This multicultural children's book is full of activities, recipes, songs and stories! Brimming with ancient traditions, exciting decorations, and delicious, seasonal foods, Japanese Celebrations for Children will take you on a month-by-month tour of some of Japan's best-loved festivals. Beautifully illustrated and full of fascinating facts about Japanese holidays and family celebrations, this 48-page picture book offers a vivid picture of some of Japan's most festive events including New Year's, Children's Day, Cherry Blossom Festival, Harvest Moon Viewing, weddings, birthdays, Christmas in Japan and much more! With entertaining text and illustrations that explain the significance of the dress, decorations, foods, gifts and activities associated with these events, Japanese Celebrations for Children promises to delight and educate young readers and parents alike.

Packed with colorful illustrations and fun facts about Japanese culture, celebrations, language and history, this multicultural children's books will delight children and parents alike! A wonderful look at Japanese culture and family life, Japanese Traditions is an intricately illustrated romp through the childhood reminiscences of author/illustrator Setsu Broderick. Told via a series of short text blocks and lighthearted illustrations based on cats, Japanese Traditions displays seasonal festivals and activities such as O-Bon (Festival of the Souls), O-hanami (cherry blossom viewing) and preparing for the New Year. While enjoying the charming illustrations of a family of Japanese cats, the author shares her warm childhood memories of many Japanese customs, such as gathering around the kotatsu (heated table) to stay warm, throwing soybeans to keep away ogres and hanging handmade teru-teru-bozu (fine-weather) dolls out the window to stop the rain. There are also many traditional Japanese foods, toys, games and celebrations taught through the illustrations. All in all, Japanese Traditions provides a magical feast for children of all ages.

Japanese Festivals, known as Matsuri, are integral part of Japanese culture. Learn celebrations and seasons through 22 traditional and contemporary melodies and songs. Each song is written in Kana (Hiragana and Katakana), the romanization of Japanese, and the English translation. Includes pronunciation guide, English-Japanese glossary, and instructional and cultural notes. For all ages. Paperback book. 8.5"x 11". 32 pp. Songs include: 1. Haru ga Kita (Spring Has Come) 2. Ureshii Hinamatsuri (Happy Doll Festival) 3. Koinobori (Flying Carp) 4. Hanabi (Fireworks) 5. Kiku no Hana (Chrysanthemums) 6. Tako no Uta (Kite Song) 7. Jankenpon (Rock, Paper, Scissors) 8. Oshoogatsu (New Year's Day) 9. Usagi (Rabbit) 10. Oyako Donbori (Chicken and Egg in a Bowl) 11. Hitori, Futari (One Person, Two People) 12. Shabondama (Soap Bubbles) 13. Kata Tataki (Shoulder Patting) 14. Muramatsuri (Village Festival) 15. Onaka no Heru Uta (I'm Hungry Song) 16. Seikurabe (Who's Taller?) 17. Asa wa Doko Kara (Where does the Morning Come from?) 18. Momiji (Maple Leaf) 19. Furusato(Home) 20. Makkana Ohana no Tonakaisan (Red-Nosed Reindeer) 21. Shiawasenara Te o Tatakoo (If You're Happy, ...) 22. Sakura (Cherry Blossoms)

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Includes entries for amusements, outings, travel tips, health care, shopping, education and activities. Designed mainly for those who go to reside in Japan, but would be good for travellers too.

Hands-on activities, games, and crafts introduce children to the diversity of Asian American cultures and teach them about the people, experiences, and events that have shaped Asian American history. This book is broken down into sections covering American descendents from various Asian countries, including China, Japan, Korea, Philippines, India, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Topics include the history of immigration from Asian countries, important events in U.S. history, sidebars on famous Asian Americans, language lessons, and activities that highlight arts, games, food, clothing, unique celebrations, and folklore. Kids can paint a calligraphy banner, practice Tai Chi, fold an origami dog or cat, build a Japanese rock garden, construct a Korean kite, cook bibingka, and create a chalk rangoli. A time line, glossary, and recommendations for Web sites, books, movies, and museums round out this multicultural guide.

Over 30,000 Japanese children are in the care of the state. This study describes what happens to them in a country that has no professional social workers and little tradition of adopting or fostering children in need of care.