Not just a geography lesson, this unit will teach you about the culture, religions, and history of Japan. In this unit you will explore the holidays and customs and experience some cuisine from Japan.

Look for the answers to the following questions in this unit:

How did Japan get its name? What are the three types of volcanoes? How were the islands of Japan formed? Besides eating, what are some other uses for rice? Why is Japan known as "The Little Giant?" What is Japan’s most popular tree? Who are the Ainu people? What do Japanese sleep on? Why is Japan’s suicide rate so high? What are the three sacred objects of the Shinto faith? What is the sound of one hand clapping? Why did Christianity not do well in Japan? Why is downtown Tokyo known as the Concrete Jungle? What city did travelers return to bringing back Chinese ideas? How much damage did Japan’s large cities sustain during World War II? What country did Japan emulate? What were the emperor’s army called? Why did Japan close its doors to foreign trade? What is the biggest celebration in Japan? What does a Japanese garden look like? Why do most Japanese shop at the market every day?

Look for an update to this unit in 2008!