Transcript スライド 1 - Japanese Teaching Ideas

Japan Facts
Facts
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Full name: Japan
Population: 127.9 million (UN, 2008)
 Capital: Tokyo
 Area: 377,864 sq km (145,894 sq miles)
 Major language: Japanese
 Major religions: Shintoism, Buddhism
 Life expectancy: 79 years (men), 86 years (women) (UN)
 Monetary unit: yen
 Main exports: Vehicles, computer parts, chemicals,
scientific instruments and watches
 Internet domain: .jp
 International dialing code: +81
Leaders
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Head of state:
Emperor Akihito
Akihito succeeded his
father, Hirohito, in 1989.
Under the 1947
constitution, Japan's
emperors have a purely
ceremonial role.

Prime minister:
Yoshihiko Noda
 Mr. Noda is a
member of the
Democratic Party of
Japan.
Shrines, temples, gardens
Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines are everywhere in
Japan. Many date back well over 1000years. Shinto, is
an ancient “religion” unique to Japan, with emphasis on
ancestor worship and harmony with the natural world.
Nature, rural landscapes
Food
In Japan, especially in large cities, cuisines from all over the world can
be enjoyed. But the Japanese cuisine is a world of diversity – from
“Kaiseki ryori” full-course dinners at upper class restaurant, to the well
known “sushi”,“tempra” and “sukiyaki”, and on to the even more popular
“soba” and “ramen” noodles.
Festivals, events
Japan cerebrates its own festivals and events in response to the
transition of the four seasons. Many festivals (matsuri) have their origin
in Shinto and Buddhism.
Traditional arts, culture
Japan has a rich culture. Some of the more popular traditional arts
include Sumo wrestling, Ikebana (flower arranging), the Japanese tea
ceremony, and Kabuki theatre (stage shows where actors wear masks).
Traditional arts, culture
Architecture
Where is the world’s oldest wooden structure and where is the largest?
You guessed it, they are both in Japan! The former is the Horyuji
temple (built in 607) and the latter is the Todaiji temple (reconstructed
in 1709 and is 57 meters tall).