Japan
Japanese Americans
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is observed each May to recognize the history, culture, and contributions of Asian Pacific Americans.
As part of this recognition, Infoplease offers a brief overview of the forced removal and incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. On February 19, 1942, shortly after the U.S. entered the war, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066. This order authorized the forced removal of approximately 120,000 Japanese Americans-two-thirds of whom were U.S. citizens-from their homes and communities and their incarceration in one of ten concentration camps located in California, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Wyoming, Colorado, and Arkansas.
Although the Axis powers included Japan, Germany, and Italy, only Japanese Americans were subjected to mass incarceration. Americans of German and Italian descent were not removed in similar numbers or with the same sweeping, race-based policies.
Most of those incarcerated-about 110,000 people-were deemed national security threats, yet the majority were children, teenagers, or young adults who were not even old enough to vote.
CNN Student News lesson titled “The Secret Story” on the Japanese American incarceration during World War II. It includes an abridged reading selection, discussion questions, vocabulary, and activities.
The National Register of Historic Places promotes awareness of the historic contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander communities in the U.S. and its territories. You can also read more about Japanese American incarceration and explore this National Park Service lesson: “The War Concentration Camps of World War II: When Fear Was Stronger Than Justice.”
Book Suggestions
The Bracelet, by Yoshiko Uchida
I came across this poignant book at a local bookstore, and it led to important conversations with my young daughter about my mother’s experiences in concentration camps during her teenage years. My mother’s family, along with many others, was forcibly relocated to these camps. My Auntie Mae was on the verge of graduating high school when they were interned. It provides insight into the lives of Japanese American children during this difficult time.
Emi and 120,000 other Japanese Americans (80,000 of them citizens) were sent to detention centers due to their ethnic heritage by the U.S. government; their rights were abrogated – just stripped away .
The field of Asian American children’s literature includes many wonderful books – poetically written and exquisitely illustrated.
So Far from the Sea, by Eve Bunting From School Library Journal-…art and text invite a new generation of Americans to remember that things can go terribly wrong when fear and hysteria prevail.
Bonsai
Make your own Bonsai craft. Although Bonsai first appeared in China, it was not until the 1100’s in Japan that the art of Bonsai was developed. Bonsai is the combination of plant and container.
Make Your Own Bonsai: Although Bonsai originated in China, it was in Japan during the 1100s that the art of Bonsai truly developed. This art form combines a plant and a container to create miniature trees. Learn more about Bonsai, the basic info, types, and tools used and try making your own mini tree!
Crafts
Tammy Yee’s Origami Page easy paper folding crafts for children.
Easy Origami Step-by-Step Instructions
Joseph Wu’s Origami Page Explanation of Basic Folds, step-by-step instructions and collections of origami.
Learn Japanese
Fast & Fun: Japanese Pronunciation guide, pull-out bilingual dictionary and vocabulary cards give you added practice with words and phrases.
Kids Web Japan Language Learn basic phrases that people use every day. You can practice them yourself after hearing how they’re pronounced.
Duolingo Japanese https://www.duolingo.com/course/ja/en/Learn-Japanese
Coto Academy suggests Top 5 Spotify Podcasts for Japanese Listening Practice and Learning Japanese
Learn Japanese with JapanesePod101.com
https://www.youtube.com/@JapanesePod101
Lesson Plans
Manyogana is an ancient form of Japanese kana which uses Chinese characters to represent Japanese sounds.
National Clearinghouse for U.S.-Japan Studies provide annotated lists of recommended Web sites about Japan arranged by topic.
Zoom School Japan An online elementary-school classroom featuring engaging subject links related to geography, science, stories, history, crafts, animals, art, time, and games. Each topic is designed to complement our Japanese theme.
Poems
Students learn the syllable structure and mood of haiku poems by comparing the serenity of the autumn months with the peaceful rhythms of haiku poetry.
A Journey To Japan Through Poetry.
Recipes
Japanese Cookbook for KidsThis colorful, easy-to-use site introduces children to traditional Japanese foods and how they’re eaten. It includes simple recipes, cultural notes, and tips on Japanese table manners—perfect for homeschool lessons, cooking projects, or exploring world cultures through food.