The Japanese Missions to Tang China, 7th-9th Centuries
From 630 to 894, the Japanese court sent a number of official envoys to Tang China. These missions profoundly affected Japan's government, economics, culture and religion. This essay helps clarify how cultural interaction between Japan and China worked during this early era -- an essential element for understanding and teaching East Asian history in the 7th-9th centuries.
Is that really funny? – humor and identity in Japan and China
Cambridge University historian Barak Kushner looks at how to use the humor to understand how Japan and China have understood one another. Includes references to good primary sources.
Japan's Forests: Good Days and Bad --Rhythms of Damage and Recovery -
Japan historian Conrad Totman provides an overview of Japanese history from the viewpoint of the relation between humans and forests. This view of history incorporates the relationship between environmental, political, technological, and economic history.premodern Japan
What's the Matter with Saying 'The Orient'?
Yale professor Chris Hill argues against using terms like "the Orient" and "the Far East" and offers suggestions for alternatives.
The British Isles and Japanese Archipelago: A Comparison of Environmental Basics
Japan Historian Conrad Totman explores the ramifications of the environmental similarities and differences between the Japanese archipelago and the British Isles.
Rice: A Major Force in Japan's History--The Basic Mechanics--
Why do societies that practice rice cultivation tend to be densely settled and complexly organized? Conrad Totman, Professor of Japanese History at Yale University (Emeritus) responds to this question with an accessible overview of the history of and mechanics behind rice cultivation in Japan.
From Sukiyaki to Hip-Hop: A Guide to Teaching Japanese Popular Music
Professor Ian Condry uses popular Japanese music to start a conversation about cultural identity and cross-cultural influences. He offers specific examples and gives links to music videos and translations of lyrics.
Teaching Anime: Exploring a Transnational and Transmedia Movement
Cultural anthropologist Ian Condry explores the variety of ways anime can be used as a teaching tool.
The ABCs of the U.S.-Japan Relationship: Alliance, Business, and Culture
Michael Auslin of the American Enterprise Institute analyzes the complex relationship between Japan and the United States, using the "simple ABC's" of Alliance, Business, and Culture.
O-Bento
Professor Merry White gives an introduction of the history and cultural significance of the o-bento, or Japanese lunch box. She includes recipes and an o-bento song for preschoolers.
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