The Way We Do It in Japan

The Way We Do It in Japan follows Gregory, an American boy who moves to Japan with his parents when his father takes a new job. Gregory must navigate daily life in his new country while attending a Japanese elementary school. The story presents common situations - like eating lunch, removing shoes, and participating in school activities - through Gregory's perspective as he learns Japanese customs and traditions. His classmates and teachers help introduce him to these new ways of doing things. Cultural differences in school, home life, and social interactions are central to the narrative. The book incorporates Japanese words and includes illustrations that depict authentic details of Japanese life. This picture book offers an accessible introduction to Japanese culture while exploring universal themes of adaptation and finding one's place in a new environment. The parallel between Gregory's experience and that of young readers encountering different cultures creates natural opportunities for cultural understanding.

Parents and educators appreciate this book for teaching young children about cultural differences between Japan and America through daily activities and routines. Several teachers note using it in elementary classrooms when discussing international customs. Readers highlight the accessible way it presents Japanese practices like taking off shoes, using chopsticks, and bowing. Multiple reviews mention children relating to the main character's initial confusion about new customs. A few readers found the illustrations basic and noted the book focuses mainly on surface-level cultural elements rather than deeper traditions. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (45 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (12 ratings) From reviews: "Perfect for introducing Japanese culture to kids who are moving there or meeting Japanese friends" - Goodreads user "The comparisons between American and Japanese habits make it relatable" - Elementary school teacher on Amazon "Wish it had gone beyond just daily routines" - Parent reviewer on Goodreads

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🎌 Author Geneva Cobb Iijima drew inspiration for this book from her own son's experience moving to Japan and adjusting to a new culture and school system. 🏫 Japanese elementary students typically stay in the same classroom throughout the day while teachers rotate between rooms—the opposite of most American schools. 🍱 The book accurately depicts how Japanese schools often require students to bring a traditional bento box lunch that includes rice, fish, and vegetables arranged in an aesthetically pleasing way. 👞 The custom of removing shoes before entering homes and schools, highlighted in the book, dates back to the Heian period (794-1185) when Japanese people began living in elevated-floor buildings. 🎒 Japanese students, like the main character Gregory in the book, are expected to clean their own classrooms and serve each other lunch—fostering responsibility and community from an early age.