Unit: Japan, 1945 to the Present
Grade Level: SecondarySubject Area: Social Studies
These lessons deal with the broad changes--politically, economically, and socially--that occurred in Japan from the occupation through the "Lost Decade" during the 1990s. This trajectory is of particular interest in light of the current economic crisis facing the world.
Lesson: The Political Economy of High-Growth-Era Japan
Grade Level: SecondarySubject Area: Social Studies
This lesson explores the possible causes of Japan's rapid economic growth from the 1950s to the 1970s and asks students to analyze the extent to which this "miracle" economy was a uniquely Japanese phenomenon.
Lesson: The Occupation of Japan and Democratic Reform
Grade Level: SecondarySubject Area: Social Studies
This lesson uses source material, photos, and informational text to discuss the roles the United States and Japan played in shaping the character of postwar Japan.
Lesson: Nature and the Environment in Postwar Japan
Grade Level: SecondarySubject Area: English and Language Arts,Social Studies
Modern Japan has a particularly fascinating relationship with the environment. Students will explore Japan's seemingly contradictory attitude and actions, characterized both by a profound, self-proclaimed respect for nature along with a proclivity to exploit and degrade the natural environment. Students will use a variety of sources including informational texts, poetry, and traditional and modern art to explore this paradox. They also will evaluate the government's response and the social reprecussions.
Lesson: Living Efficiently: Daily Energy-Saving Practices from Totoro and Today
Grade Level: Elementary,SecondarySubject Area: Science & Environmental Science
Hayao Miyazaki's much beloved film, My Neighbor Totoro, is used to spark discussion about daily energy-saving practices.
Lesson: Popular Culture and Japan’s Gross National Cool
Grade Level: SecondarySubject Area: Social Studies
Modern Japan's pop culture, from Hello Kitty to Wii, has been successfully exported worldwide. This lesson explores the varied roots of these cultural trends and their significance in a global context.
Lesson: The Bubble Economy and the Lost Decade
Grade Level: Secondary,Post-SecondarySubject Area: English and Language Arts,Social Studies
This lesson uses well-know editorials, speeches, and poems to explore the Japanese reaction to the Bubble Economy and Lost Decade.
Lesson: Japan in the World Since 1945
Grade Level: SecondarySubject Area: Social Studies
This lesson explores Japan's politics after the Allied Occupation, in particular the close but conflicted relationship with the United States, the sometimes strained relations with China and South Korea, and Japan's military policy.
Lesson: Community Identity?
Grade Level: Elementary,SecondarySubject Area: Visual & Performing Arts
By comparing "The Boxing Papers (Shinohara B)" by Kunie Sugiura and a scene from "Boxing Painting" by Ushio Shinohara, students will expand their knowlege of different artistic techniques while analyzing the concept of "community."
Lesson: Defining "Home"
Grade Level: Elementary,SecondarySubject Area: Visual & Performing Arts
"Rocking Chair and Window" by Mayumi Terada and "Untitled" by Satoru Eguchi are used as a basis to start discussion about the definition of "home."
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