by Jen Ruhl
1. From whom did Japan annex Okinawa in 1972?
a. China b. USA c. Russia d. Philippines
2. Why is the Japanese national anthem, Kimigayo, controversial?
a. It was written by a German musician.
b. The lyrics are an old style of Japanese that no one can understand today.
c. It has militaristic overtones left over from the World War II era.
d. The melody is too slow for people to sing easily.
3. How are the "era names" of each emperor chosen (e.g. Showa and Heisei)?
a. By imperial decree
b. Cabinet choice
c. Emperor's given name is used
d. Janken!
Answers:
1. b. The United States had taken possession of Okinawa during World War II, and it was handed over to Japan in 1972. In its history, Okinawa has been a protectorate of both Japan and China.
2. c. The song refers to absolute loyalty to the Emperor, which was a sentiment used to promote militaristic feelings among the Japanese military and civilian population in World War II. The other choices are true about the song, but aren't the reason it became controversial.
3. b. Modern era names are chosen by the Cabinet, though the current Heisei era is the first to be chosen this way. In the past, era names were selected by the Emperor.