Sakura Yamamoto, a girl from Japan, will soon join Allison's third-grade class. The classmates excitedly learn about Sakura's country so that they can help her feel welcome in the United States. They discover that modern Japan produces high-quality electronics and treasures the game of baseball. However, many ancient traditions like the Shinto religion, sumo wrestling, and taiko drumming maintain importance in this country made of 4,000 islands. The formal clothing, art, holiday customs, and food of Japan carry special meanings that honor nature, happiness, hard work, and long life. The traditional clear soup the students make and koi-nobori decorating Allison's classroom will help Sakura feel at home! (Recipe and craft instructions included.)