Japan-in-a-Suitcase

Give your students an authentic taste of Japan. Japan‑in‑a‑Suitcase is an onsite educational program that gives elementary school students a chance to experience Japanese culture, customs, and contemporary life. Choose among four topics — each aligned to grade-level TEKS — that will ignite your students’ curiosity and open their minds and hearts.

Virtual presentations are now available for only selected classes.

“We really enjoyed having you and the wonderful presentation on Japan. Our students are still talking about it…We want to include this for next year. At lunch yesterday, the students experienced eating with chopsticks. Some of them did quite well! Even our principal received instructions on chopsticks from the participants. It was a fun conclusion to our introduction to Japanese culture.”

-Dallas teacher

Book Your Presentation HERE!

Kamishibai: Japanese Storytelling

All Grades

* Virtual presentation available

How did one-inch boy save a princess? Presentation includes an engaging Japanese folktale with picture cards, cotton kimono demonstration, plus origami activity.

Kids’ Arts in Japan: Origami and Calligraphy

3rd – 5th Grade

*Virtual presentation available

How does a flat piece of paper become a three-dimensional animal? Can a single word be a work of art? Students will learn the history of ancient art forms that are popular with children in Japan even today. They will make their own origami creations and write Japanese calligraphy with a brush pen.

School Life in Japan

3rd – 5th Grade

*Virtual presentation available

Who cleans Japanese schools? Why isn’t there a cafeteria in most schools? Students will discover the answers to these questions and more through a presentation of Japanese school items. They will learn to count to ten and write simple Japanese “letters”.

Daily Life in Japan

3rd – 5th Grade

*Virtual presentation available

Why do Japanese leave their shoes at the door? If there are no beds in a Japanese house, where do people sleep? Students will learn about Japanese homes, food, entertainment, and money. They will practice Japanese manners and create an origami chopstick holder.

guidelines

  • Presentation Length: 50 minutes
  • Maximum 30 students per presentation
  • Maximum of 2 presentations per day
  • Available Times: 9am – 2pm (Mon-Fri, except holidays)
  • Fee:
    • School Pricing: $70 (On-Campus), $50 (Virtual)
    • Other Org./Group Pricing: Please contact us.
  • Teacher must be present at all times during the presentation
  • To request Customized Presentations, please contact us

Content

All presentations include:

  • Introduction to Japan’s geography
  • Basic Japanese words & greetings
  • Oral presentation with photos & objects
  • Hands-on activity
  • Teacher resource materials

Learning Partners

Japan-in-a-Suitcase is an approved program of Learning Partners – A  Program of Big Thought, a nationally recognized collaboration that provides high-quality arts and cultural activities to all Dallas Independent School District elementary students each year.

Presenter

Hiromi

Hiromi joined JASDFW as the Japan-in-a-Suitcase Coordinator in May 2022. Through her experience of studying in different countries (Australia, Portugal, and Brazil) in college, she has found joy in cultural exchange and language learning. She has been an active volunteer member in community organizations and the Society to promote cross-cultural understanding. She graduated with associated degree in English Literature and Business English. She speaks Japanese, English, and Portuguese. 

Japan-in-a-Suitcase programs are supported through Toyota Motor North America’s contributions to AAPI organizations.