Teachers > U.S.–Japan Relations

U.S.–Japan Relations

 Overview 

In this lesson students examine the history and current state of U.S.–Japan relations and consider the significance of several specific themes in this relationship. They then consider the role that individuals—and they themselves—can play in bridging together different communities, societies, and cultures.

Lesson Introduction

Connections to Curriculum Standards

Materials & Teacher Preparation

Days One & Two

Students learn about the history of U.S.–Japan relations by reading a general overview, “Relations Between Japan and the United States, 1853–2018,” which was written by Stanford Professor Emeritus (History) Peter Duus. They then work in groups to conduct research on one of six facets of contemporary U.S.–Japan relations.

1. Relations Between Japan and the United States, 1853–2018

CLOSE-UP

2. Facets of the U.S.–Japan Relationship

ACTIVITY

Day Three

Each student group presents its research on one of six different facets of contemporary U.S.–Japan relations. They then view video vignettes about two prominent individuals who have served as bridges between the United States and Japan—former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, John Roos, and former Secretary of Transportation and Commerce, Norman Mineta—as examples of influential leaders in the U.S.–Japan relationship.

1. Presentations: Facets of the U.S.–Japan Relationship

ACTIVITY

2. U.S.–Japan Relations: Behind the Scenes

WATCH

3. Bridging Two Countries: Norman Y. Mineta

WATCH

4. U.S.–Japan Relations Today

ASSIGNMENT

Day Four

Students view video comments by young Americans who have become involved in the U.S.–Japan relationship in some form. After reflecting on the methods and possible value of being involved in U.S.–Japan relations, students broaden their thinking and consider how they might be able to serve as bridges between different communities in their own city or school.

1. Building Bridges for Tomorrow

WATCH

2. Building Global Bridges

WATCH

3. Discussion: What Does It Mean to Be an American?

ACTIVITY

4. Bridges of Understanding

ASSIGNMENT