Join us as we learn about Japan for the May 2023 Global Children’s Book Club! This Japan virtual field trip is a perfect way to explore the world from home.
Be sure to check out the full 2023 Global Children’s Book Club reading list with a new country every other month. We’d love for you to follow along all year!
May/June 2023 Global Children’s Book Club Discussion Schedule
Wednesday, 5/3 (and then saved in IG highlights): Picture book read aloud on Instagram of Niki Nakayama: A Chef’s Tale in 13 Bites by Debbi Michiko Florence (Author), Jamie Michalak (Author), Yuko Jones (Illustrator)
Wednesday, 5/31: Chapter book discussion on Instagram of Jasmine Toguchi, Mochi Queen by Debbi Michiko Florence (Author), Elizabet Vukovic (Illustrator)
Wednesday, 6/7: Recipe cook along
Wednesday, 6/28: Chapter book discussion on Instagram of Jasmine Toguchi, Mochi Queen
Featured Japanese Recipe for Cook Along
Curry rice is the national dish of Japan. Here’s a vegetarian version of Japanese curry for our cook along.
Here’s another great Japanese food blog to check out!
Supplementary Activities & Videos to Learn About Japan
Here are a few activities and videos to learn about Japan. The purpose of this is to hear from those with Japanese heritage about their own culture, food, language, and more. I encourage you to also seek out many sources as you choose to learn about the history of the region.
Japanese Language Lesson: Greetings
Japan Map Coloring Page
Japan Flag
Check out this Flag of Japan coloring page!
Japan Craft Project
If you’re interested in doing a further project, consider making Tanzaku wish strips and an origami lantern while learning about Tanabata or the Japanese “Star Festival”!
Japanese Traditional Dance
“The origin of many Japanese folk dances have close connections with Buddhism as they might have originated from the dances performed by the nuns and monks as well as practitioners. Japan’s most popular dance is the bon Odori, performed during Obon, the Buddhist festival is in honour of one’s ancestors’ spirits.” (Source)
Traditional Japanese Folk Music
“Japanese folk music is known as min’yō – a compound word bringing together ‘min’ (folk, or the people) and ‘yō’ (song); it’s a word that’s also found in Chinese sources as far back as the 5th century. Many min’yō are connected to specific trades, whilst some accompanying dances are part of religious rituals. As with a lot of Western folk music, min’yō have a regional flavour, with each area of Japan having its own distinct genre.” (Source)
I hope you enjoyed learning a bit about Japan and its people during this month’s Global Children’s Book Club. Be sure to connect with us on Instagram for the read aloud, discussions, and cook along!
IF YOU LIKED THIS POST ABOUT JAPAN ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS, YOU MIGHT LIKE THESE POSTS TOO:
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