Provided are some perspectives, ideas, and resources for teaching about Japan and the Japanese. A major objective is to provide an opportunity for K-12 students to study a culture that can be both compared and contrasted to their own. Following an introduction, which provides a rationale for teaching about Japan, there are three major parts. "Japan from a Japanese Perspective" is the focus of part 1. Articles, written by Japanese, discuss the geography of Japan, Japan's cultural tradition and its economy, the role of women in Japanese society, and educating for responsible citizenship in Japan. Part 2, "Japan from an Outsider's Perspective," examines its religion and ethical norms, social structure and social relations, geographical isolation, and how it has survived. Part 3 contains elementary and secondary activities and resources for teaching about Japan. The many suggested activities are varied. For example, students complete open-ended statements, analyze photographs, discuss how hypothetical events might affect the United States and themselves as individuals, participate in classroom discussions, analyze data, and create a slide presentation. Resource materials discussed include resources found in our own backyard, free materials, university-based outreach services and museums, specialized groups, publications, and travel. (RM)