[For Seniors] Nationally Beloved and Popular Anime Quiz: Get excited with famous characters and iconic catchphrases

Pikachu

The first Pokémon Satoshi obtained was Pikachu. Normally, you can choose from Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle, but because Satoshi overslept, those three had already been given to other trainers. As a result, he received Pikachu specially from Professor Oak and set off on a journey together. Pikachu has continued to be Satoshi’s partner and has become popular not only in Japan but all around the world.

There is always only one truth.

“There’s always only one truth” is a very famous line that Edogawa Conan says when solving cases. It reflects the conviction of Shinichi Kudo—who is Conan—that he will uncover the truth no matter how difficult the case. The phrase appears almost without fail in both the anime and the manga, and it has long been beloved by fans as an iconic catchphrase of Detective Conan.

chunky sweet red bean paste

The filling in Anpanman’s face is tsubuan (coarse sweet red bean paste). In both the anime and the picture books, whenever Anpanman offers his face, it’s shown that the filling is tsubuan. There are various types of fillings for anpan, but in Anpanman’s case it is always tsubuan—this setting has been officially confirmed.

Kamehameha

The Kamehameha is an energy wave technique that Son Goku learned from Master Roshi, in which he concentrates ki in his palms and releases it all at once. This move is an iconic element of Dragon Ball, and many characters have mastered it as well. Goku has evolved the technique through his battles, defeating various powerful foes. As a signature move representing both the anime and the manga, it enjoys high recognition both in Japan and abroad.

pig

Spirited Away is one of director Hayao Miyazaki’s signature works. At the beginning of the story, the protagonist Chihiro’s parents, driven by their greed, eat mysterious food and are punished by being turned into pigs. To save her parents, Chihiro faces various trials in a strange world. The scene of her parents being transformed into pigs is an important moment in the story.

Balse

In the film Castle in the Sky, the spell of destruction that Pazu and Sheeta invoke when they decide to bring about Laputa’s collapse is “Balse.” In the Laputian language, “Balse” means “close,” and it plays a crucial role at the story’s climax. When the movie airs on television, it’s well known that many people post “Balse!” simultaneously on social media, and it has become a symbol of Japanese pop culture.

Iskandar

In the story of Space Battleship Yamato, Earth has been contaminated by radiation due to the attacks of the Gamilas Empire and faces the threat of extinction. Humanity’s only hope is to obtain a radiation removal device sent from the distant planet Iscandar. To that end, the Yamato embarks on a grand voyage through space toward Iscandar. The adventures leading up to their arrival at Iscandar are a major highlight of the work. Overcoming numerous hardships, the Yamato’s crew finally reaches Iscandar and brings hope back to Earth. Iscandar remains one of the key words beloved by fans across generations.