LESSON 2: CHINA & JAPAN

AIM: To what extent is Chinese civilization a major part of the Japanese culture?

IMPLEMENTATION:
1. Show photos and videotape of the Japan trip. Have the students count how many examples of Chinese influence on Japanese culture they could find. Students may pick up on the following:

a. street signs b. store signs c. subway signs d. subway map/city map e. restaurant menu f. Buddha's statutes

g. structure of temples in Japan h. students' works in Japanese schools (calligraphy) i. samples found in the Japanese museums (very old and famous Chinese books) j. kimonos

2. Question: Based on these observations, what conclusion can we make about the cultural relationship between China and Japan?
a. Chinese civilization has played a very important role in the development of Japanese culture.

(1) Writing system
(2) Religion
(3) Confucian Schooling
(4) Literature
(5) Architecture
(6) Daily Life

b. Question: What might be the reasons for this Chinese cultural influence on Japan?

3. When Japan was still in the stage of pre-history period, China had developed itself to be the most advanced country in East Asia, thus China became the natural source of cultural learning and borrowing for Japan. (During China's Han and Tang Dynasties, and the Taika Reform, AD 646)
a. Question: Did Japan just simply borrow everything from China, or did the Japanese make some adjustment to suit their needs?
b. Show two pairs of Chinese and Japanese chopsticks and have students find the differences between the two. Also show them samples of Japanese writing.

4. Japan has proved that it has open mind and attitude to foreign ideas. The Japanese also have an impressive record for adapting foreign culture and achievements to meet the needs of Japan.

5. Name some examples what Japan borrowed in modern history that has served greatly to the benefit of the well being of the Japanese people. Recount how many items your family owns that were made in Japan.
a. TV, VCR, DVD, Discman, Camera, Car, Watches… are some of the examples that Japanese technology was not developed first in Japan, but in the United States or other European industrial powers

SUMMARY:
1. Why does China have such a dominant role in the Japanese cultural development?
2. How important is Japan's geography in relationship to its ability of cultural borrowing through out its history?