JPSOCUL Japan Trivia- Geography

Capital of Japan

• Kyoto

• Osaka

• Tokyo

• Hokkaido

Answer explanation

Tokyo is the capital of Japan and one of the world's largest cities. Besides being the political center of Japan, Tokyo is also the financial, cultural, and industrial center of Japan and a major international financial center.

Old Capital is Kyoto

Number of Japan's Main Islands

• 3

• 4

• 5

• 6

Answer explanation

Japan's main islands are (from north to south) Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu

Japan's Population (around)

• 50M

• 100M

• 120M

• 200M

Answer explanation

The country has a slowly shrinking population, and the proportion of older people is rising. In 2021, 125 million people live in Japan.

Japan's land area

• 377,915 km²

• 915,377 km²

• 737,915 km²

• 577,913 km²

Answer explanation

Japan is spread over 6000 islands and has a surface area of 377,915 km², making it slightly larger than Germany or somewhat smaller than the US state of California.

Japan's Number of Regions

• 5

• 8

• 15

• 20

Answer explanation

Japanese archipelago has 47 prefectures which are in turn geographically divided into eight regions: Hokkaido (island), Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu, Kansai, Chugoku (in Honshu island), Shikoku (island), and Kyushu (including Kyushu and Okinawa islands).

Japan's Number of prefectures?

• 17

• 27

• 37

• 47

Answer explanation

Japan is divided into 47 prefectures as a result of historical and administrative reasons. The current system of prefectures was established during the Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century, as part of the modernization and centralization of the country's governance.

The West's use of "prefecture" to label these Japanese regions stems from 16th-century Portuguese explorers and traders use of "prefeitura" to describe the fiefdoms they encountered there. Its original sense in Portuguese, however, was closer to "municipality" than "province".

The highest mountain is Mount Fuji with a height of _______

• 7673 m

• 6773 m

• 7376 m

• 3776 m

Answer explanation

the highest mountain is Mount Fuji, an active volcano at 3,776 m (12,389 ft).

Number of Maritime Borders

• 4

• 6

• 8

• 10

Answer explanation

The country shares maritime borders with China, North Korea, South Korea, the Philippines, Russia, and Taiwan.

Which countries has MORE influence to Japanese Culture?

• China and Korea

• Korea and Russia

• China and Russia

Answer explanation

Throughout history, China and Korea significantly shaped Japanese culture by introducing writing systems, Buddhism, art styles, architecture, and government structures - this influence was so strong that many Japanese customs and traditions can be traced back to these two nations.

Bonus: MOST POPULAR KANJI in 2025.

• 税
  tAX

• 笑

  sMILE

• 金
  gOLD

• 熊

  unBEARable

Answer explanation

Japan's Kanji of the Year for 2025 is

熊 (kuma), meaning "bear,"chosen due to numerous bear sightings and attacks in residential areas, reflecting public anxiety and the intrusion of wildlife into daily life, making it a literal and symbolic representation of the year's events. The announcement happens annually in December, with the character chosen by public vote to summarize the year's social climate.

Year 2026 - kanji reflects the Japanese saying, "Good fortune comes to those who smile." May smiles endure in both joyful and challenging times, bringing happiness and good fortune throughout the year.

The Kanji of the Year for 2024 in Japan was 金 (kin/kane), meaning "gold" or "money," chosen to reflect Olympic gold medals, Shohei Ohtani's success, the LDP's money scandals, and rising prices/robberies, making it the fifth time this character won.

The popularly selected kanji of the year for 2023 was 税 (zei or mitsugi, “taxation”). this character, meaning “taxation,” was one at the top of people’s minds in a year marked by the introduction of new tax reporting systems, tax hikes, and confusing government measures aimed at reducing the burden on taxpayers in a time of economic upheaval.