Trivia you think you know but surprisingly don’t? August trivia and fun facts quiz!

amulet against evil

Wind chimes originally came to Japan from China, and their sound carried by the wind was used as a talisman to ward off evil and misfortune. Today, their cool, refreshing tones are also used as a way to get through the hot summer, making them a hallmark of the season.

Mountain Day

August 11 is Mountain Day, one of Japan’s national holidays. Established in 2014, the day aims to enjoy the summer outdoors, foster familiarity with mountains, and give thanks for the blessings they provide. Japan has many beautiful mountains, so why not take this opportunity to connect with nature?

The color becomes lighter.

When corals suffer from heat stress, the symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae—which provide their color—are expelled from their tissues due to the warmed seawater. As a result, the corals’ naturally white skeletons become exposed. This phenomenon is called coral bleaching.

3 to 4 weeks

The lifespan of an adult cicada is generally considered to be 3–4 weeks, though it depends on the environment. Cicadas spend several years underground as nymphs before emerging to become adults. In the adult stage, they primarily engage in reproductive activities. It is often said that adult cicadas live only about a week, but this is incorrect.

Beginning of autumn

Among the 24 solar terms, the one that falls in early August is Risshū (Beginning of Autumn). It signifies the start of autumn on the calendar. Although hot days generally continue and it doesn’t quite match the actual season, in the ancient Chinese calendar this period was considered the beginning of autumn.