[For Seniors] Fun and Informative! Trivia and Quizzes Introduced

What is the most common surname in Japan?

Someone who fits the bill might be right nearby! Here’s a fun fact: What’s the most common surname in Japan? It’s said that there are about 300,000 different Japanese surnames.

That number is rare even by global standards, and there are interesting regional traits as well.

Among those roughly 300,000 surnames, do you know which is the most common? The answer is “Sato.” There might even be a Mr.

or Ms.

Sato close to you.

It’s a bit of trivia that makes everyone go, “Oh, really?”

Nara Park is famous for its deer. How do you think they count the number of deer?

Many of you have probably had the experience of feeding rice crackers to deer while traveling! Here’s a fun bit of trivia: Nara Park, famous for its deer—how do they count the number of deer there? Nara Park is one of the city’s signature sightseeing spots, and some of you may have visited on a trip.

The idea of counting all the deer living there sounds overwhelming, so how do they do it…? The answer is: by visual headcount.

It’s the kind of trivia that makes you exclaim, “What?!”

What foods become more nutritious when frozen?

A topic about the nutritional value of ingredients! Here’s a fun fact: Which foods actually become more nutritious when frozen? Just by freezing them, their nutritional value increases compared to when they’re fresh… It sounds almost too good to be true, right? Those familiar with cooking and household chores might already have an idea.

The answer is komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach).

It’s also said that mushrooms, shijimi clams, and carrots see an increase in nutritional value when frozen.

It’s a handy piece of trivia for everyday life—something you’ll want to share with people around you.

Why are mailboxes red?

Here’s a story about mailboxes that’s great as a conversation topic with seniors.

Mailboxes are very convenient because you can easily send letters and postcards anytime.

They stand out in town, and many people use them to stay more closely connected through communication.

The reason mailboxes are a noticeable red is said to be because it’s a color that’s easy for anyone to recognize and that draws attention.

In some regions, there are also yellow mailboxes that symbolize good fortune, or blue ones.

It’s handy to know roughly where the nearest mailbox is when you want to send a letter!

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How many events have been held continuously from the first Olympic Games to the present?NEW!

People tend to think the same events are held every time, but in fact, only five Olympic sports have continued without interruption since the first Games: athletics (track and field), swimming, artistic gymnastics, fencing, and cycling.

Some events that used to be included have been dropped or later reinstated—so it really varies by Olympics.

The Olympic program is decided by the International Olympic Committee at its Session, but if issues arise—such as doping problems or any concerns about the governance capacity of the international federations, commonly called IFs—sports can be excluded.

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What is the summertime tradition that originated in Wakayama Prefecture?

Wakayama Prefecture is famous for Arita mandarins, but there’s another well-known invention that originated there: mosquito coils, which are incredibly useful for camping and outdoor activities.

They’re an essential item for summertime outdoor occasions! They are said to have been researched and developed by Eiichiro Ueyama.

The original stick-shaped mosquito coil was improved into a spiral shape to extend its burn time, allowing for longer use.

It might be even more engaging to talk about it while sharing summer memories.

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Who was the first recipient of the People’s Honor Award?

A superstar everyone knows! Here’s a trivia tidbit: Who was the very first recipient of the People’s Honour Award? To start with, do you know what the People’s Honour Award is? It’s an award presented by the Prime Minister to individuals or organizations whose outstanding achievements have earned the admiration of the public and given society hope.

The first recipient was Sadaharu Oh.

As a legendary hitter in professional baseball, Sadaharu Oh is still beloved by the public.

With his unique one-legged batting stance, he captivated many fans and was a star who led Japanese baseball for many years.