Chapter 3
Spotlight on Japan

Performance Objectives
Students will be able to:

• list advantages and disadvantages of shopping in a major American department store
• compare and contrast Japanese and American department stores
• evaluate how the stores reflect the values of each society

Teacher Background

This lesson allows teachers to discuss some fundamental aspects of Japanese culture such as:

• The importance of maintaining proper behavior and image
• The art of beautiful presentation
• Japanese desire for luxury goods
• Young Japanese consumers want to spend not save
• Pride in Japanese heritage and culture Admiration and desire for Western goods
• Desire to please and the emphasis on discipline and loyalty

Procedures:
Create Chart 1 and divide into the three sections as indicated. Working in pairs, students complete chart. After 8-10 minutes, ask students to share findings.

Chart 1: U.S. (large) Department Stores :

• Advantages of shopping in a US department store
• Disadvantages of shopping in a US department store
• Suggestions for improving US department stores

Divide class into groups. Distribute Worksheet: Japanese Department Stores and allow 15 minutes to read, discuss and complete questions at end of reading. One person will act as the recorder for each group. Debrief groups and summarize answers on chalkboard.

Summary Questions

• Compare and contrast Japanese and American department stores.
• From what you have studied about Japan, how do the Japanese department stores reflect Japanese values?