Florida International University

College of Education

Global Awareness Program

Video Library on Japan Video Letters from Japan *

1. Living Arts  ..................................................... 25 min.

Depicts the relationship between traditional Japanese culture and the daily life of present day students. Attempts to illustrate how individuals are affected by the particular cultural heritage in which they live.

2. Making Things   .............................................. 25 min.

Provides a sampling of Japanese products from their point of manufacture through their distribution and shows the complexity and variety of Japanese industry as well as its differences from and similarities to industries in the United States.

3. My Family   ..................................................... 25 min.

Portrays the lifestyle and family dynamics of two young Japanese students. Illustrates their living conditions and personal anecdotes concerning their perceptions and habits.

4. Our School   .................................................... 25 min.

Focuses on a particular school located in Tokyo, Japan. Explains the school's history, and displays the daily activities of the students, teachers, administrators, etc..

5. Tohoku Diary   ................................................ 25 min.

Was designed to illustrate a variety of Japan's geographic features. Presents the shorelines, mountains, and volcanoes of the country's northern regions.

Video Letters from Japan II

1. The College Years    ...................................... 30 min.

Depicts life in Japan from the perspective of the Japanese. Focuses on the life experience of Japanese college students as they attempt to begin to establish themselves in their post-secondary institutions.

2. Suburban Tokyo High School Students   ....... 30 min.

Follows the life experiences of several Tokyo high school students through the pressures and expectations of school life. Further displays the appearance and atmosphere of Japanese high schools.

3. A Young Family    ........................................... 30 min.

In Japan, the family rather than the individual is the basic unit of society. This video gives the viewer an intriguing perspective of the Japanese family and its internal dynamics.

For further information, please contact: The Asia Society, 725 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10021 or phone (212) 288-6400.

Additional Videos

1. Business Nippon No: 196 Working Abroad: Can the Kids Cope?

Focuses on the affects living abroad has on the children of those families working in Nippon, Japan.

2. Children of the Tribe ................................ 28 min.

Illustrates how the early life experience of a Japanese newborn baby determines its future dependence on group rather than individual goals and ambitions.

3. Day One -- 1989 Part One and Part Two

Deals with the development and with the eventual consequences of the creation of the atomic bombs used on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

4. The Essence of Being Japanese    ............. 53 min.

Covers the cataclysmic events of the 20th century -- the devastating earthquake of 1923, the rise of militarism, the accession of Emperor Hirohito, the Pacific War, Hiroshima, etc. Its primary focus, however, is on what makes Japan Japanese- the Shinto rituals, conformism, determination, business ethics and the life of the salary man, the attitude towards ethics, and the role of the kami in modern Japan.

5. The Heart of the Nation  ........................... 58 min.

Explores the central values of Japan, Germany, and the U.S. and focuses on what drives each of these societies. Shows how education is a metaphor for the contrasts in the three societies.

6. Hiroshima  ................................................165 min.

Travels back and forth between Truman, Churchill, and Hirohito to reach behind the headlines and tell the story of the men and women whose lives and careers would be forever changed by this event. Portrays the events that led to the decision that would indelibly change the course of human destiny.

7. Sadako ……………………………………30 min.

Narrates the life of Sadako, who although survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima as a child, was later inflicted by a disease caused by the radiation emitted by the bomb.

8. Schools of Thought: Teaching Children in America and Japan ............55 min. Examines the fascinating comparisons and contrasts between the Japanese and American educational systems.

9. Tune in Japan I

Provides the viewer with general information regarding Japan's geography, climate, topography, history, religion, etc.

10. West Meets East in Japan....................... 37 min.

Provides the viewer with an introduction of Japanese daily life. Some "survival tips" and other suggestions to better assist one in assimilating into the Japanese culture are also mentioned.

11. Yamanashi, Change and Society in Japanese Schools .......... 38 min.

Describes the Japanese high schools while providing a thorough explanation of the Japanese educational system's requirements, options, and alternatives.

Japan Today Seminars

(Instructor for 1995 video series on Japan was Dr. Scott Flanagan, Professor of Political Science, Florida State University. Produced with his permission)

1. Japan Today Seminar vol. I                         1 tape

One's first impressions of Japan, why the country should be studied, and its economic superiority. It also introduces the Japanese society, living conditions, politics, and government.

2. Japan Today Seminar vol. 11                      I tape

A video is presented wherein Japan's history, religion, economy, commerce, business environment, living conditions, educational system, hobbies, and sports are alluded to. This video is supplemented by an explanation of Japan's rich dynastic and imperialistic history, the Meiji Restoration, its Samurai tradition, the significance of consensus, and the dramatic changes occurring in the Japanese countryside and farmlands. Lastly, the lecturer returns to a previous theme and presents a video concerning one's initial perceptions of Japan.

3. Japan Today Seminar vol. III                     1 tape

Continues with the previous theme (tape 2) regarding the Japanese farmers. Proceeding is a question and answer period concerning gift giving, luggage, and appropriate apparel. Also thoroughly explained are Japanese family dynamics, marriage, sex roles, child rearing practices, and women in the workplace.

4. Japan Today Seminar vol. IV                       1 tape

Commencing with the themes in tape three, child rearing practices and women in the workplace are further explained. The session ends with a brief elaboration on the limited amount of space available to Japanese residents and its affect on their living conditions.

5. Japan Today Seminar vol. V 1 tape (copy of tape 4)

6. Japan Today Seminar vol. VI                        1 tape

Japan's vertical society and its emphasis on the group rather than individual is explained. The country's hierarchical ranking system, its utilization of their police force, and penal system are also elaborated upon, through the use of video.

7. Japan Today Seminar vol. VII                     1 tape

Continues with an explanation of the Japanese police force and their neighborhood crime prevention organizations. The countries educational system and Japan's untouchable class, the Burakimin, are also described.

8. Japan Today Seminar vol. VIII                    1 tape (1 copy)

Continues with a depiction of the Japanese educational system and an explanation of the countries culture and society through the personalistic and holistic perspectives.

9. Japan Today Seminar vol. IX                    1 tape (1 copy)

Includes recommendations concerning interpersonal interactions (homestay expectations). Also depicted are the Karoshi (overwork), and Japanese organized crime (the Yakuza).

10. Japan Today Seminar vol. X                      1 tape

The American occupation of Japan and the country's political modernization process is explained. Also described is Japan's governmental configuration and organization at the national and local levels. A lecture on the emergence of their political party system, following the occupation, concluded the session.

11. Japan Today Seminar vol. XI                      1 tape (1 copy)

Continues with the evolution of Japan's political party system and the Reverse Course period following the occupation. Also described is the country's electoral system and the political factionalization it helped develop. The role of these party factions is explained, as are the intricacies of political campaigning in Japan. A film, moreover, is shown illustrating Japan's dual economy.

12. Japan Today Seminar vol. XII                     1 tape

Begins with an explanation of the Japanese economic system. Also described is the role of the country's interest groups within the political and corporate systems, the limited power and influence of big business, agriculture in Japan, organized labor, and the evolution as well as the current activities of Japanese unions. In conclusion, a question and answer session is led by Dr. Tucker.

13. Japan Today Seminar vol. XIII                   I tape

The key groups determining Japan's economic policies and their decision-making models and systems are described. The increasing role of party politicians and the Diet are also explained. Furthermore, depicted are the two conflict resolution examples utilized by the Japanese during periods of international negotiations.

14. Japan Today Seminar vol. XIV                    1 tape

Japan's system of bidding is explained. Also included is the advisory board luncheon, wherein the guest speaker, Dr. Mark Orr, described his personal experiences regarding the American occupation of Japan and the evolution of the Japanese educational system.

15. Japan Today Seminar vol. XV                     1 tape

The guest lecturer continues his remarks concerning the American occupation. Following the luncheon, the rest of the session is dedicated to explaining Japan's progression towards economic prowess. The intricacies of the Japanese economic system are thoroughly elucidated, as are its differences from the United States model.

16. Japan Today Seminar vol. XVI                     1 tape

Following a question and answer period, this session explained the evolution of Japan's relationship with the United States. Also described was the impact the end of the cold war had upon Japan, its passive/reactive role during this era, and the countries eventual transition towards a more assertive foreign policy.

17. Japan Today Seminar vol. XVII                    1 tape

Following the finale of a video presented in the previous tape, a question and answer period is led by Jessica Newby-Kawata.