As parents and educators, we play a critical role in encouraging and teaching students to find points of understanding and connection among diverse cultures. Through our At-Home Adventures through Asia series, Asia Society Texas Center aims to help parents and educators build a foundation for global learning and foster cultural empathy by sparking learner curiosity, contextualizing information, and sharing different perspectives. We invite you to join us on this adventure through the diverse cultures of Asia!

Start Your Adventure Here

Did you know that Asia has more people than all the other continents combined? That Hong Kong has over 300 skyscrapers? Introduce your adventurer to Asia with a 30-minute pre-departure orientation designed to build knowledge and excitement for their Adventure through Asia.

Parents, we've prepared presentation notes to help guide your adventurer on their journey. Download the notes »

Introduction to Asia:

Ready for Take-off!

Have you ever played Pokémon or read Manga? Or tried some yummy sushi? If so, you already know a little bit about our next stop, Japan! This week will take you through Japanese culture, where traditions meet modern life. For this adventure, you have a special tour guide, Ms. Nina Shimaguchi! She will teach you a lot of exciting things such as origami, language and writing systems, school life in Japan, and cherry blossoms.

Ms. Shimaguchi has spent almost two years at Asia Society Texas Center as a Japan Outreach Initiative coordinator. She is from Osaka and has promoted Japan's rich culture and traditions through presentations, activities, and events for all ages since fall 2018. Learn more about the Japan Outreach Initiative »

Parents, please download these notes to help inform your journey through Japan. Download the notes »

Day 1: The Adventure Begins!

Download: Introduction to Japan Worksheet | Coloring Sheet

Day 2: Cherry Blossom Activity

Download: Cherry Blossom Worksheet | Cherry Blossom Activity Template | Coloring Sheet

Day 3: School Life in Japan

Download: School Life in Japan Worksheet

Day 4: Writing Systems in Japan

Download: Writing System in Japan Worksheet | Character Practice Sheet 1, Sheet 2, and Sheet 3 | Sample Sheet Instructions and Sample 1, Sample 2, and Sample 3

Day 5: Origami!

Download: Origami Worksheet

Coming Soon...

Join us for more adventures through Asia! In coming weeks, explore India, Vietnam, and more.

If you missed our earlier journey through Korea, it's never too late!

Stay tuned to learn, have fun, and explore as we continue to present and produce videos, family activities, interactive webcasts, and more via #AsiaSocietyAtHome. Please share your thoughts and feedback via social media or email. Thank you for being part of this adventure!

Business and Policy programs are endowed by Huffington Foundation. We give special thanks to Bank of America, Muffet Blake, Anne and Albert Chao, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil, Nancy Pollok Guinee, United Airlines, and Wells Fargo, Presenting Sponsors of Business and Policy programs; Nancy C. Allen, Chinhui Juhn and Eddie Allen, and Leslie and Brad Bucher, Presenting Sponsors of Exhibitions; Dr. Ellen R. Gritz and Milton D. Rosenau and Wells Fargo, Presenting Sponsors of Performing Arts and Culture; and Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas), Presenting Sponsor of the Japan Series. General support of programs and exhibitions is provided by The Brown Foundation, Inc., The Hearts Foundation, Inc., Houston Endowment, Inc., the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance, McKinsey & Company, Inc., National Endowment for the Arts, Texas Commission on the Arts, Vinson & Elkins LLP, and Mary Lawrence Porter, as well as Friends of Asia Society.

About Asia Society at Home

Though Asia Society is temporarily closed, we are dedicated to continuing our mission of building cross-cultural understanding and uplifting human connectivity. Using digital tools, we bring you content for all ages and conversations that matter, in order to spark curiosity about Asia and to foster empathy.

About Asia Society Texas Center

With 13 locations throughout the world, Asia Society is the leading educational organization promoting mutual understanding and strengthening partnerships among the peoples, leaders, and institutions of Asia and West. Asia Society Texas Center executes the global mission with a local focus, enriching and engaging the vast diversity of Houston through innovative, relevant programs in arts and culture, business and policy, education, and community outreach.