Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Japan” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Japanese Geography and Climate
1. Where is Japan located?
2. What are the main geographical features of Japan?
3. How does Japan’s geography influence its culture?
4. What is the climate like in Japan?
5. How do the different seasons affect life in Japan?

II. Japanese Culture and Traditions
6. What are some unique aspects of Japanese culture?
7. Can you name any traditional Japanese festivals?
8. How important are traditions and customs in Japan?
9. What is the role of tea ceremonies in Japanese culture?
10. How is Japanese art and literature unique?

III. Japanese Language
11. What are the characteristics of the Japanese language?
12. How difficult is it to learn Japanese?
13. What role does writing play in Japanese culture?
14. Are there different dialects within Japan?
15. How has the Japanese language influenced global culture?

IV. Japanese Cuisine
16. What are some traditional Japanese dishes?
17. How is Japanese cuisine different from other Asian cuisines?
18. What role does seafood play in Japanese cooking?
19. How has Japanese cuisine influenced global food culture?
20. What are some Japanese food customs or etiquette?

V. Economy and Industry
21. What are the main industries in Japan?
22. How does Japan’s economy impact the global market?
23. What are some leading Japanese companies known worldwide?
24. How has technology influenced Japan’s economy?
25. What are Japan’s major exports and imports?

VI. Japanese Society
26. What is everyday life like in Japan?
27. How does the education system work in Japan?
28. What is the role of family in Japanese society?
29. How does Japan address social issues?
30. What are some customs or social norms in Japan?

VII. Government and Politics
31. What type of government does Japan have?
32. How does the political system in Japan operate?
33. What are some significant historical political events in Japan?
34. How does Japan’s government interact with other countries?
35. What is Japan’s role in international organizations?

VIII. Japanese History
36. What are some key events in Japanese history?
37. How have historical events shaped modern Japan?
38. What are some ancient Japanese civilizations?
39. How did World War II impact Japan?
40. What are some historical landmarks in Japan?

IX. Tourism in Japan
41. What are popular tourist destinations in Japan?
42. What should tourists know before visiting Japan?
43. What are some tips for traveling around Japan?
44. How does tourism impact Japan’s economy and culture?
45. What are some unique experiences tourists can have in Japan?

X. Japanese Technology and Innovation
46. What are some notable Japanese technological advancements?
47. How has Japan contributed to the field of robotics?
48. What role does innovation play in Japanese society?
49. How does Japan encourage scientific research and development?
50. What are some emerging technologies in Japan?

XI. Japanese Entertainment and Media
51. What is unique about Japanese cinema and television?
52. How has anime influenced global culture?
53. What are some popular Japanese music genres?
54. How does Japanese media portray its culture and society?
55. What is the global impact of Japanese pop culture?

XII. Contemporary Issues in Japan
56. What are some current societal challenges Japan is facing?
57. How is Japan addressing environmental concerns?
58. What is the impact of Japan’s aging population?
59. How is technology changing the way people live in Japan?
60. What are Japan’s future prospects and challenges?