Kamishibai: Momotaro – Peach Boy

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Kamishibai Videos

Kamishibai Videos

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Kamishibai Set

Kamishibai Set


Radio Taiso

Radio Taiso is a 3 minute exercise routine that has been practised for nearly 100 years in Japan. Fun for children and adults alike, Radio Taiso is commonly used for group warm-ups in Japan and the whole school will participate in the excercises at the beginning of school Sports Day.  

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Radio Taiso: Lesson 3

Radio Taiso: Lesson 3

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Radio Taiso: Lesson 2

Radio Taiso: Lesson 2

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Radio Taiso: Lesson 1

Radio Taiso: Lesson 1

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Radio Taiso

Radio Taiso

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Radio Taiso Exercise Video

Radio Taiso Exercise Video


Undokai - Japanese Sports Day

The Japanese Sports Day (undokai in Japanese) is a popular event in the school calendar; it’s a fun-filled day with an emphasis on teamwork and collaboration. Hold a Japanese Sports Day at school or at home using one of our specially created packs.

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Undokai - Japanese Sports Day: Lesson 6

Undokai - Japanese Sports Day: Lesson 6

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Undokai - Japanese Sports Day: Lesson 5

Undokai - Japanese Sports Day: Lesson 5

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Undokai - Japanese Sports Day: Lesson 4

Undokai - Japanese Sports Day: Lesson 4

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Undokai - Japanese Sports Day: Lesson 3

Undokai - Japanese Sports Day: Lesson 3

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Undokai - Japanese Sports Day: Lesson 2

Undokai - Japanese Sports Day: Lesson 2

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Undokai - Japanese Sports Day: Lesson 1

Undokai - Japanese Sports Day: Lesson 1

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Undokai - Japanese Sports Day

Undokai - Japanese Sports Day


Manga

Manga (comics or graphic novels) are a Japanese form of visual storytelling and are increasingly popular outside of Japan. These lessons give students an introduction to the history and cultural significance of Manga in Japan and as an art form.

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Introducing Manga to the Art Classroom

Introducing Manga to the Art Classroom

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Manga: Lesson 1 - Manga Style

Manga: Lesson 1 - Manga Style

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Manga: Lesson 2 - Japanese Manga Artists

Manga: Lesson 2 - Japanese Manga Artists


Haiku

Haiku are a part of Japanese culture which are often mistakenly taught as just a three-line, 5-7-5 syllable poems. These three introductory lessons aim to introduce students to the true essence of haiku through the theme of journeys. 

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Journeys with Haiku: Lesson 3

Journeys with Haiku: Lesson 3

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Journeys with Haiku: Lesson 2

Journeys with Haiku: Lesson 2

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Journeys with Haiku: Lesson 1

Journeys with Haiku: Lesson 1

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Journeys with Haiku: Beyond 5-7-5

Journeys with Haiku: Beyond 5-7-5

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Video: How to Haiku - Beyond 5 7 5

Video: How to Haiku - Beyond 5 7 5


Ready Steady NihonGO!

Ready Steady NihonGO! (RSN) is an interactive primary language project for teaching Japanese at KS2 level. The scheme comprises ten 45 minute lessons designed to be delivered by a Japanese native speaker working with the class teacher.

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Ready Steady NihonGO!

Ready Steady NihonGO!