Japan in a Suitcase (JIAS) is a free program that teaches the concept of different perspectives to elementary school students. We visit classes and share Japanese artifacts such as an elementary school backpack (randoseru), textbooks, and yukata. We also bring photos of life in Japan and introduce basic Japanese greetings, gestures, and games.

JIAS is divided into three separate programs – JIAS I for kindergarten and grade 1, JIAS II for grades 2 and 3, and JIAS III for grades 4 and 5. Presentations range from 30 minutes to one hour. In each, students are encouraged to ask questions while they explore, gaining valuable lessons on critical thinking. They learn about similarities and differences between themselves and people in Japan, and are reminded throughout that “different” does not equal “wrong”.

Japan in a Suitcase I
Kindergarten & Grade 1
30 minutes

JIAS I is designed to teach the concept of different perspectives to students in kindergarten and grade 1 through easy to understand examples. We begin by teaching students simple Japanese greetings. Next we show enlarged photos of roads in Japan and the U.S. with people driving on opposite sides of the street as an example of something that is done differently in a different place. We then use puppets to demonstrate animal sounds in different countries, and teach various gestures used in Japan. Following these examples, we explore items in the suitcase with the students. Included are artifacts used by Japanese Elementary School children, such as a school backpack (randoseru), indoor shoes (uwabaki), and textbooks (kyoukashou).

Japan in a Suitcase II
Grades 2 & 3
45 minutes

JIAS II was developed in 2006 based on teacher feedback for students in grades 2 and 3. We begin by teaching students simple Japanese greetings. Next we show photos of McDonald’s restaurants around the world as an example of something they are familiar with which may not be quite the same elsewhere. Then students explore items from the suitcase and posters that reveal aspects of Japanese community, such as money and traditional clothing (yukata). Time allowing, we tell them that students in Japan also play the popular children’s game, Jan Ken Po, and have them try it with their classmates in the Japanese style.

Japan in a Suitcase III
Grades 4 & 5
1 hour

For students in grades 4 and 5, JIAS III uses more complex examples to teach and reinforce the concept of different perspectives learned in K-3. Following introductions and greetings, we compare a Japan-centered and a U.S.-centered world map to show that people see or depict things differently depending on where they are from. Students then have an opportunity to explore various school items (calligraphy set, P.E. uniforms and more) in small groups. Following this exploration period, each group presents their items to the class for further discussion. We end with a slideshow on school life in Japan, which helps to reinforce what they have just learned.

Teachers: Request forms for Japan in a Suitcase will be available online from September 10, 2007 through October 1, 2007. Presentations can be requested from October 15, 2007 through the end of the school year (June 5, 2008). The applications must be either faxed in or mailed to the Society. Due to overwhelming request numbers in past years, priority may be given to first-time schools. We thank you in advance for your patience.

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