Japan

In each of the 52 volumes in the Countries Around the World series, a young national acts as a tour guide for his or her country, taking viewers to see famous landmarks and special festivals, as well as serving up a portrait of everyday life. For Japan, Tokyo-based Yuriko serves as our hostess in the Land of the Rising Sun, attending a traditional festival with a friend, visiting the Emperor's palace with her mother, eating sushi with her cousin, and even renting a dog for the day with her father and brother. Each of Yuriko's activities allow for the natural introduction of cultural factoids on topics such as religion, population, food, national symbols, currency, etc. Although her narration is dubbed over in English, viewers can still hear the actual Japanese conversation and can therefore get a taste of the country's language. While these short programs only provide a “snapshot” of each nation, this series would make a fine supplement for geography curriculums, as well as solid introductions for public library collections. Other titles in the series include: Brazil, China, Finland, Greece, Israel, Kenya, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, United Kingdom, and Vietnam. Recommended. Aud: E, I, P. (E. Gieschen)