Name:____________ Comprehension Grade-6 Date:______
Japan – Land of Tradition and Technology
Japan is an island nation in East Asia, located in the Pacific
Ocean. It consists of over 6,800 islands, though most of its
population lives on the four largest ones: Honshu, Hokkaido,
Kyushu, and Shikoku. The country is known for its natural
beauty, including mountains, hot springs, and cherry blossom
trees that bloom every spring.
The capital of Japan is Tokyo, a city famous for its tall
skyscrapers, high-speed trains, and advanced technology.
Despite being one of the busiest cities in the world, Tokyo still
has quiet gardens, temples, and traditional houses that
reflect Japan’s long history.
Japan has a parliamentary government with an emperor who
represents the nation’s traditions. Although the emperor has
no political power today, he is still respected as a symbol of
the country’s culture and unity.
Japanese culture is deeply rooted in respect, discipline, and
hard work. Bowing is a common way to greet someone or
show respect. Children in Japan start school at age six and
wear uniforms. They are taught not only academics but also
values such as cooperation and responsibility. Many students
even help clean their classrooms every day.
The Japanese language uses three types of writing: Hiragana,
Katakana, and Kanji. Learning to read and write Japanese can
take many years, even for native speakers.
Japan is also known for its food, which is often healthy and
beautifully prepared. Sushi, noodles, rice dishes, and miso
soup are some popular examples. Meal times are often quiet,
and saying “Itadakimasu” before eating and “Gochisousama”
after the meal shows appreciation.
Technology plays a major role in daily life. Japan is home to
companies like Toyota, Sony, and Nintendo. It also has some
of the world’s fastest trains, called Shinkansen, which travel
over 300 kilometers per hour. Yet, Japan also treasures
traditions such as tea ceremonies, sumo wrestling, and
festivals that have been celebrated for centuries.
Japan lies in an area known as the Ring of Fire, which makes
it prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Because of
this, buildings in Japan are designed to resist shaking, and
students regularly practice emergency drills.
Today, Japan is admired around the world for its unique
combination of old and new—a country where robots and
temples, bullet trains and bamboo forests, all exist side by
side.
Questions
1. How many islands does Japan have, and where do most
people live?
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2. What makes Tokyo special or unique?
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3. What type of government does Japan have today?
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4. Why is the emperor important, even without political
power?
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5. What values are taught to children in Japanese schools?
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6. What are the three types of Japanese writing systems?
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7. How do Japanese people show respect during
mealtimes?
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8. Name two well-known Japanese technology companies.
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9. What are Shinkansen, and how fast can they go?
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10. Why is Japan at risk for earthquakes, and how does the
country prepare?
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Answer Key –
1.Japan has over 6,800 islands; most people live on the
four largest: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku.
2. Tokyo is known for technology, skyscrapers, and fast
trains, but also has gardens and temples.
3. Japan has a parliamentary government.
4. The emperor is a respected symbol of culture and unity.
5.Respect, discipline, cooperation, and responsibility.
6. Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji.
7. They say “Itadakimasu” before eating and
“Gochisousama” afterward.
8. Toyota, Sony, Nintendo (any two).
9. Shinkansen are bullet trains; they travel over 300 km/h.
10. Japan lies on the Ring of Fire; buildings are designed to
resist earthquakes, and drills are practiced.
