September Trivia Quiz & Fun Facts! A Fun Autumn Quiz for Kids

cosmos

“秋桜” is read as “kosumosu,” meaning cosmos. Cosmos are beautiful autumn flowers that come in various colors such as pink, white, and red. In Japan, they are cherished as one of the representative flowers of autumn. The kanji spelling “秋桜” (autumn + cherry blossoms) comes from the petals resembling cherry blossoms and the fact that they bloom in autumn.

Mushroom

There’s a story that when lightning strikes, mushrooms have a bumper harvest. It sounded like a fairy tale, but when researchers actually generated artificial lightning and conducted experiments, the yield reportedly increased! It seems various experiments are still being carried out on this topic.

3 pieces

There are usually three chestnuts inside a burr. Inside the spiky burr are three ovaries, which develop into the chestnut nuts. That’s why there are three nuts in a burr. However, if pollination does not go well, the number of nuts can vary.

Autumn Nationwide Traffic Safety Campaign

To raise awareness of traffic safety, the Autumn National Traffic Safety Campaign is held every year from September 21 to September 30. During this period, many regions carry out education and campaigns related to traffic safety. When riding a bicycle or walking in areas with heavy traffic, please take extra care to stay safe!

ohagi (sweet rice balls coated with red bean paste)

On the Autumnal Equinox, there is a custom of eating ohagi. Likewise, on the Vernal Equinox—when the day and night are of equal length—we eat botamochi. Although the two are almost the same food, their names come from flowers that bloom in each season: spring’s botamochi from the peony (botan), and autumn’s ohagi from bush clover (hagi).

Tokyo DisneySea

Located next to Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea opened on September 4, 2001. With the theme of the seas of adventure and imagination, the park features eight uniquely themed ports. At Mediterranean Harbor, which spreads out in the center of the park, a variety of shows are performed.

Disaster Prevention Day

Prompted by the Great Kanto Earthquake that occurred on September 1, 1923, this date was designated as Disaster Prevention Day. It serves to raise awareness of disaster preparedness for earthquakes, typhoons—which frequently occur in September—heavy rains, tsunamis, and more. On this day, please take the opportunity to review your emergency supplies and confirm your evacuation sites.

rabbit

In Japan, it’s said that on the full moon of the Mid-Autumn Festival, you can see a rabbit using a mortar and pestle to pound rice cakes. However, it seems quite different overseas: in South America people see a crocodile, in Mongolia a dog, and in Germany a man carrying firewood.

Obana

Susuki (Japanese pampas grass) is a plant often displayed during the moon-viewing festival, carrying wishes of gratitude for the harvest and protection from misfortune. Susuki is also known by the alternative name “obana.” This name comes from the way its fluffy flower spikes resemble an animal’s tail.

Respect for the Aged Day

The third Monday of September is Respect for the Aged Day. On this day, we cherish older people such as grandfathers and grandmothers, express our gratitude, and celebrate longevity. If your grandparents live nearby, go see them in person; if they live far away, give them a call and let them hear your cheerful voice.