Japanese homes are very different to those found in Australia and there are many different customs associated with the family and the home.
Here is a picture of a typical, traditional Japanese living room:
Have students discuss how this is different to their living room? Students could use a venn diagram to sort their answers into similarities and differences.
Discussion:
- Why are Japanese homes built this way?
- Why are Australian homes built differently? What are some of the main differences?
No shoes inside!
In Japan people do not wear their "outside" shoes in the house. The entrance to Japanese homes looks a lot like this:
Have students research:
- Why Japanese people do not wear their outdoor shoes in the house.
- What is the history of this custom?
- Are there any other places that Japanese people remove their shoes? Why?
- Do any other cultures have the same custom?
