Tokyo
What was Tokyo’s original name before it became the capital in 1868?
Edo
Mount Fuji is part of which mountain range?
The Fuji Volcanic Zone (not part of a traditional mountain range, but a volcanic arc in central Japan).
The traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement is called ikebana. What does the word literally mean in English?
“Living flowers” or “to give life to flowers.”
How many islands make up Japan in total?
About 6,800 islands (6,852 to be exact).
The Japanese imperial line claims to be the oldest hereditary monarchy in the world. According to tradition, in what year was it founded
660 BC (by Emperor Jimmu, though legendary).
The world’s busiest railway station is located in Tokyo. What is its name?
Shinjuku Station
What year did UNESCO designate Mount Fuji as a World Cultural Heritage Site?
2013
In the Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu), what is the special small room called where the host prepares and serves the tea?
The chashitsu (tea room).
True or False — Japanese is legally recognized as Japan’s official national language.
False (it has no official legal status, though it’s universally spoken).
During the Genpei War (1180–1185), two powerful clans fought for control of Japan. Name both clans.
Taira (Heike) and Minamoto (Genji).
Tokyo Skytree, the tallest structure in Japan, is how tall in meters?
634 meters
How many official climbing routes are there to the summit of Mount Fuji?
Four (Yoshida, Subashiri, Gotemba, and Fujinomiya).
The Tale of Genji, often considered the world’s first novel, was written by which Japanese noblewoman?
Murasaki Shikibu.
What was Japan’s first-ever capital city in the 6th century?
Asuka.
In 1549, which European missionary introduced Christianity to Japan?
Francis Xavier (a Jesuit missionary from Spain).
The Imperial Palace in Tokyo is built on the site of which historic shogunate castle?
Edo Castle
Mount Fuji last erupted in which year?
1707 (the Hōei eruption).
In traditional kabuki theater, male actors who specialize in playing female roles are called what?
Onnagata.
What is the Japanese word for buying books but never reading them?
Tsundoku (積ん読).
The Sakuradamon Incident of 1860 was the assassination of which Japanese statesman who supported opening Japan to the West?
Ii Naosuke, the Tairō (Great Elder) of the Tokugawa shogunate.
Tokyo hosted the Summer Olympics twice. Name the years
1964 and 2021 (officially the 2020 Olympics, delayed by COVID-19)
At 3,776 meters, Mount Fuji is Japan’s tallest peak. What does the name “Fuji” most likely mean according to the most accepted theory?
“Everlasting life” (though its exact origin is debated, this is the most widely accepted interpretation).
Japan’s national sport is sumo wrestling. What is the highest rank a sumo wrestler can achieve?
Yokozuna.
What is the world’s oldest continuously operating company, founded in 578 AD, and what did it build?
Kongō Gumi, a construction firm that built Buddhist temples.
The Meiji Restoration of 1868 ended the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate. What was the last Tokugawa shogun’s name?
Tokugawa Yoshinobu.