Japanese Culture Lessons

Japanese culture lessons are also extremely useful for people who are relocating or traveling there. Especially in a business setting, it's important to know the customs of the country to avoid unintentionally offending a potential client. Because they have many unique traditions and etiquette rules in Japan, leisure travelers should also become informed before vacationing there. Learning some of the Japanese language, etiquette, and history shows an interest in and respect for the culture as well as its people.

In the United States, learning about Japanese culture has recently become a more popular pastime among children and adults alike. This is largely due to the popularity of Japanese comics and cartoons, or anime and manga. Some people are also interested in the different fashion styles associated with Japan. Japanese pop culture is just one area to start investigating.

Japan-Zone Modern Japan section, including manga

Wikipedia Japanese pop culture pages

Japanese Streets Fashion magazine

Another way to approach Japanese culture lessons is by studying the language, art, history, and religion of the area. Some resources are more academic than others.

Japanese-Online Fun beginner's Japanese lessons and more

The Samurai of Traditional Japan Article about the samurai

Japan National Tourism Organization Maps and other geographical information

Japanese Tourism and luxury hotels

Japan-Guide Basic Japanese history

EveryCulture Lessons on religion, economy, family, and more

Japanese Learning Dozens of videos on Japan

JapanesePod101 A series with podcasts and written lessons for learning the language

Finding cheap hotels in Japan

Japanese Etiquette Etiquette guides for various social situations

Artelino Articles on Japanese art history

About.com Japanese Culture Lessons Information on everything from seasonal events to the royal family, manners, nature, movies, and more

Because many children are interested in Japanese culture, it makes a great unit of study for elementary, middle school, and high school students. It lends itself well to fun hands-on activities as well as reading and writing. Teaching Japanese culture is one way that students can become more informed about the rest of the world.

Japanese Lesson Plans on Teachnology Worksheets, activities, and lesson plans covering Japanese culture in fun and original ways

Ask Asia Lesson plans, maps, pictures, background information for teachers, and more

The Japan Project Many high school lesson plans with hands-on activities

Smithsonian Education Japan: Images of a People for grades 4-8