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Japanese History Review Trivia Quiz

This is a fairly difficult Japanese history quiz. It is designed as a challenge for experts in the history of Japan, and as a learning experience for non-experts. Please enjoy.

A multiple-choice quiz by thejazzkickazz. Estimated time: 4 mins.

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Author
thejazzkickazz

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
2,644

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Tough

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
3576

Awards
Top 5% quiz!

Last 3 plays: Guest 180 (9/10), Guest 51 (9/10), Guest 85 (3/10).

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. What is the name of the earliest known culture existing on the island of Japan? Hint

Yayoi

Jomon

Tomb

Uji

NEXT>

Question 2 of 10

2. Murasaki Shikibu wrote what may have been the world's first novel around 1000 A.D. What was its name? Hint

Monkey

The Pillow Book

The Tale of Genji

The Dream of the Red Chamber

NEXT>

Question 3 of 10

3. What was the name of the first Japanese emperor, who ruled around 600 B.C.? Hint

Jimmu

Ameratsu

Tokugawa

Heian

NEXT>

Question 4 of 10

4. The official introduction of what religion to Japan was dated at 552 A.D.? Hint

Taoism

Hinduism

Buddhism

Shintoism

NEXT>

Question 5 of 10

5. Which of the following cities has not been a national capital in Japanese history? Hint

Kyoto

Tokyo

Edo

Sapporo

6. The period from 858 to 1160 A.D. is sometimes known as the late Heian. It also has a more common name, after a court family that dominated the imperial family during the period. What was this court family name? Hint

Kamakura

Fujiwara

Nara

Ashikaga

NEXT>

Question 7 of 10

7. During the Kamakura period of Japanese history, which lasted from 1185 to 1333 A.D., what was the greatest external threat for the Japanese nation? Hint

Chinese Domination

Western Merchants

Hun Invasion

Mongol Invasion

NEXT>

Question 8 of 10

8. Many sects of Buddhism became popular in Japan over its many year history. Which of the following was not a popular Buddhist sect at some time or other in Japan? Hint

Totoro

Lotus

Pure Land

Zen

NEXT>

Question 9 of 10

9. People from what European country were the first to reach Japan? Hint

England

Holland

Portugal

Spain

NEXT>

Question 10 of 10

10. What famous Jesuit priest soon followed the European traders to Japan, initiating the Christian missionary movement there? Hint

Matteo Ricci

Ignatius Loyola

St. Benedict

Francis Xavier

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Most Recent Scores

Apr 15 2024 : Guest 180: 9/10
Apr 14 2024 : Guest 51: 9/10
Apr 03 2024 : Guest 85: 3/10
Mar 28 2024 : Guest 71: 8/10
Mar 26 2024 : Guest 210: 8/10
Mar 25 2024 : Guest 62: 7/10
Mar 23 2024 : Guest 125: 7/10
Mar 22 2024 : Guest 98: 6/10
Mar 21 2024 : Guest 216: 7/10

Score Distribution

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. What is the name of the earliest known culture existing on the island of Japan?

Answer: Jomon

The Jomon culture is synonymous with the pottery that they crafted, perhaps the world's first pottery-making culture.

2. Murasaki Shikibu wrote what may have been the world's first novel around 1000 A.D. What was its name?

Answer: The Tale of Genji

'The Tale of Genji' or 'Genji Monogatari', is attributed to Murasaki Shikibu, a courtesan of the Fujiwara period in Japan. It tells the story of a prince, "the shining Genji", and his descendants. It is full of tales of tragedy, love, betrayal and all of the other good stuff you find in great novels. Check it out!

3. What was the name of the first Japanese emperor, who ruled around 600 B.C.?

Answer: Jimmu

The name Jimmu means 'Divine Warrior'. He is said to have been directly descended from the Japanese goddess of the sun, Amaterasu Omikami, though I never saw the resemblance (a joke!)

4. The official introduction of what religion to Japan was dated at 552 A.D.?

Answer: Buddhism

This date is probably incorrect, however, it has more accurately been measured as approximately 538 A.D. Buddhism came to Japan from China, via Korea. Its influence on Japanese culture has been enormous, as have other aspects of Chinese culture.

5. Which of the following cities has not been a national capital in Japanese history?

Answer: Sapporo

Sapporo is located on the island of Hokkaido, and is probably best known as a beer-making center. Tokyo is essentially modern Edo, though not exactly the same thing.

Answer: Fujiwara

The Fujiwara clan reigned longer even than the Tokugawa!

7. During the Kamakura period of Japanese history, which lasted from 1185 to 1333 A.D., what was the greatest external threat for the Japanese nation?

Answer: Mongol Invasion

The Mongols never successfully invaded Japan, thanks to what the Japanese call kamikaze, or 'divine wind'. The kamikaze was actually a typhoon.

8. Many sects of Buddhism became popular in Japan over its many year history. Which of the following was not a popular Buddhist sect at some time or other in Japan?

Answer: Totoro

You must forgive me for this indulgence. Totoro is a mystical creature featured in the film 'My Neighbor Totoro' by famed Japanese director Miyazaki. The other three are all sects of Buddhism that first arose in China and were later imported into Japan.

9. People from what European country were the first to reach Japan?

Answer: Portugal

The Portuguese first reached Tanegashima island, off the tip of Kyushu, in 1543 A.D. Two years later, Portuguese traders began to trade with the Japanese.

10. What famous Jesuit priest soon followed the European traders to Japan, initiating the Christian missionary movement there?

Answer: Francis Xavier

Xavier was in Japan from 1549 to 1551, and established a mission there that would last 100 years. He left for China soon after, but died there before he could begin missionary work.

Source: Author thejazzkickazz

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor bloomsby before going online.
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