Rage and Grief: Addressing the Complicated History of Japan and the US in the Contemporary Classroom - A Workshop for K-12 Educators

Join documentary filmmaker Linda Hoaglund and educators Benjamin O'Donnell (World History) and Kachina Leigh (Studio Art and Art History) as they discuss the multiple ways in which Linda's film, ANPO Art x War, can be brought into the classroom. Using art and interviews with the artists, this documentary traces the impact that the US military has had and continues to have in Japan. Teachers will learn ways to share this history with students as well as explore the interwoven roles of victim, perpetrator, and collaborator that resonate in today's political climate.  

ANPO Art x War reveals the untold story of Japan’s 1960 pro-democracy movement, born from protests over the ratification of the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty allowing American military bases on Japanese soil, through a treasure trove of paintings, photographs, contemporary art and film clips by Japan’s foremost postwar artists. The ongoing presence U.S. military bases, fused with traumatic memories of war proved a crucial catalyst to Japanese artists who created a vast cultural legacy, excavated to narrate the defining event of postwar Japan. The film also explores the interwoven roles of victim, perpetrator and collaborator that resonate in today’s political climate.

Through this workshop, teachers will have the opportunity to talk with the documentary filmmaker, Linda Hoaglund, and be introduced to the curriculum materials in the updated Educator Resources Page on the ANPO film’s website.  This workshop will be applicable to teachers in the arts, humanities, and history - both past and present.  

After registering for the workshop, educators will receive an email with the link to the Zoom meeting for the workshop on January 25. Educators will then be sent another email on January 10, 2024, containing a link access the ANPO: Art x War documentary. Participants will be able to screen the film at any time in the two weeks before the evening of the workshop. 

Pennsylvania teachers who complete the workshop will receive Act 48 hours. 

For teachers in other states, we can provide you with a Certificate of Completion.