So im doing a project in psychology class, and we have to teach an entire 40 minute lesson. I chose to do mine on Japanese culture and a bit of hiragana/katakana.

I have a large amount of knowledge about Japan so im not too worried. If anyone has any links to trustyworthy, reputable sites or youtube channels it would be helpful. Also if theres anything you specifically feel I should include let me know, as I have not yet been to Japan I wouldn't know certain things.

There are several large subjects im going to go over
1.) Individuality vs group oriented
2.) Treatement of others, politeness dominating society.
3.) Foods and celebrations/holidays
4.) A bit of the sexism issue, both sides.

And I'll quickly skim over-
5.) The hiragana/ Katakana charts
6.) Greetings

Sadly I only have 40 minutes to cover such a large topic but im looking forward to it regardless. I know there are many other important aspects of Japan but it will be tough to fit it all in. Anything else you think I should include just shout out in here.

You can't forget about our man on the scene. Just review some of the videos he's made. Otherwise, I learned alot of mine from books in my schools library but I'm sorry I can't remember the titles.

If it's a Psychology class/lesson I would focus on the 4 points you mentioned primarily. I wouldn't forget about the Kana/Greetings per say, but how about incorporating them into your first 4 points?

For example, on your second point of the Treatment of others & Politeness you could cover greetings here such as how someone more Senior how people should bow lower then them when greeting.

You could also cover another area thats mixes of the Greetings, Politeness and some Kana areas such as how people address each other with Honorifics: -San,-Kun,-Senpai,-Chan,-Kohai,-Sama etc

If you've covered these already then 'doh!' to me

Good luck with it anyway! Let us know how it went

The lesson went really well, I left the sexism for last and never actually got to it and hit everything else. So I suppose that's all for the best.

I went over hiragana/katakana/kanji/romaji

Greetings/goodbyes and bowing

Honorifics and class system.

eating foods like onigiri and others as well as etiquette when eating.

Odd cultural differences, stuff like no tipping, tattoos, blowing your nose etc.

Need to know stuff like genkan and some bureaucracy.

Being part of a group and harmony was my biggest subject though; along with politeness, humbleness, etc. Really the whole Japanese attitude if you get what i mean.

I also showed a video on Japanglish and a few other amusing things compiled from the old man.


Overall it went really well, the class was actually interested in the subject. much thanks to the forums. Also much thanks to the old man for sparking my interest half a year ago.

Excellent, glad it went well with also a little subtle plug in for his channel & videos!