Purpose/ Rationale
Cartoons (Manga) that express ideas humoroulsly are often created in Japanese art. Ideas used for cartoons include Japanese wisdom, which remains as Kotowaza (Japanese idioms). Through creating a cartoon based on Japanese idiomatic expression, students will become familiar with Japanese wisdom.

Objectives
Students will:
1. become aware of the expression of Japanese wisdom in cartoons.
2. create an original cartoon based on a Japanese idiom.

Time Allotment
1-2 class sessions

Materials
Sketching paper
Drawing paper, 9512," 1 per student
Pencils
Color makers
Examples of Japanese idioms (See Appendix 1)

Visuals
Japanese cartoons, such as Kuniyoshi’s Manga (See Attached Slides)

Vocabulary

Culture: Manga (Cartoons), Kotowaza (idioms)

Art: Cartoon

Procedure

Preparation: (30 min.)
A teacher will:
1. make an example of cartoon.
2. make Japanese idiom cards (See Appendix 1).
*Notes: Select Japanese idioms that are easily expressed visually.

Setup (5 min.)
A teacher will:
1. prepare a slide projector and slides.
2. place Japanese idiom cards, markers, and papers on the table.

Look at and Talk about Art (20 min.)
Students will:
1. look at Japanese cartoons that are meant to be humorous and talk about how effectively an artist conveys ideas by using visual elements.
2. make a small group of three to five, receive a Japanese idiom card, and talk about the meaning of the idiom on the card with group members.
3. explain as volunteers the meaning of each idiom with class members.

Create (30 min.)
Students will:
1. develop preliminary ideas on the sketching paper.
2. obtain the drawing materials they wish to use, including paper size and shapes, and create an original cartoon based on the meaning of a Japanese idiom.

Assess and close (10 min.)
Students will:
1. explain as volunteers the theme and message of their cartoons.
2. talk about the cartoons in relation to effective use of exaggeration, ideas, and media.

Extension and Enrichment

Literature and social studies
Though comparing and contrasting Japanese and American idioms, students will find differences and similarities in thinking between the two cultures.

Resources
Roper, T. (1994). Japanese-English idioms. Las Vegas, NV: US-Asia Research.
Utagawa, K. (1982). Kuniyoshi manga. Tokyo, Japan: Iwasaki Bizyutsusha.

Appendix 1

Examples of Japanese Idioms
1. (abu hachi torazu) = To fall between two stools.
If you run after both the horsefly and the bee, you will end up catching neither.
2. (deru kui ha utareru) =Great winds blow on high hills. = The highest branch is not the safest roost.
Too tall a pile is hit on the top; too excellent man invites envy.
3. (hana yori dango) = Pudding before praise.
Dumplings are better than cherry flowers.
4. (hyakubun ikken ni shikazu) = Seeing is believing.
One picture is worth a thousand words.
5. (ishibashi o tataite wataru) = Forewarned is forearmed. = Good watch prevents misfortune.
Strike the stone bridge for defects before crossing it.
6. (issun no mushi nimo gobu no tamashii) = Tread on a warm and it will turn.
Even an inch-long insect has a half inch mind.
7. (kabe ni mimi) = Fields have eyes, and woods have ears.
Walls have ears.
8. (kuchi ha wazawai no mon) = Better the foot slip than the tongue.
The mouth is the gate of evil.
9. (ugo no syuu) = The mob has many heads but no brains.
A mindless mob, like a multitude of crows.

 

---

Last updated: 9/3/2002
URL: http://www.indiana.edu/~easc/japanese_art/
Comments:
Copyright 2004, The Trustees of Indiana University