Summer Homeschooling - Japan Week

These lessons will continue into “Living with Totoro” Week.

Welcome to Japan Week! This week, we’re going to explore Japan as both a place and an idea — a country shaped by islands, nature, tradition, and constant change. We’ll start with ancient Japan and move forward to modern culture, learning how beliefs like Buddhism and Shinto shaped daily life, how art and poetry taught people to notice small moments, and how food, clothing, and craftsmanship became forms of storytelling. We’ll look at how Japan balances beauty and discipline, technology and tradition, and even how pop culture like anime and Godzilla grew out of real history. By the end of the week, you won’t just recognize Japanese culture — you’ll understand how its history, values, and creativity connect together.

Warm Up:

• Raijo Taiso: daily 3-minute, 13-movement routine used for health, balance, and community. 
• Taikyoku (Tai Chi) - for relaxation and mental health.

Holiday to Celebrate: Tanabata (Star Festival): July 7^th - People write their wishes on strips of poetry paper of various colors, hang them off bamboo leaves, and then decorate their gardens with them.

Books to get from the library on Saturday:

• 📚 Tales from Japan
• 📚 The Crane Girl by Curtis Manley
• 📚 Night of the Ninjas (Magic Tree House #5)
• 📚 Dragon of the Red Dawn (Magic Tree House #37)
• 📚 Ninjas & Samurai (Magic Tree House Fact Tracker #30)
• 📚 Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr
• 📚 Life as a Ninja (You Choose Series) by Matt Doeden
• 📚 I Survived the Japanese Tsunami by Lauren Tarshis
• 📚 The Boy in the Garden by Allen Say

MONDAY — Welcome to Japan

Discussion: 

• “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?”

Geography:

• Locate Japan on a world map or globe
• Map labeling — major islands, Tokyo, Kyoto, Hokkaido, Okinawa, 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.

Biology: Map the Migration of Sea Turtles (sacred in Japanese folklore) - Kids trace the path on a world map, mark distances, and note why Japan is important in the cycle.

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?”

ELA:

• Simple greetings (konnichiwa, arigato, ohayo); why do Japanese use three writing systems?
• Hiragana basics
• Read haiku by Issa & Basho
• 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

• Traditional home items, fung shui; do we have good fung shui in our home?
• Eating and sleeping on the floor – dates back to the 17^th century, rooms served various purposes by day and night, warm air rises; sitting on the floor reflects a sense of modesty and humility, shows respect for others at the table, minimalism, Japanese homes traditionally have very little furniture, creating clean, open spaces that instill calm and reduce stress (nature and simplicity, simple living without excess possessions).

Lunch: Bento-style meal eaten on the floor.

5. Art Block

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?”

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

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
• Mini mindfulness exercise
• 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 – explore how samurai shaped culture
• Ninjas - What's the difference between ninjas and spies?
• Sumo

“Which role would be hardest: samurai, ninja, or sumo — and why?”

Activities:

• Practice DojoGo! (movement-based martial arts learning) - Dragon Ball Z, Godzilla vs. Kong
• “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.

Activity: Kids design their own kimono pattern sheet (waves, cranes, pine branches, mountains) “What symbols would you put on clothing that represents your personality?”

5. Art Block

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.

Activity: Listen to “November Steps.” Create a “mood color chart” inspired by the sound. Kids sketch what they "hear" in colors and shapes. “What emotions or images do you hear in the music?”

WEDNESDAY — Arts of Japan

1. Japanese Aesthetic Principles

Japanese art focuses on simplicity, space, and appreciating the imperfect.

Teach:

• Wabi-sabi (beauty in imperfection)

·         Bonsai tree – the art of cultivating miniature trees, is a deeply respected tradition in Japanese culture, symbolizing harmony between nature and humanity, patience, and refined artistic beauty. Rooted in Zen Buddhism, these trees embody the aesthetic of wabi-sabi, serving as meditative, living art forms that represent longevity and balance.

• 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.

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.

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

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. Each meal is supposed to be a gift to the consumer. Watch The Ramen Girl.

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

FRIDAY — Modern Japan: Anime, Pop Culture, History, Kawaii Design

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:

• 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
• Kawaii self-portrait
• Clay "Mochi creature"

Evening Movie:🎬 Howl’s Moving Castle

SATURDAY — EPCOT FIELD TRIP: Japan Pavilion Day

A seamless extension of the week — everything we 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

🎨 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