Most textbooks that focus on intercultural communication tend to emphasize learning about the ‘other’ or ‘foreign’ culture. But intercultural communication is a two-way street and the importance of understanding and explaining our own culture is often overlooked. Language learners hoping to make international friends, to take part in homestay programmes, or to work in an international environment need to understand their own culture, and be able to explain it. This presentation introduces engaging and practical communication activities from This is Japan, a textbook that develops learners’ abilities to explain their own culture and lifestyle.