Teaching the geographic concepts of region, cultural boundary, and movement can be challenging. This unit helps students explore these ideas as they learn about the geographic distribution and spread of major world religions throughout Asia.

Students study cultural perceptions in this unit, based on encounters among Europeans, Americans, and the Japanese in the mid-1800s. Historic images from woodblock prints and paintings, journal entries, and other primary sources bring these interactions alive for students as they think about issues such as perceptions and stereotypes.

In this unit, students explore key historical episodes in U.S.–Japan relations, such as the first Japanese embassy to the United States in 1860, the "picture bride" immigration from Japan to the United States, and the U.S. occupation of Japan.