The 10 quiz questions
Question 1 : Which sun goddess is considered the ancestor of the Japanese imperial family?
Possible answers:
- Tsukuyomi
- Inari
- Benzaiten
- Amaterasu
Explanation: Amaterasu is the sun goddess in Shintoism. According to mythology, the imperial family descends directly from her.
Question 2 : Which divine couple created the islands of Japan according to Shinto myth?
Possible answers:
- Izanagi and Izanami
- Raijin and Fujin
- Susanoo and Amaterasu
- Ebisu and Daikoku
Explanation: Izanagi and Izanami are the creator gods who gave birth to the Japanese islands by stirring the primordial ocean with a celestial spear.
Question 3 : What are the spirits and deities called in the Shinto religion?
Possible answers:
- Yokai
- Oni
- Kami
- Tengu
Explanation: Kami are the spirits or deities worshipped in Shintoism. They can inhabit nature, ancestors, or abstract concepts.
Question 4 : Which Japanese god is associated with storms and the sea?
Possible answers:
- Raijin
- Fujin
- Ryujin
- Susanoo
Explanation: Susanoo is the god of storms and the sea, brother of Amaterasu. He is famous for defeating the dragon Yamata no Orochi.
Question 5 : How many heads does the dragon Yamata no Orochi have?
Possible answers:
- Three
- Seven
- Eight
- Nine
Explanation: Yamata no Orochi is a legendary serpent/dragon with eight heads and eight tails, defeated by the god Susanoo.
Question 6 : What is the name of the land of the dead in Japanese mythology?
Possible answers:
- Yomi
- Takamagahara
- Jigoku
- Nirai Kanai
Explanation: Yomi is the underworld of the dead in Shinto mythology. Izanagi descended there to try to bring back his wife Izanami.
Question 7 : Which yokai is a fox spirit capable of taking human form?
Possible answers:
- Tanuki
- Kitsune
- Inugami
- Bakeneko
Explanation: The Kitsune is a fox spirit from Japanese folklore. The older it gets, the more tails (up to 9) and magical powers it gains.
Question 8 : Which Japanese god is depicted with drums and controls thunder?
Possible answers:
- Inari
- Hachiman
- Raijin
- Fujin
Explanation: Raijin is the god of thunder, often depicted surrounded by drums that he beats to create thunder.
Question 9 : How many gods of fortune (Shichifukujin) are there in Japanese tradition?
Possible answers:
- Five
- Seven
- Eight
- Twelve
Explanation: The Shichifukujin are the Seven Gods of Fortune, a group of deities bringing luck and prosperity.
Question 10 : Which sacred object is part of the three imperial treasures of Japan along with the mirror and jewel?
Possible answers:
- A fan
- A bow
- A spear
- A sword
Explanation: The Kusanagi sword (also called Ama-no-Murakumo) is one of the three imperial treasures, found in the tail of the dragon Yamata no Orochi.
