Mythology
The Land of the Rising ____?
Sun
Japanese citizens live mainly on this area of Japan
The coast
What 2 natural disasters does Japan face more commonly than other countries?
Earthquakes / Tsunamis
What are the 2 most common/popular religions in Japan?
Shinto / Buddhism
What country attacked Japan multiple times but never succeeded in conquering?
How did Japan get it's nickname?
Amatarasu goes into cave --> darkness --> tricked to come out --> sun rises again
How many times bigger is Canada than Japan? (+/- 2)
31.4 times (29-33)
What were the indigenous people of Japan called?
Ainu
Sacred spirits that come to earth in any form
Kami
I am the 3 lines, syllable based poem of Japan
*Bonus* What is the syllable count?
Haiku
How was Japan formed?
Stir up the ocean and salt formed the islands
This is the most important crop is Japanese history and was at one time used to value land and traded as currency
Rice
A harbour wave
Tsunami
What is matsuri?
A religious festival/parade to honour the kami
Name 3 of Japans 4 main islands
Hokaido - Honshu - Shikoku - Kyushu
Who are Izanagi and Izanami?
Divine beings / creators of Japan
Despite the difficulties with land access, these religious gates can be found almost anywhere throughout Japan
*Bonus* One should never walk where when passing through them
Torii gates
Simply put it was difficult to get to so it lacked regular trade and influence from other countries
What are the wooden boards that intentions/prayers are written on called?
Ema
Japan writing follows this system of characters/symbols
Katakana / Kana
Who is the Sun godess?
Amaterasu
What percentage of Japan is considered moutains/forests/steep valleys? (+/- 5%)
80% (75%-85%)
To the Japanese, what does the cherry blossom symbolize?
Beauty - New Beginning - Shortess of Beauty and Life
The motto or main idea of shinto is?
In harmony with nature
Japan is made up of many islands which is also known by this word
Archipelago