by Jen Ruhl
1. What is the significance of the koi (carp) in Japanese culture?
a. Koi have delicious "meat."
b. Koi are a symbol of marriage.
c. Koi symbolize strength and masculinity.
d. Koi just look really pretty in those ponds.
2. Who reads the words of commitment in a traditional Shinto wedding ceremony?
a. Bride b. Groom c. Priest d. All of the above.
3. Who is the supreme commander of Japan's Self-Defense Forces?
a. Emperor
b. Prime Minister
c. Defense Minister
d. Foreign Minister
*Bonus: What is Tokaido Road, which runs through Kanagawa Prefecture, historically famous for?
a. It once lined the entire coast of the island of Honshu.
b. It connects various points of significance in Kamakura.
c. It was the first known road to be constructed using brick.
d. It linked Tokyo and Kyoto during the feudal era.
Answers:
1. c. Koi symbolize strength and masculinity. Around Children's Day (which used to be Boys' Festival), you will see many families flying koi windsocks. This is to symbolize that they hope their sons will grow healthy and strong.
2. b. The groom reads the words of commitment in a traditional Shinto wedding ceremony.
3. b. The Prime Minister ist he Supreme Commander of Japan's SDF.
Bonus: Tokaido Road linked Tokyo and Kyoto during the feudal era. For an interesting history, you can still visit one of the check points, which has been turned into a museum in Hakone.