[Challenge] Stimulate your intellectual curiosity with a general knowledge quiz you might not know!
Japan has a wide variety of historical events, historic buildings, traditions, and culture.
There’s a lot you learn in school, but it’s nearly impossible to know everything about Japan just from classes alone.
Still, there are bits of Japanese trivia and common knowledge we’d love for you to know! In this article, we’ll present quizzes on Japanese trivia and general knowledge.
Some of it overlaps with what you learn in class, but we also cover related events and things that have become common knowledge over Japan’s long history.
Try the quizzes and get to know Japan even better!
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- Let’s take on the challenge! A multiple-choice history quiz for elementary school students. Review your history lessons.
- Fun facts you’ll want to share! January trivia and tidbits special
- [General] Japan-wide Prefecture Quiz
- True-or-false quiz for adults: a full roundup from common-sense questions to surprising trivia!
- Trivia quiz about schools: a roundup of fun facts you’ll want to brag about
- Aim for a perfect score! A three-choice common knowledge quiz that deepens your understanding
- So interesting you’ll want to tell someone! December Trivia & Fun Facts Special
Japanese Trivia and General Knowledge Quiz (11–20)
Which prefecture has the smallest area?
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Kagawa Prefecture
Among Japan's prefectures, the one with the smallest area is Kagawa. Kagawa covers approximately 1,877 square kilometers, and within this compact area, the beautiful nature and culture facing the Seto Inland Sea in Shikoku are concentrated. Famous as a center for udon noodles, Kagawa is also a popular tourist destination—a small yet captivating prefecture.
What is the longest river in Japan?
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Shinano River
Japan’s longest river is the Shinano River, which flows across Niigata and Nagano Prefectures. It is 367 km long and connects to the Sea of Japan. In terms of basin area, it ranks third after the Tone River and the Ishikari River. By the way, the Shinano River is called the Chikuma River when it enters Nagano Prefecture.
What age is celebrated by the term “hakujū” (white longevity)?
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99 years old
Hakujū is a term used to celebrate reaching the age of 99. It comes from the idea that if you remove the top horizontal stroke from the character for “hundred” (百), it becomes “white” (白), and since 100 minus 1 equals 99, the 99th year is called Hakujū. Incidentally, 100 years old is called Hyakujū or Kiju.
Until what year did the Showa era continue?
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The year 1989 (Showa 64)
The Showa era began in 1926 and ended on January 7, 1989 (Showa 64), with the passing of Emperor Showa. Showa 64 lasted only seven days, and from the following day, January 8, the new era name became Heisei.
In which present-day prefecture did the Battle of Sekigahara take place?
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Gifu Prefecture
The Battle of Sekigahara, launched by Tokugawa Ieyasu and Ishida Mitsunari as a decisive clash for dominion, took place in what is now Gifu Prefecture. Fought in 1600 over who would take power after Toyotomi Hideyoshi, it saw the participation of illustrious warlords such as Date Masamune and Uesugi Kagekatsu.
What do you call the celebration for the 88th birthday?
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88th birthday (Beiju)
The celebration of longevity at age 88 is called “beiju.” This comes from the fact that the kanji character for rice (米) resembles the number eighty-eight. In Japan, longevity celebrations have various names, each imbued with special meanings tied to specific ages. Among them, beiju marks an especially advanced age and is regarded as a significant milestone celebrated by many.
World Knowledge and International Common Sense Quiz (1–10)
Which country is home to Salar de Uyuni, known as the world’s largest salt flat?
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Bolivia
Salar de Uyuni is located in Bolivia. It lies within the Andes at an elevation of over 3,000 meters above sea level. Isolated from the outside world, salts accumulated there, forming the vast salt flats we see today. During the rainy season, the lake surface reflects light like a mirror, creating the famous mirror-like scenery.