Feb 232024
 
Japan

Flag of Japan

Japan celebrates a national holiday, the birthday of Emperor Naruhito. The country is composed of a series of mountainous islands. The total area is about the area of California. About 127 million people live in Japan, and Tokyo is the capital. Emperor Naruhito was born in 1960. Children can learn more at: Japan.

Mar 032024
 

Hinamatsuri is celebrated in Japan. During this festival, girls cover a stairstep arrangement with red cloth and display their dolls. These dolls have been passed down from mother to daughter for generations. Blessings are placed on girls, and special foods are served. This website provides a great photo of a display and gives other good facts: Hinamatsuri.

Aug 062024
 

Atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima in 1945. The Enola Gay, a B-29 bomber, dropped the bomb that immediately killed 70,000 to 80,000 people. Within four months another 90,000 to 140,000 people died from radiation sickness and other complications of the atomic bomb. The United States dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki on August 15, 1945. The Japanese informally surrendered on August 15, 1945 and formally surrendered on September 2, 1945. Older students could read Hiroshima by John Hersey. The book follows several Japanese citizens after the bomb drop and then about 40 years later.

Aug 092024
 

Atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, Japan, in 1945. Approximately 70,000 people died, and more than half of the city lay in ruins. The United States had dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima three days earlier on August 6, 1945. The Japanese informally surrendered on August 15, 1945, and formally surrendered on September 2, 1945.

Aug 152024
 
South Korea Flag

Flag of South Korea

South Korea celebrates Liberation Day. In 1945 it became free of Japanese rule. Its area is slightly larger than the area of Indiana, and mountains and hills cover the northwestern portion while a coastal plain covers the southeastern portion. Almost 49 million people live there, and Seoul is the capital. Children could learn more at: South Korea.

Oct 252024
 

Taiwan was returned to Chinese rule in 1945 after being controlled by the Japanese for fifty years. During its reign Japan had the Taiwanese adopt the Japanese language and customs. Many young Taiwanese males served in the Japanese army during World War II. The transition back to Chinese daily life was not smooth.

Dec 012024
 
Antarctic Research Facility

Antarctic Research Facility

Antarctic Treaty was signed by twelve nations in 1959. The original twelve countries are: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Soviet Union, South Africa, United Kingdom, and United States. Today 50 countries recognize the treaty. The continent will be kept as a scientific preserve, and no nation can colonize it. Children can learn about the Antarctic Treaty at: Antarctic Treaty. They can view great pictures of Antarctic animals at: Antarctic Animals.