General knowledge quiz time! From trivia to questions about Japan and the world

sunflower

Sunflowers is a famous series of paintings by Vincent van Gogh and is among the best-known of his works. The Mona Lisa is by Leonardo da Vinci, and Girl with a Pearl Earring is a work by Johannes Vermeer.

gum

In Singapore, the sale, manufacture, and even import of chewing gum are prohibited. This law was enacted because discarded gum—chewed gum littered in public places or stuck to floors and walls of buildings—had become a serious problem. Violations incur fines, so be sure to take care when traveling there!

Greenland

The largest island in the world is Greenland. Greenland is located in the Arctic region and covers an area of about 2.16 million square kilometers. Although it is geographically close to the North American continent, it is characterized by severe cold and an ice-covered landscape. Its ice sheet and unique ecosystems have drawn worldwide attention.

American football

The Super Bowl is an event held every February as the championship game of the NFL, the professional American football league. In the United States, it is considered a national event and is known for its extremely high television ratings. Another highlight is the halftime show, which features world-renowned artists, and the advertising slots are extremely expensive. As a result, the Super Bowl draws major attention not only as a sporting event but also as entertainment.

Argentina

The Pink House is the common name for the presidential residence located in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. As the name suggests, it is characterized by its pink color and houses the central organs of government. Built in the late 19th century, this historic building serves as a venue for official events and government business, and it attracts many visitors as a popular tourist destination.

Vatican City

The smallest country in the world is Vatican City, located right next to Rome, the capital of Italy. It covers only about 0.44 square kilometers, roughly the size of 9.4 Tokyo Domes. It is the center of the Catholic Church, and the entire country is registered as a World Heritage Site.

fried doughnut

On New Year’s Eve in the Netherlands, there is a custom of eating deep-fried donuts called oliebollen. Oliebollen are a traditional treat made by adding dried fruit or apples to a wheat-flour dough, frying it in oil, and dusting it with powdered sugar. They are believed to bring good luck for the New Year and are enjoyed while gathering with family and friends. Made at street stalls and at home across the country, the smell of these fried donuts fills towns on New Year’s Eve.