Special Sub-Topic: Japanese Art, Culture and History Click Here To Play: Japanese Art, Culture and History

The Genroku Kabuki theatre was so named not only to describe the grand and colorful style, but etymologically so named to mean 'wild and deviant behavior'. What social-economic class did Kabuki originally describe?

gangs. From the gangs it has come down through time to be viewed as a much more refined form of art. But isn't this often the case with arts and literature? Who knows...maybe one day Danielle Steele will be considered refined lit!

Who was the Japanese writer first credited with the Tales of the Floating Worlds?

Asai Ryoi. You will find allusions to 'floating' often in the titles of Asian art and literature. It refers to the delicate nature of painting, and the transient nature of our lives.

Who was the 'Aristotle of Japan' during the Tokugawa period, responsible for the systematic collection of all knowledge in Japan?

Ekken Kaibara. Kaibara's collection of writing is very important to modern Japanese philosophers and historians, much as Aristotle is for modern Westerners even today!

What is the oldest anthology of Japanese literature, written ca 729, called?

Manyoshu. The Manyoshu is a 20-volume collection of Japanese poetry. Interestingly...the name means 'ten thousand leaved collection'. The 'leaves' refer to the pages...

After China's defeat, the Treaty of Shimonoseki of 1895, gave Korea to Japan as a protectorate. What pretext did the Japanese use to take away Korea from China?

Korea needed saving from Chinese dominance. The Japanese eventually annexed Korea in 1910, making their domination complete. They would not let go until after World War II.

Who were the two greatest disciples of Buddha, literally called the right and left hands of Buddha?

Sariputta, Mahamoggallana. Buddha had many disciples, of course...but these two 'venerable' fellows were the most important...kind of like Peter and Paul, but with names that are more difficult for the Western tongue to get around.

Who were the Jusha of the imperial Japanese history?

Confucian scholars. The Jusha were those who borrowed and refined Neo-Confucian philosophy for Japanese intellectual culture and tastes. See next question for more!

The Japanese borrowed a great deal from the Neo-Confucian school. What did they call this transfer of knowledge?

Kobun ji gaku. Neo-Confucianism blossomed during the Song Dynasty period in China, and slowly made its way into Korea and Japan. The Neo-Confucian scholars attempted to unite Confucian philosophy with metaphysical ideas.

Sesson Shukei was a famous painter of Japan. He was also a well-known calligrapher. He was known as a painter who used perfect brushstokes and splash techniques. In what period of Japanese history was he active?

Muromachi. Sesson was active during the 16th century, and used Chinese ink painting and calligraphic techniques to work his masterpieces. His Muromachi art is priceless to the art collector in Japan!

The Silver and Gold Pavilions in the Kyoto-Style of art were influenced by which philosophical school of thought?

Zen. When you think of Japanese Buddhist philosophy, Zen must always come to mind! I hope you enjoyed this very difficult but fascinating quiz...thank you for giving it a try!