Japanese Hobbies Quiz | Mixed Nations

Japanese Hobbies Trivia Quiz

Many familiar hobbies, activities and interests originated in Japan. This is a multiple choice quiz. Match the definition given to the correct Japanese term.

A multiple-choice quiz by Catalulubird. Estimated time: 3 mins.

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. The art of growing miniature trees in containers is called:

Answer: Bonsai

Literally meaning 'planting in tray', bonsai is now believed to have its origins in China, where it is called 'penjing'. It was first brought to Japan by Buddhist monks during the Heian Period (794-1191AD). This is not to be confused with 'Banzai!', which is a traditional Japanese exclamation meaning 'ten thousand years'!

2. A form of interactive entertainment taken from the Japanese term for 'empty orchestra' is called what?

Answer: Karaoke

The term is formed of two words: 'karappo', meaning empty, and 'okesutura', meaning orchestra. Karaoke started in the Japanese city of Kobe in the 1970s.

3. What is a traditional Japanese form of heavyweight wrestling called?

Answer: Sumo

Sumo is a full-contact sport in which a contestant, or 'rikishi', tries to force his rival out of the circle, or to touch the floor with any part of his body other than the soles of the feet. A typical rikishi can consume up to 20,000 calories a day!

4. A distinctive Japanese anime style, which has gained significant worldwide popularity in the last 20 years, is called:

Answer: Manga

Variously translated as 'humorous', 'whimsical', or 'irresponsible pictures', Manga's origins date back several centuries. The contemporary Manga style of animation, however, took hold in the 1960s.

5. A classical theatre form characterised by its dances, distinctive make-up, extravagant costumes and dramatic stage effects is called what?

Answer: Kabuki

Recognised by UNESCO as part of Japan's Intangible Cultural Heritage, kabuki originated in the Edo period at the beginning of the 17th century. Nowadays it is performed only by men who play all roles, including female ones.

6. A type of Japanese pottery traditionally used in tea ceremonies is called:

Answer: Raku

Literally meaning 'pleasure', raku pottery combines the elements of earth, fire, and water. It was developed in the 16th century. After firing, the pots are cooled rapidly with water, which creates uniquely crazed surfaces.

7. A modern martial art in which competitors use bamboo swords and wear protective armour is called what?

Answer: Kendo

The origins of modern day kendo date back to the Middles Ages. Armour, however, was not introduced until the beginning of the 18th century, when it was realised that too many students were being injured, disabled, or even killed during training! The bamboo sword, or shinai, is formed of four splints of bamboo held together with leather.

8. Pick the creative yet structured and minimalist form of flower arrangement.

Answer: Ikebana

The minimalist floral art form of ikebana has its roots in Buddhism. The shape and colour of the container used is as important a part of the arrangement as the flowers themselves.

9. A paper art form in which folded modular units are strung or glued together to create spherical shapes is called:

Answer: Kusudama

The meaning of kusudama is 'medicine ball', stemming from the fragrant bunches of flowers and herbs thought to ward off illness and evil. Although the individual pyramidal units are created using origami (i.e. purely folding the paper), the finished kusudama is not considered to be origami by purists, as glue and/or stitching is used in the final construction.

10. What Japanese style of short poetry writing is best known for its structure of line syllabification?

Answer: Haiku

In English language haiku-style poems, the syllabic structure is 5, 7, 5. Haikus are often inspired by nature, using sensory language to express feelings and images. A translated example by 17th haiku poet Matsuo Basho is:

"From every direction
Cherry blossom petals blow
Into Lake Biwa"

Nowadays, haikus are often humorous, for example:

"How much can I fit
Into a Haiku format
Oh no, I'm out of"

Source: Author Catalulubird

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor Pagiedamon before going online.
Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system.

Japanese Hobbies Trivia Quiz

Many familiar hobbies, activities and interests originated in Japan. This is a multiple choice quiz. Match the definition given to the correct Japanese term.

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