JAPENESE LITERATURE

日本文学

GROUP
今日はご機嫌いかがです
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Konnichiwa!
SUPER MARIE
 RULES:
HEARTS : EACH PLAYER STARTS WITH 5 HEARTS IN THEIR PAPER.
ANSWERING : PLAYERS TAKE TURNS ANSWERING QUESTIONS RELATED TO
JAPANESE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND OF JAPANESE LITERATURE.
WRONG ANSWERS : IF A PLAYER ANSWERS INCORRECTLY, THEY
LOSE OR CRASH OUT 1 HEART.
ELIMINATION : WHEN A PLAYER LOSES ALL 5 HEARTS, THEY ARE OUT
OF THE GAME. THE BONUS ROUND WILL BE EXPLAINED LATER.

TIME LIMITS : 20 SECONDS EVERY QUESTION AND LAST PERSON

STANDING DEPENDING ON THE GAMES OUTCOME.
JAPAN HISTORY
ARE YOU READY?
 What period is known as the earliest in
Japan's history, characterized by hunter-
gatherer societies?

A. Yayoi B. Jomon Period

Period
 What period is known as the earliest in
Japan's history, characterized by hunter-
gatherer societies?

A. Yayoi B. Jomon Period

Period
Explanation: The Jomon Period (14,000–300 BC) is recognized
as Japan's earliest historical phase, marked by its distinctive
pottery decorated with rope patterns. During this time,
people lived as hunter-gatherers, relying on fishing, foraging,
and hunting, with settlements gradually becoming more
permanent.
Which period marked the introduction of rice
farming to Japan?

A. Jomon Period B. Yayoi Period

Which period marked the introduction of rice
farming to Japan?

A. Jomon Period B. Yayoi Period

Explanation: The Yayoi Period (300 BC–300 AD) is significant for
the introduction of wet-rice agriculture, which transformed the
Japanese economy and society. This period also saw
advancements in metallurgy, leading to more complex social
structures and the formation of early communities.
What major religious influence entered Japan
during the Asuka Period?

A. B. Buddhism
Shinto
What major religious influence entered Japan
during the Asuka Period?

A. B. Buddhism
Shinto
Explanation: The Asuka Period (538–710 AD) saw the introduction
of Buddhism from Korea, which profoundly impacted Japanese
culture, art, and governance. This period marked the beginning of
significant cultural exchange with the Asian mainland, leading to
the integration of Buddhist teachings into Japanese life.
What was the capital of Japan during the
Heian Period?

A. B. Kyoto
Edo
What was the capital of Japan during the
Heian Period?

A. B. Kyoto
Edo
Explanation: The Heian Period (794–1185 AD) saw the capital moved
to Kyoto, then known as Heian-kyo. This period is recognized for its
cultural achievements, including literature, poetry, and art,
culminating in works like The Tale of Genji, which is often considered
the world's first novel.
 Bonus Round!
Which class rose to prominence during the
Kamakura Period?

A. B. Artisans
Samurai
 Bonus Round!
Which class rose to prominence during the
Kamakura Period?

A. B. Artisans
Samurai
Explanation: The Kamakura Period (1185–1333 AD) marked the rise of
the samurai class, which became the ruling military elite. The
establishment of the Kamakura shogunate represented a shift from
imperial rule to military governance, fundamentally altering Japanese
society.
During the Muromachi Period, which type of
government was established?

A. Emperor-led B. Military dictatorship

government
During the Muromachi Period, which type of
government was established?

A. Emperor-led B. Military dictatorship

government
 Explanation: The Muromachi Period (1336–1573 AD) was marked by
the Ashikaga shogunate, characterized by political fragmentation and
a weakening of central authority. This period also saw the flourishing
of Zen Buddhism and cultural arts, like Noh theater.
 What event characterized the Sengoku
Period in Japan?

B) Introduction of
A. Warring states and
Buddhism
conflicts
 What event characterized the Sengoku
Period in Japan?

B) Introduction of
A. Warring states and
Buddhism
conflicts
Explanation: The Sengoku Period (1467–1600 AD), also known as the
Warring States period, was characterized by near-constant military
conflict among various feudal lords (daimyos) vying for power. This
era ultimately led to significant figures like Oda Nobunaga and
Tokugawa Ieyasu working toward national unification.
What was Japan's policy of isolation called
during the Edo Period?

A. B. Seppuku
Sakoku
What was Japan's policy of isolation called
during the Edo Period?

A. B. Seppuku
Sakoku
 Explanation: Sakoku, meaning "locked country," was Japan's
isolationist policy during the Edo Period (1603–1868). This policy
limited foreign interactions and trade, except with select countries,
effectively preserving Japan’s unique culture and political structure.
Which era is known for Japan's rapid
modernization and industrialization?

A. Taisho B. Meiji Period

Period
Which era is known for Japan's rapid
modernization and industrialization?

A. Taisho B. Meiji Period

Period
 Explanation: The Meiji Period (1868–1912) is recognized for the
sweeping changes that transformed Japan from a feudal society into a
modern industrial nation, adopting Western technologies, military
strategies, and governmental structures.
 Bonus Round!
Which period saw Japan's involvement in
World War II?

A. Taisho B. Showa Period

Period
 Bonus Round!
Which period saw Japan's involvement in
World War II?

A. Taisho B. Showa Period

Period
 Explanation: The Showa Period (1926–1989) included Japan's
militaristic expansion and participation in World War II, where it allied
with Axis powers, leading to profound consequences for the country
and its neighbors.
BACKGROUND OF
JAPANESE
LITERATURE
HARD LEVEL!
 HARD LEVEL!!!
What period is known for the creation of
Japan's first novel, The Tale of Genji?

A) Heian B) Kamakura C) Edo

Period Period Period
 HARD LEVEL!!!
What period is known for the creation of
Japan's first novel, The Tale of Genji?

A) Heian B) Kamakura C) Edo

Period Period Period
 Explanation: The Heian Period (794–1185) is celebrated for the
emergence of The Tale of Genji, written by Murasaki Shikibu, which is
considered the world's first novel.
 What significant change in Japanese literature
occurred during the Meiji Restoration (1868-1912)?

A) The rise of traditional B) The introduction of Western C) The focus on folklore and
forms like Noh and Kabuki literary styles and themes mythology
 What significant change in Japanese literature
occurred during the Meiji Restoration (1868-1912)?

A) The rise of traditional B) The introduction of Western C) The focus on folklore and
forms like Noh and Kabuki literary styles and themes mythology
 Explanation: The Meiji Restoration marked a cultural shift that
brought Western influences into Japanese literature, leading to the
adoption of new genres and styles.
 Who is considered a pioneer of the haiku form
during the Edo Period?

A) Yasunari B) Matsuo Basho C) Ryunosuke

Kawabata Akutagawa
 Who is considered a pioneer of the haiku form
during the Edo Period?

A) Yasunari B) Matsuo Basho C) Ryunosuke

Kawabata Akutagawa
 Explanation: Matsuo Basho is renowned for popularizing haiku,
capturing the beauty of nature and the fleeting moments of life in just
a few lines.
 In what year was the Nihon shoki (Chronicle of
Japan) completed?

A) 712 and B) 759 and 765 C) 765 and

720 770
 In what year was the Nihon shoki (Chronicle of
Japan) completed?

A) 712 and B) 759 and 765 C) 765 and

720 770
 Explanation: The Nihon shoki was completed in 712 and 720,
respectively, as a more comprehensive historical account than the
Kojiki, providing a chronological narrative of Japan's history.
Which literary form is characterized by its brevity
and focus on seasonal imagery, often associated
with Zen Buddhism?

A) B) Haiku C) Prose
Tanka poetry
Which literary form is characterized by its brevity
and focus on seasonal imagery, often associated
with Zen Buddhism?

A) B) Haiku C) Prose
Tanka poetry
Explanation: Haiku is a traditional Japanese poetic form known for its
concise structure (17 syllables) and emphasis on nature and seasonal
changes.
 FINAL ROUND!
Which anthology is known for being the most
brilliant literary product of the early Japanese
literature period?

A) B) C) Kokin D) Genji
Fudoki Man'yoshu wakashu Monogatari
 FINAL ROUND!
Which anthology is known for being the most
brilliant literary product of the early Japanese
literature period?

A) B) C) Kokin D) Genji
Fudoki Man'yoshu wakashu Monogatari
Explanation: The Man'yoshu, compiled around 759, is celebrated for
its diverse collection of poems by various authors, including
commoners and emperors, showcasing the depth of early Japanese
poetry.
WINNER
 TIMELINE

Ancient Japan Classical Japan Feudal Japan Early Modern Modern Japan
(Prehistory to (538–1185 AD) (1185–1603) Japan (1603– (1868–
538 AD) 1868) present)

Jomon Period Asuka Period Kamakura Meiji Restoration

(538–710 AD) Period (1185– Edo Period (1868–1912)
(14,000–300 BC)
1333 AD) (1603–1868)

Yayoi Period (300 Nara Period Muromachi Taisho Period

BC–300 AD) (710–794 AD) Period (1336– (1912–1926)
1573 AD)

Kofun Period Heian Period Showa Period

(794–1185 AD) Sengoku Period (1926–1989)
(300–538 AD)
(1467–1600 AD)
Post-War Japan
(1945–present)