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Activity 21
Space and Behavior:  Living in Japan

Adapted from "Space and Behavior: A Class Simulation," in Spotlight on Japan: Continuity and Change.  New York: The American Forum for Global Education, 1994. pp 87-88

Grade Level

Secondary

Introduction

In any study of Japan and its culture, students must become aware of the significance of space in the life of the Japanese people.  Japan is a small geographic area within which a large population is concentrated.  This has had enormous social, personal and economic implications on the society.

Teacher/Student Objective

This simulation dramatically illustrates the effects of limited land resources upon the Japanese mentality.  The goal of this activity is to teach students to develop an appreciation for the relationship of people to their environment and the impact that each will have upon the other.  Using the Japanese example is instructive.  Using a simulation is an active means of exploring the strong link between space and behavior.

Gauging Student Understanding

The progress indicators cited reflect desirable end goals. Teachers should be prepared to use a wide variety of observational, testing and authentic achievement evaluation measures in judging the progress of students.

By undertaking a simulation which places the students in an actual cramped space, the students will prove to themselves that they are affected by the situation.  This should demonstrate to the students the reality of the Japanese example, and they will be able to generalize about the effect which the space limitation has upon people.

Suggested Materials

Prior to the beginning of class , the teacher will cluster the chairs/desks in as tight a space as possible, leaving access but little or no space between the chairs.  As students arrive to class the teacher will direct them to walk quickly and quietly to their chairs and sit down.  They should be admonished:Do not move the chairs!

Initial Data for Consideration and/or Process

Give the students about 10 minutes to acclimate to the situation (by pretending to so something important while they wait).  Then, ask them to take out a piece of writing paper and do three (3) minutes of "free writing" on the following topic:

"Sitting like this I feel...."

Encourage the students to be absolutely open and honest about their feelings.  When they have completed this, debrief and summarize their statements on the chalkboard or overhead projector.  Ask the students to summarize the statements.

While the chairs are still in close proximity, present the students with the following scenario.  Allow 15 minutes.

You have been growing up in an environment like this classroom.  Because space is at a premium, you and your family have had to adapt.  Work with two other people immediately next to you, and list as many ways as possible in which living in such a small area would impact on or change your lives.

Conduct a debriefing of these responses-again, record them on chalkboard or overhead transparency.  Explain to students that the Japanese generally live in cramped quarters according to American standards.  Rooms are measured in terms of tatami mat measures 3' x 6'.  The effects of living in close proximity to others has a profound impact on the Japanese people.  If possible, show pictures of Japanese homes, streets and communities.

As an assignment, ask the students to write a brief essay explaining how the personality and behavior of peoples who live in a country with abundant space and abundant resources would be different from that of Japan.

Other Possible Activities

Have the students take a cartoon strip from any Sunday newspaper, white out the balloons, and create a conversation between two people-one from Japan and one from a country such as the US-with the problem of space as the topic.

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