Japan
The emergence of these flowers in spring marks new beginnings and an opportunity for "hanami"
What are sakura/cherry blossoms?
This legendary 1941 drama, directed, produced by, and starring Orson Welles, is often cited as the greatest film of all time
What is Citizen Kane?
Erratic and temperamental, this chess grandmaster singlehandedly dismantled the era of Soviet dominance with his 1972 win over Boris Spassky
Who is Bobby Fischer?
Originally published in 1965, this book series captivated audiences with the politics of the desert planet Arrakis
What is Dune?
A kink subculture commonly involving power dynamics, leather, and other accoutrements
What is Bondage, Dominance, Submission, and Masochism (BDSM)?
This politician's death remains the only high profile 21st century assassination in Japan
Who is Shinzo Abe?
This Pixar film was the first ever movie to exclusively feature 3D computer animation
What is Toy Story?
With four wins out of six nominations, this late Portland-based author holds the record for most Nebula Awards for Best Novel
Who is Ursula K. Le Guin?
This dissociative disorder involves spending excessive amounts of time lost in vivid and imaginary worlds
What is maladaptive daydreaming?
This acclaimed manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto features an ill-starred cast facing off against terrifying devils
What is Chainsaw Man (CSM)?
Fearful of Western advances, this era of Japanese history ended the feudal system, industrialized the economy, and established Tokyo the new capitol
What is the Meiji period/Meiji Restoration?
Among the three movies to win 11 Academy Awards, this one is unique for winning each category it was nominated for
What is The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King?
Renowned for his towering intellect, this man was instrumental in the development of the atom bomb, computers, game theory, and countless other concepts
Who is John von Neumann?
This world was created by Gary Gygax as the original setting for the TTRPG Dungeons and Dragons
What is Oerth?
What is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)?
This prestigious Japanese relay marathon is held as an annual New Year's celebration
What is the Hakone Ekiden?
Despite a budget of less than a million dollars, this found footage horror film would go on to gross $248 million at the box office
What is the Blair Witch Project?
Despite doctors' belief that the feat could be fatal, this athlete became the first documented man to run a mile in less than 4 minutes
Who is Roger Bannister?
These ancient Sumerian stories document the adventures of the oldest known mythological hero
What is The Epic of Gilgamesh?
This foreign company produces over 90% of the world's cutting edge microchips
What is Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM)?
This legendary Japanese samurai was famously slain in a duel by Miyamoto Musashi who wielded a carved oar in place of a katana
Who is Sasaki Kojiro?
Unlike other "development hell" projects, this coming-of-age movie was intentionally filmed over 12 years and shaped by the lived experiences of its actors
What is Boyhood?
This 17th century mathematician is best known for his eponymous "Last Theorem" that confounded mathematicians for over 350 years
Who is Pierre de Fermat?
In The Magician's Nephew, Digory and Polly awaken the fearsome witch Jadis on this dying world
What is Charn?
These 5 universities are often described as the most elite and competitive schools in the US
What are Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, MIT (HYPSM)?