Japan Culture and History Quiz: Test Your Knowledge

True or false: The Jōmon period in Japanese history lasted from 14,000 BC to 300 BC?

True or false: The Asuka period marked the beginning of writing in Japan?

True or false: The Meiji Restoration period in Japan lasted from 1968 to 1912?

True or false: The Heisei period in Japan lasted until April 2019?

True or false: The Kofun period in Japan is associated with the construction of cemeteries?

Japanese Historical Periods Timeline

Jōmon period: 14,000 BC–300 BC
Yayoi period: 900 BC–AD 300
Kofun period: AD 300–AD 538 (characterized by cemetery shapes)
Asuka period: AD 538–AD 710 (beginning of writing)
Nara period: AD 710–AD 794 (introduction of Buddhism)
Heian period: AD 794–AD 1185 (lifestyle differences between nobility and common people)
Kamakura period: AD 1185–AD 1333
Muromachi period: AD 1333–AD 1573
Azuchi-Momoyama period: AD 1573–AD 1603
Edo period: AD 1603–AD 1868 (isolation period)
Meiji period: AD 1868–AD 1912 (restoration period, Meiji Restoration)
Taishō period: AD 1912–AD 1926
Pre-war Shōwa and World War II: AD 1926–AD 1945
Postwar Shōwa: AD 1945–AD 1989
Heisei period: AD 1989–Apr 2019

Writing and History

Writing was introduced in Japan during the Asuka period (AD 538–AD 710)

Japanese Culture

Basis of Japanese culture: influenced by historical periods and cultural norms

Instructions

Group work: 5 students in one group
No specific instructions provided

Test your knowledge of Japanese culture and history with this quiz covering the basis of Japanese culture, historical timelines, writing and its connection to history, the shape of cemeteries, and the most important historical periods such as Jōmon, Yayoi, Kofun, Asuka, Nara, and Heian.