【December】What comes to mind? Japanese winter traditions quiz with 7 Questions!By SHINTA+ / 2024-06-07 December is full of year-end events and beautiful scenes. Enjoy Japan’s representative winter traditions through this quiz! Created by SHINTA+ Japanese Life in December 1 / 7 What is the food traditionally eaten on the winter solstice day in Japan? Tuna Soba noodles Pumpkin Persimmons In Japan, there is a tradition of eating pumpkin on the winter solstice. There are various theories about the reason, but it is said that people eat nutritious foods to endure the cold winter. 2 / 7 Then, in Japan, there is a tradition of putting something in the bath on the winter solstice. What is it?" Pumpkin Yuzu Iris leaves Maneki Neko In Japan, there is a custom of taking a yuzu bath on the winter solstice. The scent of yuzu fills the air, and it warms the body very well. It is said that taking a yuzu bath on the winter solstice prevents colds. 3 / 7 What is the gift called that is sent at the end of the year to those who have helped you during the year? Oseibo Ochugen Hikidemono Osonae In Japan, there is a custom of giving gifts to those who have helped you at the end of the year. These gifts are called ‘oseibo.’ As a token of appreciation, food and daily necessities are commonly given. 4 / 7 Which temple in Kyoto is used for the announcement of the ‘Kanji of the Year’ every December? Kanji of 2023 Kinkakuji temple Ginkakuji temple Tofukuji temple Kiyomizudera temple The ‘Kanji of the Year’ is announced every December by the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation. A single character that represents the year’s social climate is chosen and unveiled at Kyoto’s Kiyomizu-dera Temple, where the chief priest writes it on a large piece of paper with a brush. 5 / 7 The popular event ‘M-1 Grand Prix’ held every December. Who competes in it? Sauce :M-1 webpage Marathon Runners Manga Artists Manzai Comedians Musicians The ‘M-1 Grand Prix’ is the ultimate showdown to determine Japan’s top manzai comedian, with the final competition held in December. It began in 2001 and has since produced numerous TV stars from its winners, becoming a year-end tradition. 6 / 7 In Japan, there is a custom of eating something on New Year’s Eve. What is it? Soba noodles Ramen noodles Beef Steak Grilled Chicken In Japan, there is a custom of eating ‘toshikoshi soba’ on New Year’s Eve. One theory is that because soba noodles are long and thin, they symbolize extending one’s life and fortune. Another theory is that since soba noodles break easily, they represent cutting off the hardships and bad luck of the past year to welcome the new year fresh. 7 / 7 On New Year’s Eve in Japan, the ‘Joya no Kane’ bell is rung. How many times is it rung ? 18 81 88 108 The 'Joya no Kane' is a bell rung at temples across Japan from New Year's Eve into New Year's Day. It is traditionally struck 108 times. This number represents the human desires and worldly passions, known as 'bonno.' It is believed that with each strike of the bell, one bonno is cleansed. Your score is The average score is 14% Facebook Twitter Restart quiz