Note to reader: This lesson is usually taught in early March a week before the 3.11 Tohoku disaster anniversary. Currently I am posting writings from my graduate program in preparation for a speech in November.

This is UNIT 4 in the Possible Selves program: Sketching Me & My Possible Selves Tree as a Japanese language user, professional, and person. This is the Exploring section.　For some young learners, a gentle approach may need to be taken. For older students and self learners, I feel it is important to be aware of the impact various cultural, historical and environmental events interact and affect each other generationally. This past year I was surprised to learn that few of my students were aware of the enormity of the chain reaction that not only affected Japan, but our oceans, our continental geography, and even the length of a day.

Here’s part of the teaser to get students invested in this unit.

You can find links to the other units here: Possible Selves as a Japanese Language User

Kyu Sakamoto – Let’s walk looking up
坂本九　ー　上を向いて歩こう

Spending time with friends in Japan may include a trip to a Karaoke Box to enjoy a few hours singing together, no matter what your vocal skills are.  Without fail, along with John Denver’s “Country Roads” and John Lennon’s “Hey Jude” you may also sing something by Kyu Sakamoto.  Born the 9th child in a musical family,  Kyu Sakamoto began his career imitating the rockabilly style of Elvis Presley and appearing in movies.  By 1961 his most famous song in Japan launched an international career.  He was number one on the US and UK music charts in 1963 with “Sukiyaki”.   It remains the only Japanese language song to reach #1.  Covers have been made by Selena, Snoop Dogg, Taste of Honey, and 4PM to name a few.   In 1965 NASA broadcasted it to the Gemini VII spacecraft making it the first song sent into space.  In 1985 at age 43, Kyu died in the deadliest single-aircraft accident in aviation history, leaving behind his wife and two children, yet his music continues its powerful influence today.

1. Let’s Identify Possible Meanings

Kyu Sakamoto was a supporter of sign language education.  Do you know any American Sign Language?  Japanese Sign language, SHUWA 手話, (hand talk) just like spoken Japanese has pragmatic elements – motions tied to the Japanese cultural experience. 

Watch this video and record your observations　

• Describe 3 hand signs and what you think their meanings are

Coming up next: Sketching Me & My Possible Selves Tree as a Japanese language user, professional, and person worksheet.
Tomorrow’s multi-literacy worksheet helps learners of all levels practice distal and direct style verbs, as well as creating the volitional style for both. All learners will be able to create a poster with a suggestion that can be used in a class video or as a blog/instagram post for a self study learner.

Do you have questions about this unit or Possible Selves for learner motivation? Email me!