Japan civics quiz: questions and answers
All 15 general civics quiz questions about Japan with answers and explanations, grouped by topic. This is a learning quiz, not an official exam. Select a question to see the answer.
Government and law 5 questions
The 1947 Constitution, the role of the Emperor and how the National Diet works.
Practise only: Government and law →
What is the capital of Japan?
Tokyo
Tokyo is Japan's capital and the seat of the National Diet, the government and the Imperial Palace.
What is the name of Japan’s national legislature?
The National Diet
Japan's law-making body is the National Diet, which has two houses: the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors.
When did Japan’s current constitution come into effect?
3 May 1947
The Constitution of Japan took effect on 3 May 1947, now marked each year as Constitution Memorial Day.
How does the constitution describe the Emperor?
As the symbol of the State and unity of the people
Article 1 of the constitution describes the Emperor as the symbol of the State and of the unity of the people, with no powers related to government.
Which article of Japan’s constitution renounces war?
Article 9
Article 9 states that the Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation.
History 5 questions
From the Heian and Edo periods to the Meiji Restoration and post-war Japan.
Which period, from 1603 to 1868, saw Japan ruled by the Tokugawa shogunate?
The Edo period
Tokugawa Ieyasu founded the shogunate in Edo (now Tokyo), and the Edo period lasted until the Meiji Restoration in 1868.
In which year did the Meiji Restoration take place?
1868
The Meiji Restoration of 1868 returned power to the Emperor and began Japan's rapid modernisation.
Which city became Japan’s capital in 794 under the name Heian-kyō?
Kyoto
The capital moved to Heian-kyō, today's Kyoto, in 794, starting the Heian period. Nara had been the earlier capital.
Which city was hit by an atomic bomb on 6 August 1945?
Hiroshima
Hiroshima was bombed on 6 August 1945 and Nagasaki on 9 August. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In which year did Tokyo first host the Summer Olympic Games?
1964
Tokyo hosted the 1964 Summer Olympics, the first Games held in Asia.
Geography, culture and symbols 5 questions
Mount Fuji, the main islands, the yen, the national flag and the anthem Kimigayo.
Practise only: Geography, culture and symbols →
What is the highest mountain in Japan?
Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji, at 3,776 metres, is Japan's highest mountain and a UNESCO World Heritage cultural site.
Which is the largest of Japan’s main islands?
Honshu
Honshu is the largest and most populous island, home to Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto.
What is the currency of Japan?
The yen
Japan's currency is the yen, issued by the Bank of Japan.
What is the title of Japan’s national anthem?
Kimigayo
Kimigayo is the national anthem. Sakura Sakura and Furusato are well-known traditional songs.
What does Japan’s national flag show?
A red disc on a white background
The national flag, often called the Hinomaru, is a red disc representing the sun on a white field.
Think you know them?
Take a timed mock exam in the real Japan Civics format.