A collection of materials to help teachers and students learn how the relationship of the Japanese people to their natural surroundings is integral to an understanding of Japanese culture. The materials are organized into the following sections: (1) Introduction: Ura ni wa Ura ga iru (The reverse has its reverse side); Kami-sama no Kuni (Land of the Gods); Nihon no Sozo-sha (Japan's Creation). (2) The Concept of Nature: Shukyo to Firosofikaru Saisho (Religious and Philosophical Origins); Shinto (The Way of the Gods); Buddhism (The Religion of Eternity); Zen (Meditation); Confucianism (Moral Code); Ki (The Universal); Shibui (The Relationship between Elegance and Simplicity); Chado (The Way of the Tea); Ikebana (Flower Arrangement). (3) The Effects of Nature on Culture: Shodo (Calligraphy); Mon (Crests); Kenchiku (Architecture); Ichiban Ii Tokoro (The Best Places); Bungaku (Literature); O'Matsuri (Festivals); Bijutsu no Yugen (Mystery and Depth in Art). (4) Conclusions: Wa (Collective Harmony). A 52-item bibliography is included. (DB)