[For Seniors] Difficult Country Names Kanji Quiz

Physical Therapist / WriterKawamura Mina
From a physical therapist to a writer, driven by the desire to travel the world with just a laptop. I’ve traveled to over 20 countries. I hope to deliver writing that many people are glad to have discovered. Thank you in advance.

Thinking about how to read difficult kanji is a highly effective brain-training exercise for preventing cognitive decline and boosting concentration.

This time, let’s look at country names written in kanji.

Many country names are read by combining kanji, and quite a few involve hard-to-read characters or complex mixes of on-yomi and kun-yomi readings.

Therefore, learning the kanji for country names and figuring out their correct pronunciations is extremely effective as brain training.

You might even come across a country you’ve visited and get excited sharing memories about it.

Give it a try!

[For Seniors] Difficult Country Names in Kanji Quiz (11–20)

New Zealand

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New Zealand

It is a country in the Southern Hemisphere, characterized by having the seasons opposite to those in Japan. It is rich in nature and has more sheep than people.

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Peru

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Peru

Peru is famous for having ancient civilization sites such as Machu Picchu. It’s such a popular tourist destination that around 30,000 to 40,000 Japanese people visit each year.

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Vietnam

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Vietnam

Vietnam has colorful and beautiful sundries. Vietnamese cuisine is also delicious. Since putting your mouth directly on bowls is prohibited, be sure to use a spoon when drinking soup.

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Chile

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Chile

Chile is famous as the country where Easter Island is located. You can also enjoy Chilean culture and wine in San Diego.

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Germany

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Germany

When you think of Germany, it’s all about sausages and beer! From September to October, Oktoberfest—one of the world’s largest beer festivals—is also held.

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In conclusion

There are quite a few countries that are surprisingly hard to recognize when written in kanji, aren’t there? Thinking through quizzes increases cerebral blood flow and stimulates the nerves, which can help prevent cognitive decline.

It might also be fun to quiz each other further about the culture and cuisine of the countries you answer correctly.

Be sure to try it with the older adults around you!