Japan
America
Music
Movies/TV
Pop Culture
100

What does the "Red Dot" or "Hinomaru" represent/symbolize on the Japanese flag? 

The red dot on the Japanese flag, known as the Hinomaru ("circle of the sun"), represents the sun. This symbol highlights Japan's identity as the "Land of the Rising Sun" and is rooted in Shinto tradition, where the sun goddess Amaterasu is believed to be the ancestor of the Emperor.

100

America is connected by land to two other countries what are they?

Canada (is our neighbor to the north) and Mexico (is connected to our southern border).

100

Before BTS gained worldwide fame, J-Pop band Arashi was the most famous boy band from Asia. What were some of their biggest songs?

  • "Love so sweet" (2007): Arguably their biggest hit, used as the theme song for the drama Hana Yori Dango 2, which significantly boosted their popularity.
  • "One Love" (2008): A massive wedding-themed ballad from Hana Yori Dango Final.
  • "A・RA・SHI" (1999): Their debut single, which remains a staple.
  • "Truth" (2008): A high-selling, dramatic track.
  • "Happiness" (2007): A high-energy, beloved anthem.
  • "Monster" (2010): A popular, theatrical hit. 
100

A famous American actor has been "the face of Boss coffee" for 19 years since 2006. He was in movies like Men in Black, Batman Forever, and Small Soldiers. What is his name?

Tommy Lee Jones. "Alien Jones"

100

This Japanese sneaker brand is a popular souvenir for people visiting Japan. It was made very popular by martial artist Bruce Lee who famously wore a bright yellow pair of the sneaker in many videos. What is the name of the sneaker brand?

Onitsuka Tiger 

200

Mt. Fuji is Japan's highest mountain. What is the 2nd highest mountain in Japan?

Japan's second-highest mountain is Mount Kita (Kitadake), standing at 3,193 meters (10,476 feet). Located in the Southern Alps (Akaishi Mountains) of Yamanashi Prefecture, it is known as the "Leader of the Southern Alps" and offers striking views of Mount Fuji. It is a popular, albeit rugged, hiking destination accessible via the Hirogawara trailhead. 

200

What are the 4-5 major regions in America? (Hint most are referred to by their geographical location using the cardinal directions found on a compass) (Additional 200 points if you can tell me which one has the easiest accent to understand) (Another 200 points if you can tell me which one Mr. Williams is from)

The United States is primarily divided into four or five major geographic regions, commonly defined as the Northeast, Midwest, South, West, and sometimes the Southwest.

(Midwest)

200

Who is the lead singer of Mrs. Green Apple?

The lead singer of the Japanese band Mrs. GREEN APPLE is Motoki Ohmori (大森元貴), who also plays guitar, writes, and composes for the group, known for his distinctive high-pitched vocals and emotive delivery.

200

This movie from 2023 starring Koji Yakusho won numerous awards including "best actor" it focuses on the life of a Tokyo public toilet cleaner and his daily life and family, what is it called?

Perfect Days

200

A famous American actor who recently received a gift from another "fellow pirate" One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda is currently hosting an Art Exhibition in Tokyo until May 6th. Who is it?

Johnny Depp "A Bunch of Stuff" Art Exhibition Tokyo until May 6th 

300

Japan has had how many Prime Ministers in the last 5 years? (since Shinzo Abe in 2020) (extra 300 points if you can name them all). 

As of January 2026, Japan has had four prime ministers in the last five years. 

  • Sanae Takaichi (Oct 2025 – Present)
  • Shigeru Ishiba (Oct 2024 – Oct 2025)
  • Fumio Kishida (Nov 2021 – Oct 2024)
  • Yoshihide Suga (Sept 2020 – Oct 2021)
  • Shinzo Abe (Ended term Sept 2020) 
300

What is on the American flag?

50 white stars on a blue background. 13 red and white stripes representing the 13 original colonies of America.

300

Utada Hikaru gained global popularity when she sang the theme song for three games produced by Square Enix (the maker of the popular Final Fantasy series). These games combined Final Fantasy with Disney, what is the name of this series?

Kingdom Hearts 

300

This Japanese actor is often recognized as the face of Sky Co, Ltd. and SKYSEA IT Security Software. He has also appeared in commercials for Ezaki Glico, Townwork, Wilkinson, LG21 (Meiji). He was also Light Yagami in the live action movie versions of Anime/Manga Death Note, what is his name?

Tatsuya Fujiwara

300

Japanese clothing company Uniqlo has scientifically developed two sets of clothing. One is designed to keep you cool during warm weather and another is created to keep you warm during cold weather. What are they called?

Heattech (keep warm during cold weather)

and

AIRism (keep you cool during warm weather)

400

On February 5th (2026) Japan opens another theme park this time it's main focus is "pocket sized" monsters, what is it?

PokePark Kanto

400

What are the top 5 universities in America? 

  • 1. Princeton University: Frequently ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report for its undergraduate focus.
  • 2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): Consistently top-ranked for engineering, science, and technology globally.
  • 3. Harvard University: Widely recognized for its prestige, vast resources, and top-tier law, business, and medical schools.
  • 4. Stanford University: A premier institution located in Silicon Valley, excelling in entrepreneurship, tech, and humanities.
  • 5. Yale University: Renowned for its excellence in the liberal arts, law, and drama. 
400

Often regarded as Japan's national instrument, this 13-stringed zither is over 180 cm long and made of wood. It is played by plucking with picks (tsume) worn on the fingers, with movable bridges allowing for varied tuning. What is the name of this musical instrument?

Koto (琴/箏)

400

The anime and manga Bungo Stray Dogs has characters named after real-life novelist/authors/writers, name 5 of them? 

  • Atsushi Nakajima: Beast Beneath the Moonlight
  • Osamu Dazai: No Longer Human
  • Ryūnosuke Akutagawa: Rashōmon
  • Chūya Nakahara: For the Tainted Sorrow
  • Doppo Kunikida: Doppo Poet
  • Ranpo Edogawa: Super Deduction
  • Kyōka Izumi: Demon Snow
  • Akiko Yosano: Thou Shalt Not Die
  • Kenji Miyazawa: Undefeated by the Rain
  • Jun'ichirō Tanizaki: Light Snow
  • Yukichi Fukuzawa: All Men Are Equal
  • Ōgai Mori: Vita
  • Fyodor Dostoevsky: Crime and Punishment 
  • Port Mafia: Ichiyō Higuchi, Kōyō Ozaki, Sakunosuke Oda, Kyūsaku Yumeno, Gin Akutagawa, Michizō Tachihara
  • The Guild: Lucy Maud Montgomery, Edgar Allan Poe, Margaret Mitchell
  • Government/Others: Ango Sakaguchi, Natsume Sōseki, Nikolai Gogol, Bram Stoker 
  • F. Scott Fitzgerald
400

In Mr. Williams school days he didn't have Labubu's. A small robotic bird covered in "fur" was a global trend and a small digital keychain "pet/egg/friend" you had to feed and care for were the most popular must have toys/accessories. Name one or double points both of them?

Furby (1998) and Tamagotchi (1997)

500

Historically, the most significant (and only) real-life encounter between Sanada Yukimura and Date Masamune occurred during which war, and/or which battle?

the Summer Siege of Osaka in 1615, specifically the Battle of Dōmyōji (June 3, 1615). 

they did not engage in a one-on-one duel, their forces clashed directly during this battle, where Yukimura led the Toyotomi right wing and Masamune’s troops were part of the advancing Tokugawa army. 

  • The Context: Following a fierce battle with Date forces, Yukimura’s troops were exhausted, prompting them to retreat toward Osaka Castle.
  • Date’s Force: Date Masamune was accompanied by his elite cavalry and his famous retainer, Katakura Kojuro Shigenaga, who fought fiercely against the Sanada troops.
  • Significance: Although often portrayed as rivals in modern media (such as Sengoku Basara), this is the only recorded encounter where their forces fought each other in the same battle.
500

A Japanese American football player just won in the NFL Super Bowl of American Football on the Seattle Seahawks, what is his name?

Ty Okada

500

What were the top 5 songs in America for 2025?

  1. "Luther" – Kendrick Lamar and SZA
  2. "Die With A Smile" – Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars
  3. "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" – Shaboozey
  4. "Lose Control" – Teddy Swims
  5. "BIRDS OF A FEATHER" – Billie Eilish 
500

What is broadcast everyday at 6:30AM on NHK-1 Public Radio station?

Radio Taiso aerobic exercises to help people stay physically fit and for those with limited mobility and stretching. Having been practiced for nearly 100 years.

500

Numerous American singers/rappers have adopted the Harajuku style, name one?

Gwen Stefani (Lead Singer of the band No Doubt) is the most prominent American musician associated with the Harajuku style, having built an entire era around it during her 2004 Love. Angel. Music. Baby. album. She utilized Harajuku-inspired fashion, a, "Harajuku Girls" backup dancer troupe, and launched the Harajuku Lovers brand, often defending her, "superfan" admiration

Nicki Minaj - Sometimes referenced as the "Harajuku Barbie," utilizing similar colorful, eccentric, and doll-like aesthetics

  • Pharrell Williams & Kanye West: Early 2000s influencers who brought Japanese streetwear A Bathing Ape (BAPE), which originated in the Harajuku district, to the forefront of American fashion. 

  • Megan Thee Stallion - Didn't claim the Harajuku style but does have admiration for Anime and the song Mamushi feat Yuki Chiba

  • Frank Ocean - Didn't claim the Harajuku style but did have song feat KOHH / Yuki Chiba
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