1.
What is the primary (originally existing) religion of Japan?
Correct Answer
B. Shinto
Explanation
Shinto is the primary religion of Japan. Shinto is an indigenous religion that originated in Japan and has been practiced for centuries. It is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and traditions, focusing on the worship of nature, ancestors, and spirits. Shinto rituals and beliefs are intertwined with various aspects of Japanese society, such as festivals, ceremonies, and architecture. Shinto played a significant role in shaping Japanese identity and continues to be an important part of the country's religious and cultural landscape.
2.
Out of the following writers, who is/was a novelist NOT based in Japan?
Correct Answer
D. Kazuo Ishiguro
Explanation
Kazuo Ishiguro is a British novelist. He was born in Nagasaki, Japan, and his family moved to England in 1960. He became a British citizen in 1982. Ishiguro is one of the most celebrated contemporary fiction authors in the English speaking world, having received four Man Booker Prize nominations, including winning the 1989 prize for his novel The Remains of the Day.(wikipedia)
3.
What is Japan’s national sport?
Correct Answer
D. Sumo
Explanation
Sumo is Japan's national sport because it has deep historical and cultural roots in the country. Sumo wrestling originated in ancient times as a ritual to appease the gods and has evolved into a highly respected and revered sport. It is a unique form of wrestling that requires immense physical strength, technique, and discipline. Sumo tournaments attract large audiences and are considered important cultural events in Japan. The sport is also closely associated with Japanese traditions and customs, making it an integral part of the country's identity.
4.
In which historical period was Kyoto the capital city of Japan and not Tokyo?
Correct Answer
A. Heian period
Explanation
Most of Japan's historical periods are named after their capital cities. In the Heian-period, modern Kyoto was called 'Heian-kyo' and was the capital during the period. Kamakura, Nara and Edo(modern Tokyo) were also capital cities in the subsequent historical periods.
5.
Which of the following(s) is a Studio Ghibli animation movie(s) held at the City Library?
Correct Answer
E. All of the above
Explanation
All of the movies listed, Laputa: Castle in the Sky, My Neighbour Totoro, and Whisper of the Heart, are Studio Ghibli animation movies held at the City Library.
6.
Which of the following is a Japanese meat dish?
Correct Answer
B. Nikujaga
Explanation
Nikujaga (meaning meat-potato) is a Japanese dish of meat, potatoes and onion stewed in sweetened soy sauce, sometimes with ito konnyaku and vegetables. Thinly sliced beef is the most common meat used, although minced/ground beef is also popular.
7.
Which of the following is NOT a traditional Japanese theatre/performance form?
Correct Answer
A. Sado
Explanation
Sado is the art of performing tea ceremony in japanese culture.
8.
Who is the Japanese bronze medalist for Men's figure skating at the Vancouver Winter Olympics 2010?
Correct Answer
B. Daisuke Takahashi
Explanation
On February 18, 2010, Takahashi won the bronze medal with a score of 247.43. It is the first Olympic medal to be won by Japan in Men's Figure Skating.(wikipedia)
9.
Which are the two main publishing companies for English translated versions of Japanese mangas? (select two answers)
Correct Answer(s)
B. Viz Media
D. Tokyopop
Explanation
Viz Media and Tokyopop are the two main publishing companies for English translated versions of Japanese mangas. Viz Media is known for its extensive catalog of manga titles and is responsible for bringing popular series like Naruto and One Piece to the English-speaking audience. Tokyopop, on the other hand, has also played a significant role in publishing and popularizing manga in the West, with titles like Fruits Basket and Sailor Moon gaining widespread recognition. These two companies have been instrumental in making Japanese manga accessible to a global audience.
10.
How many writing scripts does the Japanese language have?
Correct Answer
C. 3
Explanation
The Japanese language has 3 different scripts for writing: Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji (chinese characters).