Summary
Mati and her magical sidekick Dada travel back in time to meet Horyu-ji Temple and discover one of the oldest wooden buildings in the world. Together they explore this ancient Japanese temple and its pagoda and learn about Japan, over 1,300 years ago. A gentle, funny introduction to a great artist for young viewers.
Viewer safety
All ages
Our rating is a quick teacher-to-teacher guide — preview before showing.
Teaching resources
Discussion questions
Watch how Mati and Dada meet Horyu-ji Temple, then talk it over:
- What kind of art did Horyu-ji Temple make, and what made it stand out?
- What did you notice about Horyu-ji Temple's style — the colors, shapes, or lines they used?
- How did living in Japan, over 1,300 years ago shape the art Horyu-ji Temple made?
- Which work by Horyu-ji Temple would you most want to see in real life? Why?
Quick work-a-long
Words to know: architecture, pagoda, wood
Try it: build or draw a tall tower with a roof on every level like a pagoda. Then share one choice you made that Horyu-ji Temple might have liked.

