Spotlight On: Japan

Japan is a country rich with different art forms and traditions. Take some time to learn and practice these art forms with your students.

Begin with sourcing what your students know about Japan as a country with questions like: Where is it located? and What do you know about Japanese culture?

Once your students have a grounding of the country, introduce them to different Japanese art forms. Begin with kabuki, a UNESCO-recognized art form of dance theater. Take time to watch videos and research about where the art form originated and what it looks like today. Then, see if you can put some basic elements of the art form on their feet, so students can experience it in action.

Each week, learn about a different art form, like bunraku puppetry, the Suzuki method of acting or Japanese visual arts like origami. To culminate, reflect on which art form was your students’ favorite and how these Japanese art forms relate to and influence other art forms around the world.