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Japanese Culture & History

Total questions: 20

Worksheet time: 8mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Most of Japan's early literature was written by

a)

leaders

b)

women

c)

the samurai

2.

Which are part of Japan's drama?

a)

a. Ikebana flowers

b)

b. Noh masks

c)

c. Bunraku puppets

d)

d. both b & C

3.

Which is a sign of beauty for Japanese women?

a)

long hair

b)

several layers of silk

c)

whitened face with darkened teeth

d)

all are correct

4.

Which is true about Japanese calligraphy?

a)

It used ink and brushes.

b)

It originated in China.

c)

Both are correct

5.

Which is NOT true about Zen Buddhism?

a)

It emphasized simplicity.

b)

It requires focus and meditation.

c)

It encourages inner peace.

d)

It requires followers to pray in a Buddhist temple with specific prayers.

6.

Which religion believes that all parts of nature have spirits called kamis?

a)

Zen Buddhism

b)

Shintoism

c)

Daoism

7.

What was the purpose of a Zen garden?

a)

To grow miniature trees called Bansai trees.

b)

To give flowers a place to thrive.

c)

To swirl sand around rocks.

d)

To help visitors clear their minds.

8.

Who was at the top of Japan's social pyramid even though he was not really in charge?

a)

the king

b)

the shogun

c)

the emperor

d)

the figurehead

9.

Who had the real power in Japan's social pyramid?

a)

the figurehead

b)

the emperor

c)

the shogun

d)

the daimyo

10.

Why was the emperor considered a figurehead?

a)

He was not really in charge.

b)

The emperor was more focused on culture than running the government.

c)

The daimyo and Shogun had more power.

d)

All are correct.

11.

Who hired the samurai to protect their land?

a)

the emperors

b)

the daimyo

c)

the ninja

d)

the peasants

12.

Bushido is

a)

the samurai's favorite weapon

b)

the name of the most powerful leader in Japan

c)

the code of honor all samurai followed

d)

a great new sushi place in Edison

13.

Which is part of a samurai's physical and mental training?

a)

meditation

b)

horseback riding

c)

sword fighting

d)

hand to hand combat

e)

all are correct

14.

Why was Zen Buddhism important to the samurai warriors?

a)

It helped clear their minds so they could focus in battle.

b)

It helped them paint better pictures.

c)

It helped them arrange flowers better.

d)

It helped them worship nature.

15.

Which is an example of how samurai used Zen Buddhism?

a)

They wrote poems before and after battle.

b)

They practiced Ikebana flower arranging.

c)

They meditated to help the focus.

d)

All are correct.

16.

Which was the most important weapon used by the samurai?

a)

a metal fan

b)

a tanto (short sword)

c)

a katana (long sword)

d)

meditation

17.

If a samurai lost his honor, he was expected to commit

a)

bushido

b)

seppuku

c)

kamikaze

18.

True or false: women could be samurai

a)

true

b)

false

19.

What are some teachings of Zen Buddhism?

a)

simplicity

b)

meditation

c)

self-discipline

d)

All are correct

20.

How did China influence Japan?

a)

A. Japan learned about Shintoism from China.

b)

B. Japan learned about Buddhism from China.

c)

C. Japanese writing used Chinese characters.

d)

D. Both B & C are correct