Who am I? A quiz where you figure out the answer from the given hints.
I’m going to introduce a “Who am I?” quiz where you infer the answer from three given hints.
You can enjoy it in different ways: narrowing down the answer step by step as you go through the hints in order, or picturing an answer from each hint and finding something that fits them all.
The hints don’t just cover appearance and functional features; they also include the answer’s history, so a broad range of knowledge is put to the test.
The fact that even inanimate objects are introduced as “I” also makes the correct answer harder to find—and that’s part of what makes it exciting.
Who am I? A quiz where you deduce the answer from the given hints (1–10)
In the past, bread was used instead of me.
- In the past, bread was used in my place.
- It’s something indispensable for school and work.
- My body is white, and when rubbed, it turns black.
See the answer
eraser
“In the past, bread was used in my place” indicates that breadcrumbs were once used to erase writing mistakes, referring to the fact that they were later replaced by erasers. “It’s indispensable at school and work” implies that the common writing tool, the eraser, is frequently used in these settings. “My body is white, and when rubbed it turns black” refers to how an eraser removes particles of writing material like pencil graphite through friction, causing the eraser itself to become dirty and black. Combining these clues, you can deduce that the answer is an eraser.
I shine in the hot summer.
- I thrive in the hot summer.
- The lifespan is short, averaging about seven hours.
- It has a green, spiral-shaped body.
See the answer
mosquito coil
“I’m active in the hot summer” indicates that mosquito coils are used more frequently during mosquito season. Next, the hint “a lifespan of about seven hours” represents the average time it takes to burn out. Finally, from “a green, spiral-shaped body,” which is the typical shape and color of a mosquito coil, it’s clear that the answer is a mosquito coil.
I was born in the United States.
- I was born in the United States.
- It’s made from dried corn and pops during cooking.
- It’s the world’s oldest snack, often eaten at movie theaters and amusement parks.
See the answer
Popcorn
The hint that it was “born in America” indicates that popcorn was discovered in and is popular in the United States, but it seems hard to arrive at the answer from that alone. What’s important are the hints that follow: by considering the raw ingredients, the memorable cooking scene, and the places where it’s commonly eaten, you gradually get closer to the answer—popcorn.
I am active in various places such as work and school.
- I am active in various places such as work and school.
- Until I was born, people used the abacus.
- Good at calculations despite a small body.
See the answer
calculator
According to the hints in this quiz, the subject is active in various places, and it is stated that an abacus was used before it. Also, from the point that it is “good at calculations despite its small body,” a calculator is the most appropriate answer. A calculator is pocket-sized, easy to carry, and enables quick calculations. From this information, we can conclude that a calculator is the correct answer.
I was born in Japan.
- I was born in Japan.
- You can eat it just by pouring hot water into a cup.
- You can easily enjoy noodles in a variety of flavors.
See the answer
cup noodles
“I was born in Japan” refers to the fact that cup noodles were developed in Japan. “You can eat it just by pouring hot water into the cup” introduces the main feature of cup noodles—their simple preparation. And “You can easily enjoy noodles in a variety of flavors” indicates that cup noodles come in many different flavors. Combining these clues, cup noodles—originating in Japan and prepared simply by adding hot water, with many varieties—are the appropriate answer.
I was brought to Nagasaki, Japan by the Portuguese.
- I was brought to Nagasaki, Japan by the Portuguese.
- It wasn’t until the Meiji era that it spread throughout Japan.
- It has a fluffy texture and pairs well with tea.
See the answer
Castella
The answer to this riddle is “castella.” All three hints relate to castella. They indicate that castella was brought to Japan from Portugal and refer to its historical association with Nagasaki, where it became especially famous. From there, it spread throughout Japan during the Meiji era. Finally, they point out its texture and how well it pairs with Japanese green tea. From these common points, we can determine that castella is the correct answer.
I am standing on two legs.
- I am standing on two legs.
- I’m in a place that feels somewhat old-fashioned.
- At the first shrine visit of the year, many people pass under/through me.
See the answer
Torii (Shinto shrine gate)
“I stand on two legs” refers to the torii’s shape being supported by two pillars. “I am in a certain old-fashioned kind of place” is a hint that torii are often found at shrines and other historic religious sites. And “Many people pass under me during hatsumode” describes the Japanese New Year custom where many people visit shrines and pass through the torii at the entrance. From these common points, the answer is considered to be “torii (shrine gate).”