πΈ JAPAN WEEK — 5-DAY
HOMESCHOOLING PLAN + EPCOT
- Martial arts -
DojoGo!
- Bonsai trees
- holidays,
celebrations; Greenery Day origami
Books to
get from the Library:
- π Tales
from Japan
- π The
Crane Girl
- π Luck
- π Night
of the Ninjas
- π Ninjas
& Samurai (Fact Tracker #30)
- π Sadako
and the Thousand Paper Cranes
- π Tales
from Japan
- π Life
as a Ninja (You Choose Series)
- π I
Survived the Japanese Tsunami
- π The Boy
in the Garden
MONDAY — Welcome to Japan
Focus: Establish
foundational context for the rest of the week with deeper thinking.
“What do
you already know about Japan?”
“What
comes to mind when you think of Japanese culture?”
1.
Discover Japan: Geography & Culture Basics
Japan
has four main islands — Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. The land is
mostly mountains, which means towns are often built near the coast. Japan sits
on several tectonic plates, which means earthquakes and tsunamis are part of
life. Because Japan was once very isolated from other countries, a lot of
traditions developed in unique ways.
“How
might living on islands change a culture?”
“Why do
you think Japan became technologically advanced but still very traditional?”
- Locate Japan on
a world map
- Islands explained
- Map labeling —
major islands, Tokyo, Kyoto, Mt. Fuji.
2.
Symbols of Japan
Certain
symbols in Japan appear everywhere — cherry blossoms, cranes, turtles,
mountains. But they aren’t just pretty pictures. They all have deep
meanings.Cherry blossoms bloom beautifully but only for a short time. This
represents the idea of mono no aware — the beauty of temporary things. Cranes
represent peace and long life.Sea turtles are symbols of protection and wisdom.
- Cherry blossoms - represent
impermanence (mono no aware)
- Red-crowned cranes - peace and
longevity
- Mt. Fuji
STEM:
Map the Migration of Sea Turtles (sacred in Japanese folklore)
Kids trace migration paths across the Pacific.
3. Introduction to Japanese Language + Poetry
Japanese
uses three writing systems: hiragana, katakana, and kanji. Hiragana is the
soft, flowing script used for native Japanese words. One of Japan’s most famous
written art forms is the haiku — a short poem that captures a moment in nature
using just a few syllables. It forces the writer to slow down and notice small
details.
“What
moment in nature have you noticed recently?”
“Why do
short poems sometimes feel stronger than long ones?”
- Hiragana basics
- Simple
greetings (konnichiwa, arigato, ohayo); why do Japanese use three writing
systems?
- Write a Haiku or Tanka Poem; maybe themed to an
environmental issue like tsunamis, cherry blossoms disappearing,
pollution; illustrate with cherry blossom painting or crane drawing
4. Daily
Life in Japan
- Eating on the
floor
- Bento boxes
- Traditional
home items, funcsha
- Importance of
seasons
Lunch: Bento-style
meal eaten on the floor.
5. Art
Block (Choose 2–3)
- Japanese Rock Garden (Zen Tray) - A Zen
garden uses rocks and sand to create patterns that help clear the mind.
The designs represent ripples, waves, or mountains. “What pattern makes
you feel calm?”
- Monkey Onsen
Watercolor Salt Art - In Japan, snow monkeys warm themselves in natural
hot springs called onsens. The steam, the snow, and the calm atmosphere
create a beautiful contrast. “What colors would you use to show warmth in
a cold scene?”
6. Japan
& Nature STEM
Japan is
located where tectonic plates meet. When the seafloor shifts suddenly, it
pushes a massive wave of water toward the shore — a tsunami. Your goal is to
build a structure that can stand against wave forces. Engineers in Japan do
this all the time.
Tsunami STEM Challenge: Kids build houses
and test wave impact.
“What
design features make buildings safer?”
TUESDAY — Ancient Japan
Focus: Deep
roots of Japanese society — belief systems, historical eras, martial arts,
classical craftsmanship.
1. Buddhism + Shinto Introduction
Japan’s
two main belief systems are Buddhism and Shinto. Buddhism teaches compassion
and the pursuit of peace within yourself. Shinto is centered on nature and the
idea that everything — trees, rivers, mountains — has a spirit called kami.
These two beliefs blend together, shaping Japanese traditions and values.
Teach:
- Buddha
(nirvana, compassion)
- Temples &
shrines
- Torii gates
- Meditation
- Shinto vs
Buddhism
- Shinto ideas
(kami, nature spirits, purity)
Japan’s
history stretches back thousands of years. Each era brought new ideas —
farming, poetry, warriors, castles, and beautiful art. We’re going to create a
timeline to see how Japan changed over time.
- Jomon → Yayoi →
Heian → Edo periods
- Rise of samurai
class - “Why do you think warriors emerged as powerful leaders in
Japan?”
- Feudal Japan
explained
3.
Samurai, Ninjas, Sumo, and Martial Arts
Samurai
were not just warriors — they followed a code called bushido, emphasizing
honor, loyalty, and discipline. Ninjas were spies trained in stealth, disguise,
and intelligence gathering — not the magical figures movies show. Sumo
wrestlers follow ancient rituals that honor Shinto traditions.
“Which
role would be hardest: samurai, ninja, or sumo — and why?”
Activities:
- “Create Your
Own Dojo”
- Kendo Sword
Craft (cardboard + duct tape)
4.
Traditional Clothing: Kimonos
Kimono
patterns aren’t random — waves symbolize strength, cranes symbolize good
fortune, pine trees symbolize longevity.
Clothing
in Japan tells a story.
“What
symbols would you put on clothing that represents your personality?”
- Activity: Kids
design their own kimono pattern sheet (waves, cranes, pine branches,
mountains)
5. Art
Block
- Kumihimo Braiding - This braiding
technique was once used to lace samurai armor. Today it’s used for
bracelets and cords.
- Temari Balls (Simplified) - These
thread-wrapped balls started as toys but turned into a respected art form.
The patterns represent harmony and patience.
- Iriomote Yamaneko Drawing: Draw
endangered wildcat using step-by-step video from Lara SaldaΓ±a. Shading,
texture, realism. This wildcat is endangered and lives only on one small
Japanese island. Use shading to bring out its texture.
6. Music
Study: Toru Takemitsu
Toru
Takemitsu mixed traditional Japanese sounds with modern music. His work often
feels dreamlike or mysterious.
“What
emotions or images do you hear in the music?”
Activity: Kids sketch what they "hear" in colors and shapes.
WEDNESDAY — Arts of Japan
Focus: The evolution of Japanese art — textile dyeing,
printmaking, kawaii roots, and sensory rituals (incense).
1. Japanese Aesthetic Principles
Japanese art focuses on simplicity, space, and appreciating
the imperfect.
Teach:
- Wabi-sabi
(beauty in imperfection)
- Ma (space &
pause, the space around things matters as much as the object itself)
- Kanso
(simplicity)
“Where
do you see wabi-sabi in nature?”
“Why
does empty space make art feel calm?”
2. Woodblock Printing (Ukiyo-e)
Cherry Blossom Haiku Woodblock Print -
Traditional Japanese printmakers carved wooden blocks to create repeated
patterns. Today we’ll use foam to mimic the technique.
Activity:
- Make prints on
foam blocks
- Create a
layered design, linework + background
- Create the
Great Wave, cranes, cherry blossoms, bamboo forest, or Mt. Fuji
3.
Shibori Dyeing
Shibori
is a centuries-old method of folding and binding fabric before dyeing it. Each
fold creates a different pattern — much like batik or tie-dye, but more
intentional.
- Itajime (fold +
clamp)
- Arashi
(pole-wrapping)
- Kumo (spiderweb
twist)
Use
Kool-Aid for safe kid dyeing.
Kids can make:
- T-shirt
- Tote bag
- Fabric patch
4. Origami & 1,000 Paper Cranes Challenge
Origami
teaches patience, accuracy, and focus. Cranes especially represent peace and
healing.
- Kids fold 3–5
each.
- Pair with
reading: π Sadako
and the Thousand Paper Cranes
5.
Japanese Sensu Fan Craft
Themes:
- πΈ Cherry
blossoms
- π The Great Wave
- π» Mt. Fuji
- π¦’ Cranes
6. Kodo & Japanese Aromatherapy
Kodo is the 'Way of Scent.' It’s a practice of slowing
down, noticing the smallest details, and using scent to bring calm. Teach scent
bowls, incense, and forest bathing. Kids learn sensory ritual, symbolism, and
mindfulness.
“What
scents make you feel peaceful or focused?”
THURSDAY — Japanese Food
& Culinary Traditions
Focus: Eating
culture, cooking foundations, food preparation, bento making, etiquette.
1. Washoku (Traditional Food Culture)
Washoku
is the traditional Japanese way of eating. Meals include five colors, five
flavors, and five cooking methods. This creates balance — not just for
nutrition, but for beauty.
“Which
colors are missing from your usual meals?”
Teach:
- Seasonal eating
- Balance of
color/flavor
- Rice importance
- Bento culture
Assignment:
Make a balanced meal using all five colors.
2.
Cooking Lab
When
cooking Japanese food, pay attention to texture, color, and presentation.
You’re not just cooking — you’re creating an experience.
Choose 2–4 depending on stamina.
- Miso Soup
- California Rolls / Cucumber Rolls
- Mochi (modern)
- Dango (sweet
dumplings)
- Okonomiyaki
- Ramen bowls
“What
was hardest — rolling, flavoring, slicing, or presenting?”
3. Bento
Design + Food Carving
Bento boxes are like edible art. Every item has a purpose —
nutrition, color, shape, meaning.
Kids
make simple bento “characters” or shapes. Use all 5 colors.
- Color
- Nutrition
- Aesthetic
balance
- Japanese
Symbolism
4.
Textile Tie-In: Shibori on the Silk Road
Short lesson on ancient trade routes and Japanese textiles.
Trade routes brought silk, dyes, and new patterns into Japan. Shibori
techniques traveled along these routes and evolved into their own unique forms.
Silk, sashiko stitching, shibori methods.
FRIDAY —
Modern Japan: Anime, Pop Culture, History, Kawaii Design
Focus: Connect ancient roots to modern expression.
1. Anime
& Studio Ghibli
Anime
isn’t just cartoons — it’s storytelling through emotion, symbolism, and
dramatic visuals. Studio Ghibli films blend fantasy with real-life feelings
such as fear, courage, loneliness, and hope.
- What is anime?
- Themes of
Studio Ghibli, moral dilemmas, why anime resonates globally
“What
makes anime visually different from Western animation?”
“Why do
Ghibli stories feel so emotional?”
Activities:
- Draw a Ghibli
spirit
- Create a flying
castle blueprint
- Anime
self-portrait (chibi style)
2.
Godzilla & Modern History
Godzilla
was created after the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He represents
destructive power humans create — and fear of repeating the past. This is
fiction, but the emotions behind it are real.
Kid-safe Hiroshima explanation
“Why use
a monster to represent real fears?”
Discuss:
- Godzilla as
nuclear metaphor (fear of nuclear weapons, trauma, environmental
destruction)
- How fiction
helps cultures heal
Craft:
- Build paper
skyscraper cityscape
- Shadow Godzilla
silhouette
- Create your own
kaiju to represent some of the issues we have going on today
3.
Introduction to Kawaii
Kawaii
means ‘cute,’ but it’s more than that. It’s a style, an attitude, and sometimes
a way of coping with stress. Kawaii characters are soft, round, gentle — they
make the world feel more friendly.
“Why do
you think cute characters appeal to all ages?”
Teach
origins in:
- Shinto (spirits
in objects)
- Why
"cute" became a cultural identity
- Harmony,
softness, playfulness
- Soft rebellion
in youth culture
- Modern mascots,
Hello Kitty, PokΓ©mon
4.
Kawaii Craft Station
- A mascot
character with personality traits
- A sticker or
logo
- Kawaii stickers
- Kawaii notebook
cover
- Mascot creation
worksheet
- Kawaii
self-portrait
- Hello Kitty
rock painting
- Clay
"Mochi creature"
Evening
Movie:π¬ Spirited
Away or Howl’s Moving Castle
SATURDAY — EPCOT FIELD
TRIP: Japan Pavilion Day
A
seamless extension of the week — everything you did connects here.
π΅ Watch Matsuriza Taiko
Drummers
A
traditional Japanese drumming group performing the ancient art of Taiko
drumming. Their powerful, rhythmic performance can be heard across the World
Showcase. Performed on the balcony of the main building, near Kabuki Cafe at
the pavilion's entrance. Traditional Taiko drumming performances bring energy
to the pavilion. Connect back to Monday’s symbols & Tuesday’s ancient music
π§ Eat a
Japanese Snack
Katsura
Grill – A quiet spot serving teriyaki, sushi, and udon
Kabuki
Cafe – Known for KakigΕri (shaved ice) and Japanese snacks
Choose:
- KakigΕri
(shaved ice) - Kabuki Cafe
- Teriyaki bowl
- Udon
- Mochi ice cream
- Green tea
- Violet Sake
(grown-ups) - The Garden House
π
Mitsukoshi Department Store Scavenger List - The best
place in EPCOT for Japanese goods, anime merchandise, and gifts
Kids
must find:
- Lucky Cats
(Maneki-neko) - Symbolizing good fortune and happiness
- Anime
merchandise
- Bento supplies
- Chopsticks
- A crane
- A kimono/yukata
- A Godzilla item
- Sake set
- Beautifully crafted for serving Japanese rice wine
- Pick-a-pearl
counter
- Kawaii section
- Maybe pick up
a Buddha Board – A unique water-painting experience using a bamboo
brush
π¨ Bijutsu-kan Gallery
- Compare to
Wednesday’s woodblock + Shibori lessons
- Explore the
replica kawaii Tokyo apartment
π Explore the Koi Pond
Connect
to Monday’s nature themes
πΈ PhotoPass in the Gardens
π
Fireworks from the Balcony
π±
Optional Table Service
- Teppan Edo
- A hibachi-style restaurant where chefs cook right at your table
- Shiki-Sai
- A seasonal sushi and izakaya-style dining experience with stunning
views
- Takumi-Tei
kaiseki - An upscale Kaiseki dining experience with multi-course
meals
π’ End-of-Day Treat
Ride
Guardians of the Galaxy
