[For Seniors] Nostalgic! Showa-Era Quizzes Recommended for Reminiscence Therapy

Social worker / Care workermoko
My name is Moko, a mother of three who admired my mother and worked in the care industry as a care worker and as a medical social worker (MSW) in a hospital. I will be drawing on my previous experience to write mainly about caregiving. Thank you in advance.
Care Worker Initial Training Certification ObtainedNakajima Junko
Leveraging my experience working as a care worker at a day service, I am currently active as a writer in the caregiving and welfare fields. Beyond writing, I hope to expand my work into web design and illustration. I am a mother of three who has begun studying to become a certified social worker.

A Showa-era quiz that naturally sparks lively conversation as you share memories.

New discoveries emerge from the rich experiences of older adults, wrapping the room in warmth.

We present quizzes about popular culture of the time—nostalgic TV shows and everyday tools from the Showa period—perfect for reminiscence therapy.

You can already hear the excitement: “Oh yes, I remember that!” “Back then we all watched TV together, didn’t we?” Why not enjoy communicating with those around you and look back on the Showa era together?

Showa-Era Entertainment: Nostalgic Pop Culture Quiz (11–20)

Which band held the first rock concert at the Budokan, known as the sacred site of Japanese martial arts?

The Beatles, who first visited Japan in 1966, were the first band to hold a rock concert at the Nippon Budokan.

At the time, there were critical opinions claiming it infringed on the sanctity of martial arts, but the Beatles’ overwhelming popularity ultimately prevailed.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

In 1977 (Showa 52), Japan successfully launched its first meteorological satellite. What was the name of this weather satellite?

A weather satellite is a satellite that observes various weather-related data from space.

These satellites, which are useful for weather and disaster forecasting, are also launched from Japan.

So, what is the name of the satellite that Japan first successfully launched in 1977 (Showa 52)? It might be easier if you think of a flower that symbolizes summer in Japan.

The answer is “Himawari” (sunflower).

Named after the flower that turns its face toward the sun, Himawari is Japan’s representative series of weather satellites, with multiple generations launched since the first.

Raise the rankinglower

kappamaki

Report a problem

What is the name of the square puzzle, which became a worldwide craze around 1980, where each face is made a single color?

As time gradually moved on, items from overseas started to become common in Japan.

Among those imports, let’s focus on toys: what was the square puzzle that involved matching colors and became a global craze in the late Showa 50s (around 1980)? It was hugely popular at the time and everyone played with it, and since then it has remained a classic puzzle beloved by people of all ages.

The answer is the Rubik’s Cube.

It’s said that if you learn the patterns, you can solve it, making it a great way to train memory and thinking skills.

Raise the rankinglower

kappamaki

Report a problem

What was the thing that children in the Showa era typically watched while eating snacks?

Children’s play and pastimes have changed with the times, and some have gradually faded away.

Among the children’s amusements that have dwindled today, what was it that was especially popular during the Showa era to watch while snacking? Focus on the “while eating sweets” part—imagine not moving around, but gathering together and quietly watching.

If you know it, the answer might come to mind.

The answer is kamishibai (paper theater).

Everyone would gather when the kamishibai man arrived on his bicycle loaded with story boards and sweets, and the sight of children watching kamishibai with senbei rice crackers and mizuame syrup in hand is a scene that evokes nostalgia for the Showa period.

Raise the rankinglower

kappamaki

Report a problem

In the late 1980s, it became popular to wear flashy outfits outdoors and dance “step dance” to disco sounds. What were these people called as a ‘tribe’?

Since the Heisei era, many dance-vocal groups have emerged, but even before that, there was a large dance collective! They were reportedly seen near Yoyogi Park in Tokyo, as well as in Kichijoji, Ikebukuro, and even Nagoya.

What were these people called? Here’s a hint: they share their name with a vegetable.

The answer is the Takenoko-zoku! There were many groups among those known as the Takenoko-zoku, and some members were even scouted and made their entertainment industry debut.

Raise the rankinglower

SAKI

Report a problem

What was the cheap candy where you’d get another one if the tip of the toothpick was red?

The candy shop was a relaxing hangout for kids—a place where you could enjoy your favorite treats without breaking the bank.

One of its charms was a system where, if you got a “winner,” you could exchange it for the same item.

There were various ways to show a winning ticket, but among them, which candy was the one where you’d win if the tip of the toothpick was red? The answer is kinako-bō (soybean flour sticks).

Since they’re small and easy to eat, some people might have ended up eating too many while chasing a win.

Raise the rankinglower

kappamaki

Report a problem

Showa-Era Entertainment: Nostalgic Pop Culture Quiz (21–30)

How many meters tall is Tokyo Tower, which was built in 1958?

Even today, Tokyo Tower—still a major tourist attraction—has the official name “Tokyo Radio Tower” and was built to transmit broadcast signals throughout Tokyo.

At the time, it drew attention for surpassing Paris’s 300-meter Eiffel Tower, then the tallest structure in the world.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem