ABC Bookof Japanese Culture

Click on each picture to see a video or a game.

Ais for Asia.

The earth has 7 continents including Asia. Japan is part of the continent of Asia. Match up the islands in the Japan Puzzle.

Bis for bamboo.

Bamboo grows in the forests of Japan.

is for chopsticks.

Most Japanese eat with chopsticks.

C

is for dragonfly,

the Japanese symbol for success, strength

and happiness.

D

is for Emperor.

Emperor Akihito is the leader of Japan. He lives with his wife, Empress Michiko, and his family in a beautiful palace in Tokyo.

E

Fis for flag.

The flag of Japan is easy to draw. The red circle represents

the rising sun.

Gis for Geisha.

A Geisha is an entertainer. She sings, plays instruments, and serves meals to her guests. She wears white makeup and a traditionalkimono.

His for Hanami.

It celebrates the blooming of the Cherry Blossom trees.

Iis for islands.

Japan has many islands.

Jis for Jinja.

A Jinja is a Japanese shrine.

Kis for koi fish.

Japanese koi fish are symbols of strength and power because they often lift their entire body up and jump out of the water.

Lis for lantern.

Paper lanterns are hung outside a store.

Mis for Mount Fuji.

It is the tallest mountain in Japan.

Nis for New Year’s Celebration.

To celebrate the New Year, the Japanese give gifts like this hand-made card.

Ois for origami.

It is the Japanese art of folding paper.

Pis for pagoda.

There are many beautiful pagodas in Japan. They have three or more levels and were built close to Buddhist temples.

is for quince.

A quince is a Japanese flower.

Q

Ris for religion.

Buddhism is the major religion in Japan.

Sis Sumo Wrestler.

Sumo is a Japanese style of wrestling and Japan's national sport. Each wrestling match lasts only a few seconds.

Tis for Tokyo.

Tokyo is Japan’s largest city.

Uis for uniforms.

Most Japanese students wear uniforms. Their school day is

much longer than ours.

Vis for volcano.

The islands were formed by volcanoes.

Wis for wooden dolls.

Kokeshi dolls are carved from bamboo wood.

Xis not a letter in Japanese.

The Japanese use characters instead of letters. Each one makes a different sound. These characters are called the Kanji. Students must learn 1,945 characters, but we learn only 26 letters.

is for yen.

Japanese money is called yen.

Y

is for zen garden.

The Japanese use the gardens to relax and meditate.

Z

ABC Bookof Japanese Culture

Click on each picture to see a video.