Teachers at all academic levels can adapt the design and content of the sixth grade Japanese cultural festival detailed in this learning packet. Material is divided into 2 sections. Section 1 provides a step-by-step guide to planning and conducting the festival. These instructions, based on 5 years of experience, include a detailed planning summary, copies of memoranda sent to school staff and parents, costume pattern specifications, a work schedule, time table, and map of festival activities. Section 2, a 12-chapter interdisciplinary study unit on Japan, prepares students for the festival. Extensive information is provided in chapters on history, social studies, maps, language arts, science, physical education, math, music, art, clothing, food, and calendar. Specific topics covered within these chapters include: Japanese schools, teenagers, religions, tea ceremony, bushido, bathing, and bowing (social studies); martial arts, sumo, and electronic games (physical education); folktales, puppet plays, and haiku (language arts); rock gardens, flower arranging, volcanoes, and earthquakes (science); the abacus and yen conversion (math); and origami, kites, and tatami mats (art). The handbook concludes with lists of references and recommended readings. (LP)