[For Seniors] Let's have fun with an autumn-themed quiz!

In which era in Japan was the first sports festival (undokai) held?

In autumn, most schools in Japan hold sports days or athletic festivals.

The events vary by age, but competitions like relays and cavalry battles are common, and in recent years, performance events such as dance routines have also become popular.

So here’s a recommended October quiz about sports days: In which era was Japan’s first sports day held? The answer is the Meiji era.

It seems the reason sports days were introduced was to get students to exercise.

At the time, physical education consisted of things like horseback riding and martial arts, so there weren’t many opportunities for general exercise.

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In October 1972, Japan and China normalized diplomatic relations, and China presented an animal as a commemorative gift. What animal was it?

October has pleasant weather and is the best season for field trips, isn’t it? There are many possible destinations for field trips, and zoos are surely one of them.

Here’s a question: In October of 1972, Japan and China normalized diplomatic relations, and China presented Japan with an animal as a commemorative gift.

What was that animal? The answer is “panda.” Zoos have many kinds of animals, but pandas are especially popular.

Their round shape and the way they tumble around are irresistibly cute, aren’t they?

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What is the moon-viewing event called where one observes a moon slightly waning from full—also known as “Mame Meigetsu” (Bean Harvest Moon) or “Imo Meigetsu” (Potato Harvest Moon)?

What do you call the moon-viewing custom of observing the moon just slightly waning from full—also known as the “Bean-Viewing Moon” or “Taro-Viewing Moon”? The answer is “Jūsan-ya,” or the Night of the Thirteenth Moon.

When it comes to moon viewing, the fifteenth night in September is well known, but there is actually another moon-viewing tradition around October—this is Jūsan-ya.

The fifteenth night custom came from China, while Jūsan-ya is a Japanese tradition.

Both involve enjoying the beauty of the moon, but Jūsan-ya carries the meaning of giving thanks for the autumn harvest.

If you missed the September moon viewing, why not enjoy Jūsan-ya instead?

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October is the season for autumn leaves. From what temperature do maple leaves turn red?

Speaking of autumn, it’s the season for fall foliage.

Tourist spots are bustling with people, aren’t they? And when we talk about fall colors, we think of Japanese maples (momiji).

The vivid crimson leaves of momiji at this time of year are truly beautiful.

Here’s a question: do you know from what temperature the leaves of momiji start turning red? The correct answer is 8°C (46°F).

The pigment in the leaves called anthocyanin, which is necessary for the red color, increases when the minimum temperature drops below 8°C, promoting the coloration.

Of course, other weather conditions play a role too, but this can be a useful indicator when planning to view the fall foliage, so feel free to remember it.

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October 15 is Mushroom Day. Mushrooms are known as foods that boost the immune system. Among them, which mushrooms are particularly high in dietary fiber?

Mushrooms are low in calories and rich in dietary fiber, B vitamins, and minerals.

They’re the unsung heroes that shine in a variety of dishes.

Dietary fiber reaches the large intestine and is said to help regulate the digestive system and suppress spikes in blood sugar.

So which mushroom is especially rich in fiber? Many of you might guess it if I say it has a distinctive crunchy texture.

The answer is wood ear mushrooms.

Let’s make a point of getting plenty of dietary fiber.