J a pa n
Name________________________________________________________Date_____________________________________
People and Culture
Japan is an archipelago made up of nearly 3,000 islands in the Pacific Ocean off the coast
of South Korea and Russia. These mountainous islands, symbolized by the imposing
snow-capped peak of Mt. Fuji, have very densely populated cities located along the
coastal plains. The main island, Honshu, is home to over 100 million people, mainly
concentrated in the sprawling capital of Tokyo. Once controlled by feudal warriors
known as samurai who defended their lands with shining, curved swords, modern-day
Japan is a constitutional monarchy and a world leader in scientific and technological
advancement.
Art and Music
Sea of Japan
North Pacific Ocean
JAPAN
Tokyo
East China Sea
A traditional Japanese instrument is the taiko, a drum played with large sticks. Originally
used in wartime to intimidate the enemy, today large ensembles of taiko drummers give
energetic, heart-pumping performances on stages around the world. Min’yo are Japanese
folk songs that are usually accompanied by taiko drums, a square-shaped lute called a shamisen, and a bamboo flute. Japanese
folk music tends to be monophonic, with simple, lilting melodies. These instruments can also be heard in Noh, a style of
Japanese theatre in which actors chant their lines along with musical accompaniment. The actors, wearing white masks and
elaborate costumes, act out dramas about Japanese warriors and aristocrats.
Language Lesson
Japanese is the national language of Japan. The language is usually
written in kanji, which are Chinese characters. Practice these useful
phrases to communicate with local Japanese.
Konnichiwa.Hello!
[kon-nee-chee-WAH]
Ogenki desuka?How are you?
[oh-GEN-kee dess-KAH?]
Watashi wa genki desu.I’m fine.
[wah-TAH-shee wah GEN-kee dess]
Domo arigato!Thank you!
[doh-moh ah-ree-GAH-toh]
Sayonara.Good-bye!
Trivia
Sumo wrestling is the national sport of Japan, but baseball and
martial arts such as judo and karate are also popular.
Japan is located in a geologically active area that makes the
country susceptible to earthquakes and tsunamis (large waves
caused by earthquakes).
Japanese companies are on the cutting edge of technological
development: Sony, Canon, Toyota, Honda, Mazda, and
Nintendo are all Japanese.
Quick Facts
Capital: Tokyo
Location: Pacific Ocean
Area: 146,000 sq. mi.
Climate: Temperate
Population: 127 million
Language: Japanese
Currency: Yen
Government:Constitutional Monarchy
Apply Your Knowledge!
Write your answers on the back or on a
separate sheet of paper.
1) What is a major landmark in Japan?
2) Who were the samurai?
3) What is a taiko and where can you hear it played
today?
4) Name three new things you learned about Japan
from reading this page.
Play a Japanese folk song on page 10 of Tradition of
Excellence, Book 1.
Worksheet written by Laurel Plapp, PhD, author and editor. © 2010 Kjos Music Press. This page authorized for duplication.