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 Taboos All 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 1 st 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 – 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