[For Seniors] Kochi Prefecture Local Quiz! Deepen your local pride with Sakamoto Ryoma and the Shimanto River

Naruko

The indispensable tool for the Yosakoi-bushi and the Yosakoi Festival is the naruko. Originally a wooden device used in fields to scare away birds, the naruko is held in both hands and rattled while dancing in Kochi’s Yosakoi dance, creating a distinctive rhythm and lively atmosphere. Shamisen and taiko are also used in festivals and folk music, but the iconic item of Yosakoi is the naruko. Therefore, “naruko” is the correct answer.

Tosa Province

The old provincial name for Kochi Prefecture is Tosa Province (Tosa no Kuni). Tosa Province existed from the ritsuryō system era until the early Meiji period and referred to an area roughly equivalent to present-day Kochi Prefecture. The name Tosa is still cherished today as a place associated with many historical figures, such as Sakamoto Ryoma. People from Kochi Prefecture are sometimes called Tosajin (Tosa people).

Tosa washi (traditional Japanese paper from Tosa)

The correct answer is “Tosa washi.” Tosa washi is a traditional Japanese paper with a history of over 1,000 years in Kochi Prefecture, and it is known as one of Japan’s three great washi papers. Nurtured by Tosa’s natural environment—including the clear streams of the Shimanto and Niyodo Rivers and an abundance of raw materials such as kozo (paper mulberry)—this washi is characterized by its strength and durability. For this reason, it has long been used for documents, shoji paper, and the restoration of cultural properties.

Taisuke Itagaki

The answer is Itagaki Taisuke. Itagaki Taisuke was from the Tosa Domain and became a central figure in Japan’s Freedom and People’s Rights Movement. Aiming to “create a national assembly,” he laid the foundations of modern parliamentary politics in Japan by submitting the Petition for the Establishment of a Popularly Elected Assembly and founding the Liberal Party. The phrase “Itagaki may die, but liberty will never die” is especially famous. Itagaki’s achievements are extremely important for understanding the history of the Tosa Domain and the notable figures of Kochi Prefecture.

Kazutoyo Yamauchi

Kōchi Castle was built by Yamanouchi Kazutoyo, the first lord of the Tosa Domain. After distinguishing himself at the Battle of Sekigahara, Yamanouchi Kazutoyo was granted the Tosa Domain (present-day Kōchi Prefecture) by Tokugawa Ieyasu, and he began construction of Kōchi Castle in 1601 as his base of power. Kōchi Castle is known as a rare castle where both the main keep (tenshu) and the palace of the honmaru (main bailey) still survive.

Yosakoi Festival

The correct answer is the Yosakoi Festival. The Yosakoi Festival began in 1954 and is held every year for four days starting on August 9. It is characterized by unique, vibrant costumes and dances, including the Yosakoi naruko dance. Tens of thousands of dancers and tourists visit from within and outside the prefecture, making it a major event that represents summer in Kochi. It is also counted among the three great festivals of Shikoku, along with Tokushima’s Awa Odori and Ehime’s Matsuyama Festival.

Sorry

The correct answer is “Gomen.” Gomen Station actually exists in Nankoku City, Kochi Prefecture, and is located on the Dosan Line. Because of its unique name, it is often featured as an unusual station name. It also lends its name to the railway line “Gomen-Nahari Line,” with “Nahari” coming from Nahari Station in Nahari Town, Aki District, the line’s terminus. The other options, such as “Sayonara” and “Arigato,” do not exist. Gomen Station is also popular among travelers and tourists.