Japanese Teacher Resources

This educational resource kit introduces children to
トナカイ
“Tonakai”
Reindeer

If you travel to Hokkaido, you can visit the Horonobe Reindeer Farm. A tourist farm specialising in breeding reindeer, that were originally imported from Finland – the home of Christmas.>

The reindeer are called “tunakai” in Ainu language.
“Tunakai” = “Tonakai”

This educational resource kit introduces children to
のりもの
“Norimono”
Vehicles

There are four major transport systems in Japan – Rail, Road, Air and Marine.
At the forefront of all four transportation systems in Japan, is the Honda Motor Company.

The history and vision of the Honda Motor Company, and perhaps the future of transportation globally, is captured in this quote from Steve Morikawa –
“Everything starts with an idea or a dream or a thought. What goes on from there, where we take it — that’s really the Power of Dreams”.

This educational resource kit introduces children to
ひのまる
“Hinomaru”

 Hinomaru means “circle of the sun”, and is the National Flag of Japan.

The circular shape and red colour of Hinomaru, is associated with the sun goddess Amaterasu – the mythical ancestor of the Japanese Imperial family.

This educational resource kit introduces children to
やよい くさま
“Yayoi Kusama”

 A Japanese artist, who is also known as the ‘Princess of Polka dots’.

Although she makes several types of art – paintings, sculptures, performances, and installations,
they have one thing in common…DOTS!

This educational resource kit introduces children to
なつ
“Natsu”

Summer

Every year during Natsu/Summer, Hanabi festivals are celebrated in Japan.
Hanabi is the Japanese word for “fireworks”.
Hanabi literally translates as “fire flower”.
Hanabi is considered to be the epitome of Natsu/Summer.

This educational resource kit introduces children to
へびどし
“Hebi Doshi”

 Year of the Snake.

Many people believe that the zodiac animal affiliated with the year in which you were born, offers unique insights to your personality type, character traits and destiny. “Snakes have a deep and complex mind, but if they love, they love with their entire heart.”

This educational resource kit introduces children to
こんにちは と さようなら
“Konnichi wa & Sayōnara”

 Hello & Goodbye.

Greetings serve as the foundation for establishing connections and building relationships with others.

In learning to greet one another, children develop important verbal and non-verbal communication skills.

Teaching greetings to our little language learners, can create a positive classroom culture
where everyone feels included and respected.

This educational resource kit introduces children to
かつしか ほくさい
Katsushika Hokusai – Japanese Artist

Painted by Katsushika Hokusai, a Japanese ukiyo-e artist, this famous woodblock print is commonly known as “The Great Wave Off Kanagawa” or simply “The Great Wave”. Yet the title appearing on the original print is “Kanagawa oki nami ura”, which translates as “Under the Wave off Kanagawa”!

This incredible artwork, the world’s first viral image – instantly recognisable, transcending language and culture, is the ultimate emblem of Japanese art.

This educational resource kit introduces children to
あき
“Aki”
Autumn

In Japan, red dragonflies are associated with the Autumn season.

Dragonflies (Tonbo) are also considered symbols of courage, strength, and happiness.

This educational resource kit introduces children to
ひなまつり
“Hinamatsuri”

Girls’ Day, Doll Festival or Peach Festival, is celebrated annually on March 3rd.

Families gather to celebrate and pray for their daughters’ health, happiness and prosperity.

Hinamatsuri is renowned for intricately, handcrafted ornamental doll displays; customary showpieces in homes, shopping malls, museums, temples and shrines.

This educational resource kit introduces children to
七五三
“Shichi-Go-San”

 Japan’s traditional festival celebrating girls aged 7, boys aged 5, and boys and girls who are 3 years old.

Shichi-Go-San reflects Japan’s deep-rooted reverence for family, tradition, and the passage of time by bringing loved ones together to honour the precious journey of childhood and express hopes for a bright future.