By: Vivian Stein

Location and Climate• Japan is an island nation that is located East of Asia. • Japan consists of almost 7,000 different islands.– Hokkaido – Honshu– Shihkoku– Kyushu

• Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan.

• Tokyo is the capital

Population and Land• Over 1500 volcanoes are in Japan, so earthquakes

are very common occurrences.• Japans weather is warm humid summers and mild

winters. • Has a population of 127 million people – 98.5% Japanese – .5% Korean – .4% Chinese - .5% Other

Customs and Traditions• Addressing someone with a bow is a form or

respect. • Table manners are crucial• Do not say “no” when offered a drink. • An empty plate is the desire for more food. • Do not use the number 4, it is seen as the death

number.• In Japanese restaurants, you receive a small wet

cloth to wash your hands before eating. • Tipping in a restaurant is insulting.

Customs and Traditions• Japanese ask very personal questions. • A person’s given name is not used unless it is between

loved ones.• It is impolite to introduce yourself. Wait to have

someone introduce you• Items are usually handed with two hands. • Use the suffix “san” and “sama.” • Punctuality is crucial• “Maybe” usually just means “no.” • Waving a hand is used instead of saying “no”• Cherry Blossoms are their national flower.• Parties are thrown when they start to bloom.

Customs and Traditions• Remove shoes before entering a home, put on a pair

of slippers at the door. • They wear masks often prevent the spread of diseases. • Elders are served first and drinks are poured for them.• Non verbal cues are extremely important. – Posture – Tone of voice – Avoid touching, it is considered vulgar to show affection in

public. – Eye Contact is rude when meeting someone. – Do not beckon with your forefinger, extend the arm with

wrist down.

Public Bathing • Bathing in public is very

common in Japan. • The bath water is remained

clean as possible, so one usually must shower before coming to the public bath.

• No clothes are allowed in the baths.

• Used mainly for rest and relaxation

Religion • Religion in Japan is not overly

important but the customs and rituals are practiced most on holidays.

• 2 main religions in Japan. – Shintoism- “Way of the Gods” • 5 millions followers • Believe in spiritual powers in nature • Sprits called “Kami” live in animals,

people, nature and the dead – Buddhism

Stereotypes and TaboosAll Japanese…

• Only eat Sushi and raw food

• Watch Anime • Everything is expensive • High-tech. • Always smart• Just make cars• Are short and skinny • Male dominated • Suicidal

• Sumos, samurais and ninjas

• Competitive • Superior to other

Asians • Push children to hard in

school• Taking pictures have

acting “touristy” in another country

Japanese Education • Japan has one of the largest education systems in Asia. • The school year is 240 days (60 more than American) • School day is Monday-Saturday• Japanese students are told to put all their effort in their school

world. • School begins in April of 1st grade. • All students are required to study English along with their other

subjects • Schooling years are divided into 4 parts– 6 years of primary (elementary school level)– 3 years of junior high school (middle school level)– 3 years of high school (must pay tuition)– 2-4 years of university (must pay tuition)

Japanese Classrooms • The curriculum in Japan is nationwide – Subjects include the basics and homemaking, arts, music, moral

education and handcrafts– Most of the school day is used in music, fine art and physical

education– Moral education is held about once a week to help create a

“whole person” • In a typical Japanese classroom, there are approximately 40 students.• Students usually have a specific time during the day where they clean

the halls, classroom and the campus. • Students eat their lunch in the classroom not in a cafeteria. • Most high schools require a uniform• Tuition needs to be paid for high school and is not mandatory.

Student Needs • Most Japanese students were

required to learn English in Japan, but when entering the school more will need to be provided.

• Students are required to take off their shoes in the classroom as a sign of respect

• Answering out and raising a hand is seen as disrespectful, so students will want to be called on.

• Students will put all there effort into school work, and less in home life.

Strategies • Just like any classroom, separating into smaller groups to have

more one-on-one time with the student. • Suggest an ELL class to help with tests • Keep a weekly relationship with the parent to encourage family

help at home. The parent also expects a lot from the student, so try not to report with bad grades as much as good.

• Encourage the child it is ok to participate without being called on.

• Personal questions are common in Japan, if this happens explain nicely that you are uncomfortable in answering those questions. Give them examples of other questions they may ask.

• Students in Japan clean their rooms, halls, and the campus. So create jobs each student can do to show responsibility

Japanese in our Area

• The Asian population on long island has increased almost 50% from 2010. –Nassau County- 102,00– Suffolk County- 51,000–Hempstead- Over 70,000 –Hicksville- 41,500• The Long Island Japanese Culture Center is

located in Port Washington