Nihon, The Country Of Japan

Monday (14/09/2009)

a) Common Phrases
Without my guidance, the kids tried speaking the Japanese words using phonics sound……..quite accurate… Among:
Good afternoon - Konnichiwa.
How are you? - Genki densu ka?
I’m fine. - Genki des.
I eat bread. - Watashiwa pan o tabemosu.
Excuse me. - Sirimase.
Please. - Dozo.
Thank you. - Arigato.
Japan, Japanese. - Nihon, Nihongo.

b) Geography
A country of about 3000 islands, Japan has 4 main islands namely: Honshu, Hokkaido, Shikoku and Kyushu.
It was believed it rose from the Pacific Ocean and thus, Japan is a mountain top. It is situated in an unstable crest of Earth whereby if faces about 1000 Earthquakes per year. It consists of mountains and volcanoes in most places. Besides that, it faces typhoons such as Tsunami. Therefore, kids in school are trained for “earthquake drill” whereby they have to wear helmets.
Fujiyama, the landmark of Japan is actually still an active volcano although scientists categorise it to be quite stable.

c) Economy
Due to its limited space for farming and residential area, japan has reclaimed land along its coast. Their government invested a lot in research and technology to produce high quality yield crops and effective machines to produce maximum harvest.
It produces 10% of world’s fish demand after China and Russia.
Its industrial is crucial whereby Japan produces the most cars and it is well-known for its user-friendly Asimo Robot.

d) History
Its native people were Ainu; pale looking people. Then, Asians migrated to Japan which form today’s Japanese. Lots of people were farmers. The Emperors had full control over Nihon. Then, the landlords; Shogun and Samurai defeated the Emperor. Buddhisme and Christians came in due to the influence of Portuguese and other countries. Shoguns closed their doors to the world and eventually The Emperor fought their way back to victory.
Japan became more powerful and started World War 1 and 2. After their lost due to the bombing of Hiroshima, the Americans controlled them. Fighting their way to be independent, the Japanese worked very hard to build up their country and to earn the respect from other countries.

e) Video Clips
*The kids watched some introduction to Japan. Among: kimonos, their cultures including paper fan, lanterns, sashimi and sushis, kites, the 4 seasons, The Blossom Flowers and also Sakuras (cherries). Bonsai, bridges, temples, castles, the religion of Shinto and Buddhisme and the world’s largest bridge called “The Akashi-Kaiyo Bridge”.