Summer Homeschooling - Japan Week

🌸 JAPAN WEEK — 5-DAY HOMESCHOOLING PLAN + EPCOT

 

• Martial arts - DojoGo!
• Bonsai trees
• holidays, celebrations; Greenery Day origami

 

Books to get from the Library:

• 📚 Tales from Japan
• 📚 The Crane Girl
• 📚 Luck
• 📚 Night of the Ninjas
• 📚 Ninjas & Samurai (Fact Tracker #30)
• 📚 Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes
• 📚 Tales from Japan
• 📚 Life as a Ninja (You Choose Series)
• 📚 I Survived the Japanese Tsunami
• 📚 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)

2. Ancient Japan Overview

 

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.

• Samurai
• Ninjas - what's the difference between ninjas and spies
• Sumo

“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 Saldaña. 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.

 

Folding patterns: 

• 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: 📚 Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes

5. Japanese Sensu Fan Craft

Themes:

• 🌸 Cherry blossoms
• 🌊 The Great Wave
• 🗻 Mt. Fuji
• 🦢 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, Pokémon

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:🎬 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.

 

🎵 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

🍧 Eat a Japanese Snack

 

Katsura Grill – A quiet spot serving teriyaki, sushi, and udon 

Kabuki Cafe – Known for Kakigōri (shaved ice) and Japanese snacks

Choose:

• Kakigōri (shaved ice) - Kabuki Cafe
• Teriyaki bowl
• Udon
• Mochi ice cream
• Green tea
• Violet Sake (grown-ups) - The Garden House

🛍 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

🎨 Bijutsu-kan Gallery

• Compare to Wednesday’s woodblock + Shibori lessons
• Explore the replica kawaii Tokyo apartment

🐟 Explore the Koi Pond

 

Connect to Monday’s nature themes

 

📸 PhotoPass in the Gardens

🎆 Fireworks from the Balcony

🍱 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

🎢 End-of-Day Treat

 

Ride Guardians of the Galaxy