The Japan Society
Education Teach about Japan

Teaching Resources

Video: How to Make a Tanzaku

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Video: How to Make a Tanzaku

Tanzaku are coloured strips of paper which make during the Tanabata Festival. People usually write a personal wish on tanzaku and hung it up on bamboo. Make your own tanzaku with coloured paper/card by following our instructions.

Kamishibai: The Story of Tanabata (Star Festival)

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Kamishibai: The Story of Tanabata (Star Festival)

This story tells of the annual reunion of two lovers in the Milky Way and is the inspiration for the Tanabata Festival.

Tanabata Festival (July)

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Tanabata Festival (July)

Tanabata is a summer festival based on an old story which tells of the annual reunion of two lovers in the Milky Way.

Tsuyu - The Rainy Season (June)

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Tsuyu - The Rainy Season (June)

In this lesson, students learn about the weather of Japan and compare it with the UK or their local area. They also find out about the common sights and customs associated with the rainy season.

Radio Taiso: Lesson 3

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Radio Taiso: Lesson 3

Evaluate and Improve Performance - In the final lesson in the Radio Taiso scheme of work, students will evaluate and refine their own performance.

Radio Taiso: Lesson 2

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Radio Taiso: Lesson 2

The Benefits of Radio Taiso - This lesson allows students to continue working on their radio taiso routine in small groups and culminates in a class performance.

Radio Taiso: Lesson 1

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Radio Taiso: Lesson 1

Understand and Experience Radio Taiso - The first lesson introduces the Radio Taiso routine and allows students to experience it for themselves.

Radio Taiso

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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.

O Hanami (April)

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O Hanami (April)

In this lesson, students will learn about the customs and activities associated with O Hanami and compose haiku poems using their own thoughts about spring and nature.

Introducing Manga to the Art Classroom

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Introducing Manga to the Art Classroom

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