G10 – Literary Mock Trial: Rashomon

 In this year’s Grade 10 Japanese classes, we are incorporating a mock trial format into our study of “Rashomon”(Japanese literature). Through taking on roles such as defense attorney, prosecutor, and judge, students revisit the perspectives of the characters and develop their ability to think from multiple angles and make logical judgments.

Students previously experienced a mock trial in their Grade 9 I &S class as part of their learning about the judicial system, and that learning has naturally carried over into Japanese class. By applying previously acquired skills across subjects, students are able to think more deeply and express their ideas more effectively.

In the classroom, students demonstrated careful and detailed reading of the characters—particularly the servant and the old woman—by analyzing their words and actions, as well as considering their psychological states, circumstances, and the social context of the time. Moving beyond basic comprehension, students are steadily developing the ability to construct their own interpretations based on evidence and reasoning.

We share this as an example of cross-curricular learning, where knowledge and skills are connected to deepen students’ thinking.