[For Seniors] Lively True-or-False Quiz: Fun Questions You Think You Know but Don’t

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The correct answer is “False.” Bats are not birds. Although their appearance and ability to fly can cause confusion, bats are classified as mammals. A defining trait of mammals is that they give birth to live young and nurse them with milk. Birds, on the other hand, generally lay eggs, which the parent birds incubate until they hatch. Bats are in fact mammals like mice and are known as the only mammals that have wings. Not all animals that can freely fly in the sky are birds, so take this opportunity to remember that.

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Since April 2022, Japan’s legal age of adulthood was lowered from 20 to 18. However, the legal age for smoking and drinking remains 20. In other words, while 18- and 19-year-olds are legally considered adults, they are not permitted to drink alcohol or smoke. The reasons are to prevent health harm and protect young people. Many people tend to misunderstand this point, so please keep it in mind.

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The number of kernels on an ear of corn is always even. This is because kernels are based on the number of ovules, and the number of kernels in each row is biologically even. On average, an ear has about 800 to 1,000 kernels, and since it’s designed to always be an even number, it makes for a fun trivia fact. It’s a handy conversation starter, too!

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The correct answer is O. Chocolate has been used medicinally since ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, particularly during the Aztec and Maya periods. It was mainly consumed as a bitter drink made by grinding cacao beans and was believed to aid digestion, relieve fatigue, and elevate the spirit. Even after it was introduced to Europe, there was a time when it was initially prescribed as a medicine. For this reason, chocolate was long regarded not merely as a confectionery but as a food for health.

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Taro Aso has the experience of competing as a member of Japan’s national team in skeet shooting at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Although his family runs a cement company in Oita Prefecture and he worked as a businessman, he also demonstrated talent in sports. He is one of the rare politicians who, while active on the political stage as a former Prime Minister, also has a background as an Olympian.

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The correct pronunciation is “Matsusaka-ushi” or “Matsusaka-gyū.” Pronouncing it with a voiced consonant as “Matsuzaka-gyū” is incorrect. Since the place name Matsusaka City (in Mie Prefecture) is pronounced “Matsusaka,” the beef is read the same way. It’s a popular premium wagyū nationwide and many people are familiar with it, but some still end up saying “Matsuzaka-gyū,” so be careful. Also note that it’s written as 松阪, not 松坂.

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In general, pigs are said to have a body fat percentage of about 15–20%. Pigs raised as livestock have their fat levels adjusted depending on meat quality and intended use, and in practice they do not reach a high body fat percentage of 35%. Therefore, the statement “around 30%” is not correct, and the correct answer is “false.” To maintain health and meat quality, producers appropriately control the body fat percentage of livestock.