• Japan's Modern History: An Outline of the Periods [Reading]
Divides Japanese history from 1600 to the present into four periods, providing teachers with a synopsis of major events placed in the context of overall historical developments. Also includes a timeline activity for students (to be completed with information from the reading).

• Commodore Perry and Japan [Reading]
On July 8, 1853, Commodore Matthew Perry of the United States Navy, commanding a squadron of two steamers and two sailing vessels, sailed into Tôkyô harbor aboard the frigate "Susquehanna" and forced Japan to enter into trade with the United States. This unit examines that historical exchange with an introductory essay and the following primary-source readings:
~ Letter of United States President Millard Fillmore to His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of Japan (November 13, 1852)
~ Letter of Commodore Perry to the Emperor (July 7, 1853)
~ Letter of Commodore Perry in Connection with the Delivery of a White Flag (July 14, 1853)

• Japan and the West: The Meiji Restoration [Outline Reading]
Unit for teachers highlighting the key points for teaching about Japan during the critical period of the Meiji Restoration (1868-1912).

• The Meiji Restoration and Modernization (1868-1930) [Reading]
In 1868 the Tokugawa shôgun ("great general"), who ruled Japan in the feudal period, lost his power and the emperor was restored to the supreme position. The emperor took the name Meiji ("enlightened rule") as his reign name; this event was known as the Meiji Restoration. This unit examines that historical moment with an introductory essay and the following primary-source readings:
~ The Charter Oath of 1868
~ The Meiji Constitution of 1889

• Imperialism, War, and Revolution in East Asia: 1900-1945 [Outline Reading]
Unit for teachers highlighting the key points for teaching about imperialism, war, and revolution in early 20th-century East Asia.

• Japan's Quest for Power and World War II in Asia [Reading]>
Includes the following essays:
~ The World at War: 1931-1945 (examining the reasons behind Japan's military expansion into Asia)
~ Japan and the United States at War: Pearl Harbor, 1941 (discussing the bombing of Pearl Harbor)

• The Atomic Bomb [Reading]
Includes the following:
~ background essay: The Decision to Use the Bomb (discussing some of the events that preceded the U.S. dropping of the atomic bomb, and presenting some of the questions left about the necessity and results of the bombing; discussion questions included)
~ primary-source reading: Report of the Interim Committee on Military Use of the Atomic Bomb (May 1945)
~ primary-source reading: Report of the Franck Committee on a Non-Combat Demonstration of the Atomic Bomb (June 1945)
~ primary-source reading: The Potsdam Declaration (June 26, 1945)
~ student exercise (in-class debate)

• The Occupation: Democratic Reform Under the Allies [Reading/Activity]
Includes an essay outlining Japan's political and economic transformation under the American Occupation ( "The American Occupation of Japan: 1945-1952"), with discussion questions; a Supplementary Reading List for Student Reports; and Additional Student Activities.

• Introduction to Contemporary Japan: 1945-present [Outline Reading]
Unit for teachers highlighting the key points for teaching about developments in Japan since 1945.

• Research Exercise: "Current Events" [Activity]
This unit contains suggestions for using online English Language Japanese newspapers.