Japanese Culture and Education

Question 1: Which period of Japan's history formed the basis of their modern educational system?

• Taisho Period

• Tokukawa Period

• Meiji Period

• Muromachi Period

Answer explanation

The Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) has been notable for forming the core basis of Japan's modern educational system.

Question 2: Which educational structure does Japan currently use in the modern age?

• 5-3-4-4

• 1-6-4-2

• 9-3-4

• 6-3-3-4

Answer explanation

Japan's modern education system operates based on:

6 years elementary school

3 years lower secondary school

3 years upper secondary school

4 years university

Question 3: Which of the following is NOT a traditional form of Japanese theater?

• Kabuki

• Nanga

• Noh

• Bunraki

Answer explanation

"Nanga" is a traditional form of Japanese painting, not theater.

Question 4: What was NOT a reformed feature of Japan's educational system after World War II?

• Compulsory education for a minimum of 9 years

• Permission to allow teacher unions and other support organizations

• Adopting curricula similar to other Western educational systems

• Shifting from total central control of education to greater autonomy in villages, cities, and prefectures

Answer explanation

The adoption of Western curriculum in Japanese education predates World War II (mainly during the 1700s and 1800s).

Question 5: What philosophical positioning does Japanese society best align with?

• Collectivism

• Individualism

• Structuralism

• Consequentialism

Answer explanation

Collectivism (the idea of associating as part of a group) is Japan's main philosophical positioning.

Question 6: What modern sport from Western origins has become the most popular sport in Japan?

• Association Football

• Baseball

• Basketball

• Rugby

Answer explanation

Baseball in Japan is widely popular and by far the most popular modern sport in the country.

Question 7: Which following custom would be perceived as rude in Japanese society?

• Putting your chopsticks in your bowl of rice when you are finished

• Not tipping at Japanese restaurants

• Taking your shoes off in certain places

• Bowing in different forms for different situations

Answer explanation

Putting chopsticks in your bowl of rice in Japan is considered both rude and a sign of back luck due to its' association with Japanese funerals.

Question 8: Excluding Shintoism and Buddhism, what religious/spiritual practice is the most common in Japan?

• Christianity

• Hinduism

• Islam

• Judaism

Answer explanation

Christianity is the largest minority religion in Japan, boasting over 1.9 million followers.

The other listed minority religions do not have nearly as many followers.

Question 9: Which of the following universities is considered the most prestigious modern university in Japan?

• University of Tokyo

• Waseda University

• Keio University

• Kyoto University

Answer explanation

Tokyo University is considered the most prestigious university in Japan. Getting in is exceptionally difficult, and the prestige associated with the university is comparable to American Ivy League education.

Question 10: What is the name for the traditional Japanese tea ceremony?

• Ikebana

• Shodo

• Sado

• Ukiyo-e

Answer explanation

• Sado is the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.