Japan’s rich culture, vibrant traditions, and fascinating history offer endless opportunities for creative exploration, especially for young kids.
In this article, we've gathered a collection of creative printable activities designed to bring both modern and traditional Japanese culture to life for elementary students.
These activities are perfect for teachers looking to introduce young minds to the cultural wonders of the "Land of the Rising Sun".
Let's Create Sushi
Konnichi-wa! Have you had Japanese food before? Are your students adventurous eaters? Do you want to inspire them to try new food from another culture? Why not do a little activity to get them excited about... Sushi!
In this activity, your students will learn about what goes into a sushi, the different types of sushi and, for the more adventurous few, what it tastes like.
Bonsai: The Art of Patience
In this activity, your child will learn the ancient Japanese living art form called bonsai and through that gain a deeper understanding of the importance of patience in our lives. They will also be charting acts of patience in their daily lives and also design a little printable bonsai tree of their own.
Colours of Koi
In this activity, your students will learn about the history and interesting facts about the Japanese Koi fish or "nishikigoi". They will also design the patterns and colour their own koi fish on the printable worksheets.
Murakami Inspired Flower Arrangement
In this activity, your students will learn about the much celebrated Japanese contemporary artist, Takashi Murakami, his artistic style and the iconic smiling flower.
Create A Perfect Lunch Bento Box
In this activity, your child will learn about the bento (弁当) box and the different types of cuisines developed around the uniquely Japanese/Asian food container over the years. They will also be able to draw their own dream bento box on printables.
My Japanese Concert Fan (Uchiwa)
The Uchiwa (うちわ) is a traditional Japanese fan made from bamboo and paper. Originally from China, these handcrafted fans were used to create a breeze to keep cool during the summer months. Today, you will see the faces of famous Japanese and K-pop singers printed on these fans and handed out during concerts.
In this activity, your students will learn about the Japanese Uchiwa fan and draw their favourite music band on these traditional fans on the printable worksheets.
Conclusion
As children immerse themselves in these creative activities, they will not only have a lot of fun but also gain a deeper appreciation for Japan’s cultural heritage. Whether your child is crafting Japanese-inspired art or acquiring new vocabulary in the language, these printable resources open the doors to exploration and discovery.
We hope this collection kindles an enduring fascination with Japan and sparks more cultural adventures in the future!
