Medieval Japan Unit Study

Which of the following is NOT one of the four main islands of Japan?

• Shikoku

• Kyushu

• Hokkaido

• Aomuri

Answer explanation

Aomuri is not one of the four main islands of Japan. The main islands are Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, and Shikoku. Aomuri is actually a city in Aomori Prefecture, not an island.

What is the name of Japan's tallest mountain?

• Mt. Kilimanjaro

• Mt. Akaishi

• Mt. Everest

• Mt. Haku

• Mt. Fuji

Answer explanation

Japan's tallest mountain is Mt. Fuji, standing at 3,776 meters. It is an iconic symbol of Japan, unlike the other options which are either located in different countries or are not the tallest in Japan.

Select the term that matches this definition: A strong and violent tropical storm.

• Archipelago

• Regent

• Typhoon

• Tornado

Answer explanation

A typhoon is a strong and violent tropical storm, specifically in the Northwest Pacific. Unlike a tornado, which is a smaller, more localized storm, a typhoon can cause widespread damage over large areas.

Select the term that matches this definition: The ruler of Japan who mostly ruled as a symbol.

• Daimyo

• Shogun

• Emperor

• Peasants

• Samurai

Answer explanation

The term 'Emperor' refers to the ceremonial ruler of Japan, who historically held a symbolic role, especially during the periods when real political power was held by shoguns and daimyos.

Select the term that matches this definition: Supreme Military leader that held all the real power.

• Daimyo

• Shogun

• Emperor

• Peasants

• Samurai

Answer explanation

The term 'Shogun' refers to the supreme military leader in feudal Japan who held all real power, while the Emperor was more of a ceremonial figure. Daimyo were feudal lords, Samurai were warriors, and peasants were commoners.

Select the term that matches this definition: Local landowning lords (nobles), who hired samurai to protect them and their land.

• Samurai

• Daimyo

• Shogun

• Emperor

• Peasants

Answer explanation

The term 'Daimyo' refers to local landowning lords in feudal Japan who hired samurai for protection. Unlike samurai, who were warriors, or shoguns and emperors, who held higher military and political power, daimyo were the regional lords.

Select the term that matches this definition: Trained warriors that provided protection.

• Daimyo

• Shogun

• Emperor

• Peasants

• Samurai

Answer explanation

The term 'Samurai' refers to trained warriors in feudal Japan who provided protection and served their lords. Unlike the other options, which represent different roles in society, Samurai specifically denotes the warrior class.

Select the term that matches this definition: People who worked the land for protection and paid taxes to the nobility.

• Daimyo

• Shogun

• Emperor

• Peasants

• Samurai

Answer explanation

Peasants are the individuals who worked the land, providing agricultural labor in exchange for protection from the nobility and paying taxes. This definition directly aligns with the role of peasants in feudal societies.

What is Bushido?

• Spirits that live in all things.

• The strict code of conduct that guided Samurai behavior.

• Warriors from East Asia who set out to conquer Japan.

• The Imperial Japanese Army

Answer explanation

Bushido is the strict code of conduct that guided Samurai behavior, emphasizing values such as honor, loyalty, and discipline, which were essential to the Samurai way of life.

What is a Ronin?

• A samurai that worked directly for the emperor.

• The preferred weapon of the samurai.

• A Shinto priest

• A rogue samurai with no lord.

Answer explanation

A Ronin is a samurai who has lost their master or lord, making them a rogue warrior. Unlike samurai who serve a specific lord, Ronin operate independently, often leading to a life of wandering and seeking purpose.