Bullet trains in Japan travel up to 199 miles per hour!

Shutterstock.com 

Article Options

Presentation View
Teaching Resources

What's Up, World? Japan

Learn what life is like in this Asian nation. 

“Happy Constitution Day!” That’s what people in Japan might say on May 3 each year. Why? It’s a national holiday. On that day, Japanese people celebrate their constitution. That’s a special document that describes how a country’s government works. It lists the main laws and rights of the people.

Japan’s constitution is similar to the U.S. Constitution. Both documents set up democratic governments. That means people vote for leaders and laws. For example, in Japan a prime minister is elected to be the head of the government. That job has many responsibilities that are similar to the ones held by the U.S. president. 

Both documents also set up three branches, or parts, of government. In Japan, the lawmaking branch is led by a group of people known as the National Diet (DYE-eh-toh). In the U.S., that branch is led by Congress. 

Now that you know about Japan’s government, keep reading to find out more about this island nation!

Look At This!

A famous landmark near Tokyo is Mount Fuji (pictured, above). At 12,388 feet tall, it’s Japan’s highest mountain. It is also a volcano, though it hasn’t erupted since 1707. Many people consider Mount Fuji an important symbol of Japan. 

Fun and Games

Many people in Japan practice sports called karate and judo. In each, athletes use special moves to try to overpower their opponents. In judo, the idea is not to hurt the other person to win the match. Judo means “the gentle way” in Japanese. 

Paris Spellson/Alamy Stock Photo

Let's Eat!

Hungry? For Japanese kids, lunchtime often means a bento box. That’s a special box in which each section holds a different food. A typical bento box contains rice, fish, and vegetables. These boxes can be prepared at home or bought in stores. 

 Shutterstock.com 

Help Wanted

One interesting job in Japan is an oshiya, or professional people pusher! Japan’s trains are often packed with riders. An oshiya pushes people in to make sure the train doors can close. 

Steve Vidler/Alamy Stock Photo

Celebrate

Kids in Japan get their very own holiday. Children’s Day is celebrated each year on May 5. One way families celebrate is by flying banners or kites shaped like carp. In Japan, these fish represent strength and determination. 

 Shutterstock.com 

Carp kites

Map It Out

Japan is made up of more than 6,000 islands. But most of the country's people live on the four biggest islands. Find Tokyo on the map. On which Japanese island is this capital city located? 

Jim McMahon/Mapman®
  1. What is the main purpose of this article?
  2. How is the prime minister of Japan similar to the U.S. president?
  3. List three facts about Japan that you can learn from the map.
videos (1)
Skills Sheets (2)
Skills Sheets (2)
TEACHER SUPPORT (1)
Text-to-Speech