The guide provides a model for Japanese second language curriculum development for teachers and school districts. It advocates an approach that emphasizes language proficiency for daily communication and cultural appreciation. An introductory section offers a rationale for teaching and learning Japanese, outlines the need for the guide, presents a philosophical base for the curriculum, and describes its format and some recommended teaching strategies. The guide then outlines the curriculum according to 12 themes: daily routines; home and community; Japan and the world; leisure/free time; means of communication; body and health; ceremonies of life and rites of passage; schools and education; seasonal events; self, family, and friends; shopping; and travel and transportation. Within each theme are presented intended student performance outcomes, suggested assessment activities, and sample expressions and structures for each of two to four skill levels (beginning, transitional, intermediate, advanced) and a Japanese-English vocabulary list. Additional resources include a list of functions and expressions, with formal and less formal variants, and a general vocabulary list. (MSE)