It never hurts to know! General knowledge quiz

Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!
Keyboard playerSAKI
I’ve been playing the Electone since I was six, mainly performing Disney music, anime songs, and music from dramas and films. I post performance videos on YouTube and social media, and I also give concerts. Building on my Electone experience, I took up synthesizer and piano during my student years and performed at school-sponsored events. As a writer, I’ve covered not only music-related topics but a wide range of genres, so I hope to draw on my experience to deliver articles that make readers think, “I want to try that!” or “I want to listen to that!”

Even when we say “general knowledge,” there are many different kinds of “common sense,” aren’t there? This article is a collection of quiz questions focused on society, history, and geography—general knowledge that might be useful for your future.

Some of it may not be essential for everyday life, but it never hurts to know! We’ll introduce topics about Japan and the world in a quiz format, with explanations along the way.

How many can you get right? These are all the kinds of things you’ll want to share once you learn them—the sort that make you ask, “Did you know this?”—so feel free to use them as conversation starters!

Everyday Life, Science, and Trivia Quiz (1–10)

What does “que sera sera” mean in Japanese?

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It’ll work out.

“Que sera, sera” is Spanish for an encouraging phrase meaning “whatever will be, will be” or “things will work out.” It carries the nuance that since the future can’t be predicted, you shouldn’t worry and should let things take their course.

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What’s the difference between a veranda and a balcony?

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Presence or absence of a roof

A veranda is an outdoor space located on the second floor or higher, with a roof or eaves. A balcony is an outdoor space without a roof. By the way, a terrace refers to an outdoor area on the first floor that is connected to the living room.

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utatane

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What is the purpose of the large mirror installed in elevators?

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For wheelchairs

These are installed so that when a wheelchair user takes an elevator—where it’s difficult to turn the wheelchair around in a confined space—they can check behind them when exiting.

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utatane

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What language is “do re mi fa so la ti do”?

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Italian

The “do re mi fa so la ti do” needed when playing instruments is in Italian. In Japanese it’s “ha ni ho he to i ro ha,” in English it’s “C D E F G A B,” and in German it’s “C D E F G A H.” Incidentally, sharps and flats are called “嬰” (ei) and “変” (hen) in Japanese, and are written as, for example, “嬰ト” (G♯) or “変ロ” (B♭).

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SAKI

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Among all musical instruments, which one has the widest range?

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piano

The piano has 88 keys, and its range spans from A0 to C8, extending over about seven octaves. This makes the piano one of the instruments with the widest ranges, giving it great versatility and leading to its extensive use from orchestral settings to solo performances.

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