Chapter 3
Spotlight on Japan

Performance Objectives
Students will be able to:

• to list 5 images associated with cormorant fishing that the author finds beautiful.
• to evaluate what these images reveal about Japanese society.
• To compare the folk practices that appear in this diary entry, with those in their own culture.

Procedures:
Divide class into groups of four. Distribute Worksheet: Cormorant Fishing. Allow students 15 or 20 minutes to read and discuss the following questions. One person will act as the recorder for each group. Debrief groups and summarize answers on chalkboard.

• Describe the procedure used to catch the fish.
• Select five images that the author finds particularly beautiful.
• How does this traditional fishing practice show the Japanese respect for nature?
• Why does the author feel his experience would have been different in New York City?

Application

Evidence of folk practice occurs in this selection when the fishermen follow their centuries-old customs for catching fish.

• What customs can you think of in other countries that give evidence of folk practice?
• If you could go to Japan would you be interested in seeing this kind of fishing? Explain your answer.

In a three to four paragraph essay, argue that such traditions are or are not an important part of all or most cultures.