[For Seniors] Enjoy Brain Training with September Trivia Quizzes & Fun Facts

119

In case of a fire or medical emergency, call 119. 119 is the nationwide emergency number in Japan for fires and ambulances. By the way, the other options are: 110 for the police and 118 for the Japan Coast Guard. Disaster Prevention Day was established in response to the Great Kanto Earthquake that occurred in 1923.

rice harvested that year

“Shinmai” (new rice) refers to rice harvested in a given year that is milled and packaged by December 31 of that same year. From the following year, it is called “komai” (old rice). Because new rice is freshly harvested, it has higher moisture content and is characterized by a chewy texture and a distinctive aroma.

3 pieces

Inside a chestnut burr, there are usually three chestnuts. Through selective breeding, some varieties have only one large chestnut in a single burr, and when pollination doesn’t go well, there may be only two or even one. However, having three is the most common.

cosmos (flower)

The kanji for cosmos is written as “秋桜” (literally, “autumn cherry blossoms”). This name came into use because they bloom in autumn and have petals that resemble cherry blossoms. Incidentally, September 14 is known as “Cosmos Day.” It falls six months after White Day on March 14 and is said to be a day when people give cosmos flowers to their partners to reaffirm their love.

ohagi (sweet rice balls coated with red bean paste)

Autumnal Equinox Day coincides with Ohigan, a time to honor one’s ancestors. The traditional Japanese sweet offered on this day is ohagi. Red beans have long been believed to ward off misfortune, and ohagi is cherished as a treat that also pleases one’s ancestors. Although it uses the same ingredients as botamochi, which is eaten on the Vernal Equinox, the name changes in reference to the season’s flowers.

September 15

Tokyo

It was held in 1874 at the Naval Barracks in Tsukiji, Tokyo.