Teaching Resources

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 KS1 and KS2 students 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.

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.

Japan is often portrayed as a bustling metropolis with cities full of people, bright lights and noise. Japanese cities are busy places, but not all of Japan is like this. In this lesson, students take a look at the countryside areas and compare rural and urban Japan!

One of the common traditions associated with Setsubun is bean throwing. During mamemaki, dried soya beans are thrown at someone dressed up as an oni (often translated as demon) as a symbolic way of driving away bad luck. In this story, Kanta is an oni boy who lives with his family in a village where they get along with their human neighbours. That is until a new student, Saki, arrives and starts making his life difficult...

New Year, or Oshogatsu, is the most important holiday of the year in Japan. In the run-up to the day, people spend time cleaning their homes, putting up decorations, and writing cards to friends and family. This is a story about a little girl celebrating the New Year in Japan with her family at the same time as dealing with the loss of her beloved pet hamster, Ham.

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