Japan

Geography

Japan is a small country composed of several islands. The country is located above an intersection of 4 tectonic plates. Due to this location, Japan experiences many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

American birth-rates

Child rearingFamilies are very close. Most often

grandparents will continue to live with the family.

While the children are still young, many families will live in small apartments. When the children get older the family will move to a larger place.

It is the mother’s job to take care of the children’s schooling .

Japanese children are “spoiled” more than American children. This is because Americans are more independent and raise their child to be independent as well.

Student

DietJapanese live longer because of their healthy

dietThey eat smaller portionsRice is eaten with no butter or oilWide variety of vegetablesFishSoyFruits are considered dessertWhen they eat what we consider to be dessert

It’s in smaller portions

Japanese cuisine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6BHBQc5EvA

National ObservancesNew Years –January 3rdValentine’s Day – February 14th

Women give chocolate to the menHina Matsuri—March 3rd

Set dolls out to give good luck to young girlsChristmas—December 25th

Decorations are the same as here, but Christmas trees are rare

Shichi-Go-San Festival—November 15th

Take young children to the Shinto shrine to give thanks and ask for blessings

ReligionShinto

“The way of the Gods”Humans become Shinto gods, called Kami after

they dieWorship at shrinesShinto priests perform rituals

BuddhismBuddha- “The Awakened One”MeditationCeremoniesEthical conduct

Classroom etiquette

Males will rub the back of their head or tilt their head and suck air through their teeth to symbolize that they don’t know the answer.

10 things teachers should know1) To say hello…

Ohaiyogozaimasu (oh-hi-yo-go-zai-mahs)- Good morningKonnichiwa (Ko-nee-chee-wa)- Good afternoonKonbanwa (kohn-ban-wa)- Good eveningSayonara (sai-yon-nah-rah)- Good-bye2) To beckon someone hold hand palm down and move hand

up and down and the wrist. Do not beckon a superior.3) Instead of pointing to yourself in general or to the chest as

we may do, the Japanese will touch their noses to symbolize themselves. This may also mean, “Who me?”

4) To hold the palm up and do this motion would mean come here in America, however this gesture is rude in Japan

10 things teachers should know5) Japanese students must bow to the teacher

before school begins6)The gestures for “yes” and “no” are the opposite

of what we use. For yes they shake their head side to side and for no they nod their head up and down.

7) Please translated is…Onegai shimasu. (oh-neh-gigh shee-moss)

8) Thank you is…Dōmo arigatō. (doh-moh ah-ree-GAH-toh)

9) Yes is… Hai (HIGH)10)No is…Iie. (EE-eh)

Japanese bowing

Beckoning cat

Tomizawa

Referenceshttp://www.frcblog.com/images/america_birth

rates.jpghttp://www.teach-esl-to-kids.com/images/

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