The Japan Society
Education Teach about Japan

Teaching Resources

Religion in Japan - Shrines and Temples

Download

Religion in Japan - Shrines and Temples

In this lesson, students will learn about the two main religions in Japan, Shinto and Buddhism. They will find out about both shrines (Shinto) and temples (Buddhist), some of their features, the customs associated with them, and the part they play in everyday life.

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

Download

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

A kamishibai story about how a young boy and a child koi flag are brought together by chance on Children's Day and learn that families come in all shapes and sizes.   

Origami & Crafts

Download

Origami & Crafts

A collection of origami and craft activities

Festivals & Seasonal Celebrations

Download

Festivals & Seasonal Celebrations

Japan has many festivals and seasonal celebrations throughout the year. See our list of lesson links for each celebrations. There is also our complete collection of activity packs!

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

Download

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

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. 

Tessellation with Japanese Patterns

Download

Tessellation with Japanese Patterns

This standalone lesson brings Japanese culture into the maths classroom, allowing students to learn about the history and significance of three Japanese patterns as they explore the properties of shapes. 

Japan and the Tokyo Olympics

Download

Japan and the Tokyo Olympics

This lesson introduces Japan, Japanese culture, and the Tokyo Olympic games to KS2 students. It includes many fun facts and a short quiz at the end.

Geography of Japan - Lesson 7

Download

Geography of Japan - Lesson 7

In the final lesson, students will learn about the different materials and techniques which have been used to design buildings in Japan, allowing them to withstand earthquakes.

Geography of Japan - Lesson 6

Download

Geography of Japan - Lesson 6

In this lesson, students students will learn how earthquakes can cause a tsunami and will also consider the impact of the disaster on survivors. They will also look at the work of Fumio Obata, a graphic novelist and illustrator who produced ‘comic reportage’ detailing the scale and human tragedy of the disaster.

Geography of Japan - Lesson 5

Download

Geography of Japan - Lesson 5

In Lesson 5, students will study Sakurajima, located on the island of Kyushu and learn to describe the key features of a volcano.