Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to appreciate and understand Japanese culture through visual arts.

Materials and Prep

• White paper
• Colored pencils or markers
• Reference materials about Japanese culture (books, websites, etc.)
• Access to a computer or tablet for research

Before starting the lesson, familiarize yourself with basic Japanese cultural elements such as traditional clothing, architecture, and art forms like calligraphy and origami.

Activities

1. Create a Japanese-inspired artwork:

   • Choose a Japanese cultural element that interests you, such as a cherry blossom tree or a traditional kimono.
   • Using your colored pencils or markers, create a drawing or painting that represents your chosen cultural element.
   • Pay attention to details and try to incorporate traditional Japanese art techniques like simplicity, asymmetry, and natural inspiration.

2. Research and write about Japanese art forms:

   • Use your computer or tablet to research different Japanese art forms like ukiyo-e prints, sumi-e painting, or manga.
   • Write a short paragraph about each art form, describing its characteristics and significance in Japanese culture.
   • Include images or sketches to illustrate your descriptions.

Seventh Grade Talking Points

• "Japan is a country in East Asia known for its rich cultural heritage."
• "Japanese visual arts reflect the country's traditions, beliefs, and values."
• "Traditional Japanese art forms often emphasize simplicity, asymmetry, and a connection to nature."
• "Ukiyo-e prints were popular in Japan during the Edo period and depicted scenes from everyday life, nature, and famous actors or warriors."
• "Sumi-e painting is a traditional Japanese ink painting technique that focuses on capturing the essence of an object or scene using minimal brushstrokes."
• "Manga is a popular Japanese art form that combines storytelling with illustrations, often characterized by its distinctive style and exaggerated emotions."