Our Japan, Our World

Journey across Japan and the world with these engaging readings! This text introduces students to the English-speaking world, intercultural communication skills, and covers domestic locations and issues as well. The readings are written to an A2/B1 CEFR level, so they are appropriate for students who need to study English, but may not be English majors. Each of the 48 topics (16 in each of the three topic threads) has pre and post discussion questions, and comprehension and vocabulary questions as well. The text is written so the topics can be covered in any order or omitted as needed. A teacher‘s manual (available from spring 2026) has answers for the questions, translations of all passages, and a discussion of the concepts underlying how the book was made and its effective use. Topics include: (From the international topic readings...) The story of English - how did it develop and spread so far? The UK and Ireland Canada and the USA East and West Africa South Africa The Middle East (From the Japan-focused topic readings...) One reading for each of Japan‘s 8 regions (Chugoku, Shikoku, Kansai, Hokkaido, Kanto, Tohoku, Chubu, Kyushu/Okinawa - for example, how population change is affecting Tohoku now) Japan‘s Festivals Ekiben, and food tourism Japanese who have had an impact on the world‘s perception of Japan (Kurosawa, DT Suzuki) (From the intercultural communication-focused readings...) Identity and Culture Edward Hall Culture and Perception Stereotypes and how they relate to generalization as a learning strategy Nonverbal communication (including time, touch, body language, etc.) Diversity Marginality - how it can be isolating, but also a source of change and growth