Overview

The Education Program was founded in 1994 with the support of The Freeman Foundation. We have grown over the past 14 years to offer a host of opportunities through our suite of Family, School and Educator programs.

Today, Education Programs endeavors to spark interest in Japan and impart an understanding of shared humanity to our intended audience—whether educators, students or families. Education & Family Programs plays a particularly important role in increasing access to Japan Society's many resources—from rare art displayed in our gallery, to leading Japanese performers and thinkers, to the latest scholarship in Japanese studies—with American educators and children. We offer a host of opportunities through our suite of Family, School, and Educator programs.

Our most important mission is to help children learn about Japan. Diverse programming, which ranges from About Japan: A Teacher’s Resource, an interactive website that provides teaching resources and a forum for active debate about Japan to English-speakers throughout the world, to programs for families that introduce children to diverse aspects of Japanese culture through entertaining and educational activities, serves a broad audience both near and far.

The Education Program is now on Facebook!  Join the group to receive information about education events and new educational materials online.

Featured Programs

Japan's Star Festival--Legends and Customs: Tanabata
Sunday, July 6, 2 pm

Sadako & 1,000 Cranes Storytelling & Origami Crane Making
Sunday, August 10, 11 am and 2 pm

Japanese Cuisine 101: Washoku
An 11-Day Summer Workshop for High School Students
Monday through Friday, August 4-8, 11-15, 2008, 10 am-4 pm each day

Student Demonstration & Reception
Saturday, August 16, 2008,
10 am-3:30 pm (for students)/12:30-2:30 pm (for guests)

From Anime to Pokemon: Using Pop Culture to Teach About Japan
Professional Development Course for K-12 Educators in Cooperation with New York City Department of Education
Monday-Friday, August 15-22 (5 days), 9 am 4 pm

Gallery Lessons
Facilitated by a Museum Educator, Gallery Lessons are explorations of Japan Society's Gallery exhibitions for community groups and children in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade classes. Lessons are comprised of object-centered guided discussions, which are planned in collaboration with teachers and group coordinators.

Lessons provide students with opportunities for artistic, cultural and personal discovery while supporting learning across the curriculum. Students are encouraged to observe, investigate and discuss a number of selected objects in the exhibition; non-verbal response drawing, writing and movement activities are included.

To schedule a Gallery Lesson, please call (212) 715-1224.

View upcoming Educator Programs

View upcoming Student Programs

View upcoming Family Programs