Tonakai – It’s Japanese for ‘Reindeer’!

Japan transforms into a captivating wonderland at Christmas time.

With its vibrant city light displays, decorated trees, ornaments, music, gift giving, Santa-san, KFC and ‘kurisumasu keki’, the festive atmosphere embodies the spirit of Christmas in Japan.

If you travel to Hokkaido, you can visit a tourist farm specialising in breeding reindeer, that were originally imported from Finland – the home of Christmas.

The reindeer are called “tunakai” in Ainu language. Ainu are the indigenous people of Hokkaido.

“Tunakai” = “Tonakai” – It’s Japanese for ‘Reindeer’!

This Early Childhood Education/Junior Primary unit includes a wide selection of activities including deep breathing exercises, yoga, songs and action rhymes, Auslan (Australian Sign Language), games and STEAM activities.

These activities are designed to entice, engage, support and educate little language learners of Japanese.

Happy teaching,

Michailey