Miscellaneous Quizzes

Cold weather and cold regions are inhabited by "fluffy, fluffy" animals that can only be found in that season and region. In this article, we introduce a quiz on such animals with photos and explanations. You will be able to see these rare and precious animals, so please enjoy playing with them while being healed by them ❄. What happens to animals in winter? In general, some mammals and birds, which are thermostatic animals, spend the winter by hibernating. On the other hand, some animals have fur that is more resistant to cold and better suited to wintering. The color and texture of their fur changes in winter, and they store fat, etc., depending on the animal. Do humans hibernate too? It is said that humans prepare for hibernation in the cold winter. Have you ever experienced difficulty getting up in the morning, increased appetite, or a feeling of being too lazy to move? These are natural mechanisms that our bodies have as living creatures. When the weather gets cold, the body responds by trying to conserve its energy so that it does not consume unnecessary energy. In addition, in winter, daylight hours are shorter and people spend more time indoors due to the cold weather. As a result, the human body has less time to be exposed to light, which is said to cause hibernation-like symptoms. We can improve this situation by consciously exposing ourselves to sunlight and warming our bodies, so let's keep this in mind. Back to Table of Contents You'll be lucky to meet them! Take the winter animal quiz in Japan! The cold-tolerant animals in this quiz are native to Hokkaido. These animals are unique to Hokkaido because there is a boundary between Hokkaido and Honshu called the Plaxton Line, which divides the distribution of plants and animals. If you are lucky, you may be able to see them in Hokkaido. There will be 5 image selection questions. Please try to answer them! Back to Table of Contents Challenge yourself to a quiz on the pure white winter animals that inhabit the world! Not only in Japan but also in other countries, there are animals that change their fur to pure white and become lovely in winter. When you answer the questions, the correct answers are displayed in the explanation section. There will be 5 multiple-choice questions. Back to Table of Contents Introducing "Selected Questions" and "Image Selection Questions"! The "Select Answer" and "Image Selection" questions we have created this time are two of the most commonly used royalty question formats in QuizGenerator. Both types of quizzes can be created with simple operations. Let's take a look at what kind of question format they are. Choice Question" In "multiple-choice" questions, you are required to choose one answer from a list of alternatives. They are often used in test questions, and are more common than image selection questions. In the Winter Animals Quiz, there are four choices, but the number of choices can be increased or decreased. For more information on how to create questions, please refer to the Selection (Radio Button) section. Setup Screen Actual visibility Image Selection Question." Picture Choice" questions are the same format as "Multiple Choice" questions, but the choices are presented in the form of images. By including images, respondents can enjoy playing the quiz and it is easy to understand visually. In test questions, this question format is often utilized for English listening questions. For detailed information on how to create these questions, please see Image Selection Questions (Choice 1). Setup Screen Actual visibility Let's make a quiz QuizGenerator allows you to create your own original quiz easily. You can create your own quiz from the "Create Quiz" menu in QuizGenerator. Back to Table of Contents SUMMARY How was "Encountering Cold Places! How was "Winter Animals Quiz"? Did you find your favorite animal? Many of you may have seen the zebra muntjac or the white-bellied ptarmigan seen in winter, as they have been talked about on the Internet. It is somewhat mysterious that each animal, from small animals to large animals and birds, is made with a body suitable for spending the winter in cold places. In this article, we created a quiz, but QuizGenerator is also very useful for creating test questions. It is also free for commercial use, so please pick it up once and experience its versatility. In addition, you can create contents other than creating questions such as "memorization cards," "questionnaires," "report assignments," and "typing" by registering to learningBOX. learningBOX's free plan allows up to 10 users, including the administrator, to use features such as learning management and grade management free of charge. You can also use the free plan for up to 10 people, including the administrator, to manage learning and grades. The free plan is available for up to 10 users, including the administrator, and includes a wide variety of functions. We also recommend you to try this one! I also want to read

Tanabata, the Star Festival, is a traditional Japanese event in which people write their wishes on strips of paper and decorate bamboo leaves with them. Tanabata is now a traditional Japanese event, but did you know that it was originally introduced from China? In this article, we will explain the origin and history of Tanabata, as well as the meaning of Tanzaku and bamboo decorations. We will also introduce the charm of Tanabata, touching on the food culture and regional customs related to Tanabata. We have also prepared a trivia quiz on Tanabata, so please try it out! What is Tanabata? Tanabata is a traditional event that has been held in Japan since ancient times, and is celebrated on July 7 every year. The custom of hanging strips of paper and decorations with wishes on them on bamboo leaves is a popular summer tradition. Many of you may have written your wishes on tanzaku strips when you were children at school events. It is said that this custom was originally practiced in China and gradually took root in Japan. Origin and History of Tanabata The origin of Tanabata is related to the Chinese custom of "Kikkouden. Kikkouden is a custom of praying to the Weaver Star on the night of July 7 for improvement in weaving, sewing, and other skills. Needles and other objects are displayed on an altar in the garden, and prayers are offered to the star. After the Kikkouden was introduced to Japan in the Nara period (710-794), Tanabata became a courtly event. At that time, people did not have the custom of hanging strips of paper on bamboo branches, but instead wrote poems on the leaves of the Kaji tree, which was considered a sacred tree, and prayed for improvement in calligraphy. After the Edo period (1603-1867), Tanabata became one of the "five festivals" and spread throughout the country as a familiar event among the common people. The five festivals are days with odd numbers that were introduced from China. Around this time, the custom changed to decorating each house with bamboo branches hung with strips of paper or cut paper work on which wishes were written. In modern Tanabata, any kind of wish is acceptable, but it is said to be good to wish for improvement in one's studies, since Tanabata was originally a custom to wish for improvement in weaving, sewing, calligraphy, and other artistic pursuits. Legend of Tanabata "Orihime and Hikoboshi The Tanabata legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi is well known in Japan, but this too is a legend that originated not in Japan but in China. Orihime and Hikoboshi are the daughters of the most powerful god in the sky, "Tentei," who weaved cloth for the gods' kimonos and wove a loom every day along the banks of the Amanogawa River. When the emperor saw the weaver's daughter working all the time and having no boyfriend, he brought her together with a serious young man named "Kengyu," who kept a cow on the other side of the Milky Way. The two eventually married and lived happily ever after, but after their marriage, they began to spend their days playing and neglecting their work. The emperor, angered by this, separated them on both banks of the Milky Way. However, the two were so sad that they cried and did not get any work done. The Emperor, troubled, allowed them to cross the river, promising to let them meet only once a year on the night of July 7, if they would work diligently. In Japan, the weaver is called Orihime and the checker is called Hikoboshi. Back to Table of Contents Tanzaku and Bamboo Grass Decorations During Tanabata, people hang decorations made of tanzaku strips and origami paper on bamboo branches. Each bamboo branch decoration has its own wish and meaning. Five-color strips of paper Basically, tanzaku are available in five colors: blue (green), red, yellow, white, and black (purple), based on the Chinese theory of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements. The theory of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements refers to the idea that everything in nature can be explained in terms of the five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. According to the Yin-Yang Five Elements Theory, blue (green) represents wood, red represents fire, yellow represents earth, white represents gold, and black (purple) represents water. Each color of tanzaku has its own meaning, and it is said that if you write your wish on a tanzaku of the appropriate color, your wish will be more likely to come true. Blue (green): to accumulate virtues and improve one's human abilityRed: gratitude to parents and ancestorsYellow: trusting and cherishing othersWhite: obeying obligations and rulesBlack (purple): improving one's academic performance In modern Japan, people still make wishes on tanzaku strips, but they may be less conscious of the colors of the strips. What is the meaning behind decorating bamboo branches? There are several types of origami decorations, and the seven decorations, including tanzaku, are called "shichitsuzukuri. Let's take a look at the meanings of the six decorations other than tanzaku introduced in the previous section. Blowing streamers This decoration represents the threads that Orihime weaves and wishes for improvement in weaving and sewing. Kuzukago It is meant to foster a spirit of cleanliness, thrift, and tidiness. Cast net This represents a fishing net to catch fish, and is hung in the hope of a big catch. Folded crane This is a decoration to wish for family safety and longevity. Sometimes, a thousand folded paper cranes are used. Kamiko (paper garment) Origami paper folded into the shape of a doll or kimono is hung in the hope that it will improve one's sewing skills. Kinchaku It means a purse and is a decoration for money and savings. Back to Table of Contents Food Culture Related to Tanabata Tanabata is one of the five seasonal festivals, and each of the five seasonal festivals has a tradition to ward off evil spirits by eating foods that ward off evil spirits. In addition, each region has its own food culture related to Tanabata, and each has its own meaning and origin. Here are three typical Tanabata foods. Somen (fine white noodles) Soumen is a typical Japanese Tanabata food. There are various theories as to how Soumen came to be eaten on Tanabata, with some saying that it was made to resemble the Milky Way and others saying that it was made to resemble the weaving thread of an orihime (a princess weaver). July 7 is designated as "Tanabata and Soumen Day" as an essential food for the five festivals. Sokubei (Sokubei cake) Sungcakes are a traditional Chinese food made by kneading wheat and weaving it into a rope-like shape. In China, people eat cable cakes on July 7 to pray for good health. Somen is said to have its roots in somen, and one theory is that somen cake, which came from China, changed from "somen cake" to "somen" and then to "somen". Tanabata Houtou In the Matsumoto area of Nagano Prefecture, Tanabata Festival is held on August 7, a month later than usual, and there is a custom of eating Tanabata Hoto as an event food. Houtou is a thick noodle made of wheat flour. Tanabata Houtou is a cool and refreshing food made of sticky Houtou mixed with azuki bean paste and eaten after being cooled down a little. Generally, white noodles are used, but recently there are noodles with mugwort, and in some cases, the noodles are covered with soybean paste instead of azuki bean paste. Reference] Tanabata Houtou｜Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan Back to Table of Contents Miscellaneous Quiz on Tanabata We have prepared a miscellaneous quiz about Tanabata. There will be 5 questions in total. Please try to clear them! Back to Table of Contents SUMMARY Tanabata is a familiar event to many people as a summer tradition in Japan. However, there may be few people who know what kind of event it originally was. By learning about the origin of Tanabata and the meaning behind the decorations on bamboo branches, you may be able to enjoy Tanabata more. QuizGenerator," which we used to create this Tanabata-related trivia quiz, allows users to create their own original quizzes and share them on SNS and websites without registration and free of charge. The QuizGenerator website also offers a quiz generation tool, "Easy Quiz Generation with AI," which allows anyone to easily experience AI quiz generation by simply entering a question. We hope you will enjoy creating your own original quizzes using the popular quiz generator AI! We also recommend this site! Also read Back to Table of Contents

Wine is a beverage with a rich aroma and flavor that makes meals and conversations more enjoyable. The world of wine is a deep one, and there are many different types of wine. Understanding the differences and knowing the proper way to drink wine will help you to appreciate its charms more deeply. Among them, "Beaujolais Nouveau," characterized by its fresh fruitiness and gorgeous aroma, attracts a great deal of attention when it is released in November each year. In this article, we will explain the appeal of Beaujolais Nouveau, the typical types of wine and their respective characteristics, and how to drink wine with great taste. Wine beginners as well as those who already enjoy wine may find something to discover that will help them understand and enjoy wine even more deeply. Familiar miscellaneous quizzes are also introduced, so please try your hand at them. What is wine? Before introducing Beaujolais Nouveau, let's take a look at what kind of drink wine is in the first place. Wine is a "brewed alcoholic beverage" made mainly from grapes, and is said to be one of the oldest alcoholic beverages with an extremely long history. The juice from crushed grapes fermented and eventually became a liquid containing alcohol, which is the original form of wine. Brewed alcohol is produced by adding yeast to raw materials and fermenting them into alcohol. In addition to wine, beer and sake are also made using the same process and are therefore classified as brewed alcohol. Back to Table of Contents Types of Wine While there are two major categories of wine, red wine and white wine, there are actually several other major types of wine. Let's take a closer look at what wines are available and the differences and characteristics of each. Differences between red wine and white wine Red wine is made by fermenting grape skins together. The tannins in the skins give red wine its characteristic astringent and bitter taste. It is characterized by a full-bodied taste and rich aroma, and is considered a good match for rich foods such as steak and cheese. White wines, on the other hand, are fermented without the grape skins, so they are less affected by tannins and are characterized by a light taste and refreshing acidity. They are best paired with light dishes such as fish and salads. Characteristics of Rosé Wine Rosé wine is a wine with a color between that of red wine and white wine. Rosé" means "rose" in French, and as the name suggests, it offers a pink, rose-like color. Generally, most wine bottles are colored like brown or green to protect the wine from light, but rosé wines are often kept in colorless transparent bottles so that the color can be enjoyed. The taste of rosé wine is characterized by its mild tannins, more fruity than red wine, and acidity like white wine. Because they are between red and white wines, they are said to be easy to match with any food. It is recommended to drink it chilled to an appropriate temperature, not at room temperature. Characteristics of Sparkling Wine Sparkling wine is characterized by its spectacular bubbles and is a generic term for sparkling wine that contains carbon dioxide gas at 3 atmospheres or higher. If the carbon dioxide contained is between 1 and 2.5 atmospheres, it is classified as semi-sparkling wine, and if it contains less than 1 atmospheric pressure, it is not considered sparkling wine. The fineness of the bubbles is important, and in general, the smaller the size of the bubbles, the higher the quality. Among sparkling wines, "Champagne" is the name given only to those made in the Champagne region of France and that meet the conditions stipulated by French wine laws. Because of the various costs involved in its production, it is considered more expensive than ordinary sparkling wine. Sparkling wine is popular for special occasions and celebrations, and is often treated as a glamorous drink. Characteristics of Dessert Wine Desert wines are sweet wines. Since there are no clear standards, there are a wide variety of ways to make dessert wines, such as increasing the sugar content of the grapes in various ways and maintaining the sugar content by stopping alcoholic fermentation in the middle of the fermentation process. Let's take a look at some of the wines classified as dessert wines. Ice Wine Ice wine is a sweet wine made from frozen grapes that are harvested. Pressing frozen grapes allows only the concentrated juice with concentrated sugar and flavor to be extracted, resulting in a sweeter wine. Because it is harvested under harsh climatic conditions, it is a rare and expensive wine among dessert wines. Precious Rot Wines Botrytis cinerea, or noble rot, is a very sweet wine made from grapes that have been infected with a fungus called botrytis cinerea. When the Botrytis cinerea fungus on the grapes destroys the skin tissue, the water in the grapes evaporates, resulting in a high sugar content. It is said to be the rarest of dessert wines, as it requires a variety of conditions in a limited environment in order for the noble rot fungus to attach itself to the grapes and grow successfully. Late Harvest Wine A sweet wine made from grapes harvested later than usual. Deliberately delaying the harvest allows the water in the grapes to evaporate, resulting in higher sugar content. In Japan, late harvest wines made from white grapes of the "Kerner" variety are famous in Hokkaido. Back to Table of Contents Tips for good wine drinking There are four important points to consider in order to get the most out of wine. Let's take a closer look at each of these points in order to drink wine with great taste. 1) Appropriate temperature for wine Temperature control is important in order to drink wine at its most delicious. Generally speaking, white wines are best served chilled to enhance their freshness and acidity, while red wines are best served at room temperature to enjoy their rich aromas and flavors. Although it is difficult to say, it is recommended to drink red wine at room temperature between 12°C and 20°C, and white wine at chilled temperature between 6°C and 14°C. If the temperature exceeds 20°C, it will speed up the aging process and oxidation will occur. Sudden temperature changes should also be avoided in order to maintain quality. If you want to warm the wine, leave it at room temperature. If you want to chill it, we recommend placing the entire bottle in an ice pail filled with ice water. (2) How to choose the appropriate glass When drinking wine, it is also important to select appropriate wine glasses. Wine glasses come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, which affect the aroma and taste of wine in different ways. A glass with a wide mouth allows the aroma to spread easily when the wine is in the mouth, and the taste of the wine spreads over the entire tongue, making the acidity of the wine seem more pronounced even when drinking the same wine. On the other hand, a glass with a narrow mouthpiece allows the wine's aroma to stay in the glass longer, so that after the fruitiness of the wine is felt, the acidity and minerality can also be tasted as a lingering sensation. If you are not sure which glass to use, or if you are a wine novice, you should choose a "Chianti-shaped" wine glass. The Chianti shape allows you to taste the acidity, astringency, and fruitiness of wine in a well-balanced manner, and can be used for a wide range of wines, from red wines to white wines. Because of its versatility, it is a good idea to have one. For sparkling wine, we also recommend a "flute-shaped" glass that allows the bubbles to orbit beautifully. The narrow, elongated shape of the mouthpiece reduces the surface in contact with air and prevents carbonation. Reference] https://wine.sapporobeer.jp/article/wine_glass/ 3) How to drink and store wine It is said that it is very difficult to determine when wine is ready to drink because it does not have an expiration date and the degree of aging depends on various factors such as light and temperature. If we were to divide wines into broad price categories and judge their drinking age, reasonably priced wines and sparkling wines sold at convenience stores and supermarkets do not need to be aged and should be consumed immediately after purchase. For wines in the mid-priced range in general, red wines should be drunk within two to three years, and white wines within one to two years. It is also of paramount importance that wine be stored in an appropriate environment, as it is sensitive to light and temperature changes. The ideal temperature and humidity for storage is 13°C to 15°C and 70% to 80%, respectively, and the wine should be stored in a cool, dark place with minimal temperature fluctuations and away from sunlight and indoor light. For home storage, it is best to store in the vegetable compartment of a refrigerator. However, since temperature and humidity are not optimal for wine, storage in a wine cellar is recommended if the wine is to be stored for more than one year. [Reference] https://wine.sapporobeer.jp/article/wine_storages/ 4) Wine Tasting Method Wine tasting is a three-step process: look, smell, and taste. First, look at the color and clarity of the wine to determine its quality and maturity. Color and clarity are clues to the type and maturity of the wine. The higher the quality of both red and white wines, the more transparent the color. Next, smell the wine. Smell is a good way to get a sense of the wine's character and personality. There are a variety of aromas such as flower, fruit, and spice aromas, and the more distinct the fruit aroma, the higher quality the wine is said to be. The first time the wine is tasted, it is left as is, and the second time it is "swirled" before the aromas are detected. Swirling is the process of lightly turning the glass to aerate the wine. Aeration speeds up the change in the wine's flavor and aroma. Finally, swirl a small amount of the wine in the mouth to feel the changes in flavor and aftertaste. The taste of wine is very broad, with various elements such as acidity, sweetness, bitterness, astringency, and umami. When checking the taste of a wine, do not drink it immediately after taking it into your mouth, but rather savor it slowly using your entire tongue. Reference] https://www.adv.gr.jp/blog/tasting/ Back to Table of Contents What is Beaujolais Nouveau? Now that we have explained the basics of wine, let's take a closer look at Beaujolais Nouveau. Beaujolais Nouveau is a new wine produced in the Beaujolais region of France. Nouveau" means "new" in French, and as the name implies, only fresh grapes from that year are used. It is characterized by its fruity, light flavor and gorgeous aroma, and is released every year on the third Thursday in November. The Birth of Beaujolais Nouveau Originally, Beaujolais Nouveau was loved by the locals as a daily drink that could be easily enjoyed, and it was not until 1951 that it was officially approved for sale by the French government. As Beaujolais Nouveau gradually began to attract attention around the world, there were concerns that the quality of the wine was declining due to the competition among sellers to be the first to market the wine. In order to maintain the quality of Beaujolais Nouveau, the French government set a common release date for the entire world. After a variety of circumstances, the date of the Beaujolais Nouveau ban has been set at "midnight on the third Thursday of November" since 1985. In Japan, due to the date line, the ban on Beaujolais Nouveau opens about 8 hours earlier than in France, so it is possible to get Beaujolais Nouveau earlier than in France. Beaujolais Nouveau was first popular among the local people, but today it has become the most famous new wine in the world, so much so that everyone has heard the name "Beaujolais Nouveau" at least once. Why is Beaujolais Nouveau so popular? There are two main attractions of Beaujolais Nouveau: flavor and production method. Easy-drinking fruity flavor One of the reasons Beaujolais Nouveau is so popular is its fresh, fruity flavor with little astringency. Beaujolais Nouveau is made using only black grapes of the Gamay variety. Due to its thin skin, Gamay is fruity with little tannin, which is the source of astringency, and is characterized by its strawberry and cherry-like aroma. Because Gamay is bottled only a few weeks after harvest, its freshness stands out more than most wines, and its fresh taste can be enjoyed. Special Production Methods The secret behind Beaujolais Nouveau's light, fruity flavor lies in its production method. In the normal red wine making process, grapes are crushed with their seeds and skins before fermentation, so tannins are extracted into the juice as fermentation proceeds, producing the astringent taste that is characteristic of red wine. In contrast, Beaujolais Nouveau is made using a special method called the "maceration carbonic method," in which bunches of grapes are placed in tanks and soaked in carbon dioxide gas for a certain period of time to allow the grape juice to ferment naturally and prevent the extraction of tannins. This process reduces astringency and gives the wine a more fruity flavor, making it easy to drink for many people. Back to Table of Contents Take a Miscellaneous Wine-related Quiz We have prepared a miscellaneous quiz about wine and Beaujolais Nouveau. There will be a total of 5 questions. Please try to clear them! Back to Table of Contents SUMMARY In this issue, we have explained about Beaujolais Nouveau, typical types of wine, and how to enjoy wine, and we hope that the more you know about Beaujolais Nouveau, which is often talked about as a special wine that comes once a year, the more you will want to actually taste it. Wine is a delicate drink, so care must be taken when storing it in light and temperature. Choose the appropriate wine for your taste and purpose, and enjoy wine in the appropriate way. QuizGenerator, which we used to create our wine-related trivia quiz, allows users to create their own original quizzes and share them on SNS and websites without registration and for free. The QuizGenerator website also offers a quiz generation tool, "Easy Quiz Generation with AI," which allows anyone to easily experience AI quiz generation by simply entering a topic. We hope you will enjoy creating your own original quizzes using the popular quiz generator AI! We also recommend you to read this page! Also read Back to Table of Contents

Shaved ice, a classic summer treat consisting of cold ice topped with sweet syrup, is often seen at summer festivals and other stalls during the hot summer season. It is often seen at summer festival stalls during the hot summer season, and has long been loved as a summer tradition. Recently, some cafes and sweets specialty stores have added their own unique arrangements to their seasonal menus of gorgeous shaved ice, and popular stores often have long lines of customers despite the scorching sun. In fact, however, the history of shaved ice is much longer and deeper than we can imagine. In this article, we will introduce the history of shaved ice, its charms, and the various types of shaved ice in modern times. We have also prepared a history quiz related to shaved ice, so please try your hand at it. History of Shaved Ice The origins of shaved ice can be traced back to ancient civilizations. Ice cream made from ice crystals already existed in ancient China and ancient Rome. In Japan, shaved ice is said to have been popular among aristocrats during the Heian period (794-1192). Let's take a look at how shaved ice has evolved over time in Japan. Was shaved ice a luxury item? Although shaved ice is now widely known as a sweet treat that can be enjoyed casually, there was a time in its history when it was treated as a luxury item. The earliest mention of shaved ice in Japan is said to be in the "Pillow Book" written by Sei Shonagon in the Heian period (794-1185). The earliest mention of shaved ice in Japan is said to be in the "Pillow Book" written by Sei Shonagon in the Heian period. （The oldest description of shaved ice in Japan is said to be from the "Pillow Book" written by Sei Shonagon in the Heian period (794-1185), which is said to have been translated into modern Japanese as "a refined thing, a sweet dish made with shaved ice and a bowl made of a new metal. It is a shaved ice with amazura (sweetener) poured over it and placed in a new metal bowl. This indicates that shaved ice was considered very elegant and refined at that time. In an era without freezers or ice machines, ice was a very precious commodity. Natural ice made during the winter was stored in "icehouses" (氷室) and transported to the capital in the summer to be delivered to the nobility. Since the ice melted and became smaller during transportation, it is said that only a few nobles were able to eat the ice. In those days, sweet condiments such as amazura and honey were luxury items available only to the nobility. Shaved ice, with all its extravagance, was a favorite pastime of the upper class, which was out of reach of the general public. Reference] https://www.alic.go.jp/joho-s/joho07_002756.html Japan's first shaved ice shop opens in Yokohama It was not until the dawn of the Meiji Era that shaved ice became familiar to the general public. The development of the ice-making industry made it easy to enjoy shaved ice at home as well as in stores. In 1869, Fusazo Machida opened Japan's first shaved ice shop on Bashamichi Street in Yokohama. Fusazo Machida was a member of a delegation sent by the Tokugawa Shogunate to the United States. He is said to have been one of the first Japanese to eat ice cream during his visit to the United States. After returning from the U.S., Fusazo Machida took advantage of his newly learned ice manufacturing methods and opened a store selling not only shaved ice but also ice cream. This was the beginning of the shaved ice we enjoy today, and the very moment that ushered in Japan's shaved ice culture. Such shaved ice used to be a simple shaved ice with sweetener poured over it, but over time it has gradually changed with the addition of fruits, flavored syrups, condensed milk, and other toppings. Reference] https://kannai.jp/ice_cream/ The Modern Shaved Ice Revolution The evolution of shaved ice is closely linked to advances in technology. In the past, ice was usually shaved by hand, but today, motorized shaved ice machines and other machines are widely used. It is now possible to finely adjust the fineness of the ice and the texture of the ice, making it possible to produce shaved ice that is smoother and more smooth to the palate. Modern shaved ice has become more diverse, with new flavors, unique toppings, and shaved ice that looks like a beautiful work of art. The culture of shaved ice is loved around the world, and while each region has its own unique flavor, it has become a summer tradition that soothes us all. Back to Table of Contents Unique Shaved Ice Shaved ice is often thought of as ice that has been shaved and covered with colorful sweet syrups, but nowadays shaved ice made with fruits and vegetables also exists. Shaved ice is becoming increasingly diverse, from shaved ice made from frozen condensed milk or fruit juice instead of regular ice, to shaved ice that is stylishly arranged to look good in photos. Here we introduce some of the most talked-about shaved ice. We hope you will try the shaved ice that interests you this summer! Espuma Shaved Ice Espuma means "foam" in French, and as the name suggests, it is shaved ice topped with a fluffy foamy cream or mousse. Espuma shaved ice is characterized by its gorgeous appearance and smooth texture. Like regular shaved ice, ice is shaved, syrup is poured over it, and then foamy cream or mousse flavored with fruit, chocolate, coffee, or green tea is squeezed over the shaved ice. This shaved ice offers a lighter and creamier texture than regular shaved ice. It is also available with a wide variety of toppings and decorations. Seasonal fruits, nuts, and chocolates can be added to make it even more delicious and vibrant. Side dish shaved ice Side dish shaved ice is a unique fusion of a meal and a sweet treat through innovative ideas and food combinations. It is made with vegetables, tofu, cheese, and other ingredients as well as fruit, and is salty and addictive with a sweet and salty flavor. It is sometimes topped with a sauce made from miso or other ingredients, and is sometimes said to taste like shaved ice made from cold soup. The picture-perfect visuals and innovative ideas have been embraced by the younger generation and those who pursue food trends. Taiwan shaved ice Taiwanese shaved ice is characterized by a large variety of toppings. Typical shaved ice includes mango shaved ice with fresh mango and mango syrup, and taro shaved ice with boiled taro paste or syrup poured over it. Taro is a type of potato grown mainly in Asia. It may not be a familiar ingredient in Japan, but recently the number of specialty stores selling Taiwanese sweets has been increasing, and it is now readily available in Japan. Taiwanese shaved ice is often larger in volume than the typical shaved ice commonly found in Japan, so it looks very satisfying! Back to Table of Contents Why does my head feel sharp? The sensation of a keen headache when eating shaved ice is commonly known as an "ice cream headache". An ice cream headache is a temporary headache caused by the rapid ingestion of something cold. Eating cold food causes a sudden cooling of the mouth and throat, so the human body tries to warm up the body by increasing blood flow. The blood vessels leading to the head are dilated and temporary changes in blood flow occur, which may cause a headache. Shaved ice also causes headaches because it melts in the mouth, which prolongs the duration of the cold sensation. When enjoying shaved ice, pay attention to how cold it is and enjoy it slowly and gradually. [Reference] https://www.icecream.or.jp/iceworld/qa/09.html Back to Table of Contents Shaved Ice History Quiz We have prepared a quiz on the history of shaved ice. There will be a total of 5 questions. Please try to clear them. Back to Table of Contents Eat shaved ice to survive the hot summer! In this issue, we have introduced the history and appeal of shaved ice up to the present day, as well as the recent trend of shaved ice. Shaved ice is now a sweet treat that anyone can easily enjoy, but it is surprising to learn that it was once a luxury treat that was out of reach of the general public. To create our shaved ice history quiz, we used "QuizGenerator," which allows users to create their own original quizzes and share them on social networking sites and websites for free, with no registration required. The QuizGenerator website also offers a quiz generation tool that allows anyone to easily experience quiz generation by AI by simply entering a question. We hope you will enjoy creating your own original quizzes using the popular quiz generator AI! We also recommend this site! Also read Back to Table of Contents

When you think of Vietnam, what image do you have of the country? Vietnam has a lot to offer, from its rich culture and beautiful nature to its delicious cuisine. Some of you may have a familiar impression of Vietnam, as the number of restaurants serving Vietnamese cuisine has been increasing in Japan as well. In this issue, we will introduce the characteristics and culture of Vietnam and its cuisine! We have also prepared a miscellaneous quiz about Vietnam, so please try your hand at it. What is Vietnam like? The official name of Vietnam is "Socialist Republic of Vietnam" and its capital is Hanoi. Vietnam is a country located in Southeast Asia and has many fascinating elements such as its geography, culture, and cuisine. Geographically, Vietnam shares borders with countries such as China, Laos, and Cambodia, with the southern part facing the South China Sea. The country is long and narrow in shape, with mountainous regions and beautiful landscapes in the north, historic towns and beautiful beaches such as the World Heritage-listed Hoi An in the central part, and large cities such as Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) in the south. World Heritage Site Halong Bay Halong Bay is characterized by tranquil emerald green waters and a landscape of more than 2,000 rocks and islands of various sizes. Its beautiful scenery and unique ecosystem are unparalleled on the planet, and in 1994 it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Cruise tours lasting from a few hours to several days allow you to enjoy the beautiful scenery, sample traditional Vietnamese cuisine, and explore by kayak or snorkeling. Fishing villages are scattered around Halong Bay, where you can also interact with local fishermen and enjoy a traditional boat ride. Reference] Introduction to World Heritage Halong Bay｜HIS Vietnam Travel Information Roads overflowing with motorcycles When one thinks of Vietnam, many people are probably struck by the overflowing number of motorcycles on the roads and the bustle of the city. Traffic jams with motorcycles are a common sight in urban areas of Vietnam, and in large cities such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, where traffic is extremely heavy, the roads are sometimes filled with motorcycles. Behind the traffic jam phenomenon are a growing population, an increase in the number of vehicles due to economic growth, and inadequate transportation infrastructure. Traffic congestion is especially likely to occur in urban areas during morning and evening commuting hours and special events. On the other hand, traffic in rural and regional areas of Vietnam is relatively light and congestion is less frequent, allowing travelers to enjoy wide roads and countryside scenery. Cashew Nut Powerhouse Vietnam is one of the major cashew nut producing countries. It is one of the top producers of cashews in the world and a major exporter of cashews. The cashews we eat are the "kernel" part of the seed, which is cooked and processed because it contains toxic substances when raw. In Vietnam, cashews are not only eaten raw, but oils and butters made from cashews are also popular. The pulpy part of the cashew nut is also called "cashew apple" and is used to make juice and jam. They can be eaten raw, but along with their tropical sweetness and acidity, they can also have a bitter or astringent taste. Since cashew apples are thin-skinned and easily damaged, they are often consumed in the producing countries, and it is not possible to obtain the fresh pulp in Japan. When you visit Vietnam, you should definitely try cashew apples there! Reference] Attractiveness of Binh Phuoc Province - Cashew Nut Kingdom - Expectations for future expansion of the manufacturing industry as a place adjacent to the industrial concentration of Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring provinces - | Consulate-General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City Back to Table of Contents Vietnamese Culture Vietnam is a country characterized by a rich culture and traditional events. Let's take a look at some of the events and traditional costumes held in Vietnam. Lantern Festival on the Night of Full Moon The Lantern Festival, held on the night of the full moon, is one of the traditional festivals in Hoi An, Vietnam, and was originally an event similar to the Obon Festival in Japan to mourn the dead. On the night of the 14th day of the lunar month, which falls on the full moon, all the lights in the city are turned off and only lanterns are lit. When the lanterns are lit, beautiful lights and colors spread out, creating a fantastic scene. People enjoy the festival in their own way, playing music, dancing, and participating in game tournaments held here and there. Many food stalls are set up, and tasting Hoi An's local delicacies seems to be a part of the festival's fun. Lantern Festival｜TNK Travel Japan Vietnamese traditional costume "Ao dai Ao dai, the traditional Vietnamese costume, is a folk costume consisting of an upper garment (ao) and a long skirt (dai), and is characterized by beautiful designs and delicate handicrafts. The ao dai is worn mainly by women and has become a symbol of Vietnamese culture and climate. Originally, the ao dai was loose-fitting and suitable for daily labor, but with the influence of France in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it seems to have developed into a form-fitting design fused with European-style design. Later, the ao dai became widely accepted among Vietnamese women and established itself as the national costume of Vietnam. Tourists can rent and wear ao dai at tourist attractions and cultural events in Vietnam, where they can enjoy taking pictures and other activities. Reference] Let's take a closer look at the charm of the ao dai, Vietnam's traditional costume! ｜Information on travel to Vietnam, tourist attractions, restaurants, and stores [JTB Back to Table of Contents Fascinating Vietnamese Cuisine Vietnamese cuisine is characterized by the use of flavorful herbs and spices and well-balanced flavors. Vietnamese cuisine is also largely free of the pungent spiciness that is common in Southeast Asian cuisines. The diversity of regional cuisines is appealing, with the southern part of Vietnam generally sweeter, the central part slightly spicier, and the northern part lighter. Vietnamese cuisine is popular worldwide, and we will introduce some of the most representative traditional Vietnamese dishes. Pho Pho is a traditional dish made from crushed rice, the staple food of Vietnam, and features flat rice noodles and an aromatic broth. Many people associate pho with the most representative of Vietnamese cuisine. Pho soup is made by simmering beef or chicken bones and flavored with onion, cinnamon, cloves, and other aromatics to give it a deep richness and flavor. There are different names for the ingredients used to make the broth: "pho bo" for beef broth, and "pho ga" for chicken broth. It is easily available at street stalls and is a favorite Vietnamese dish of many people in Japan. Báinh Céo This dish is similar to Japanese crepes and okonomiyaki, with ingredients such as shrimp, pork, and onions wrapped in a dough made from a mixture of rice flour, coconut milk, turmeric, and other ingredients. It is similar to Japanese crepes and okonomiyaki. The outside of the dough is crispy, while the inside is soft and chewy, and the savory flavor can be enjoyed. Báinh xèo is particularly popular in central and southern Vietnam, with different variations of ingredients and sauces depending on the region. Because it is easy to customize the ingredients to individual tastes, it has become one of Vietnam's most popular dishes. Spring Rolls Spring rolls are one of the most well-known Vietnamese dishes in Japan. It is made by rolling fresh vegetables, herbs, cooked shrimp or pork, etc. on rice paper and dipping them in a special sauce. It is healthy and hearty, and is characterized by the sticky texture of the skin and the crunchy texture of the vegetables. You can enjoy many variations of this dish by combining different ingredients and sauces. In Japan, Vietnamese food is not only served in restaurants and Asian restaurants, but is so familiar that it can be purchased at supermarkets and served at home. Back to Table of Contents Miscellaneous Quiz on Vietnam We have prepared a miscellaneous quiz about Vietnam. There will be a total of 5 questions. Please try to clear them. Back to Table of Contents SUMMARY In this issue, we have introduced the characteristics, culture, and cuisine of Vietnam. From the World Heritage Site of Halong Bay to Hoi An, where the Lantern Festival is held, Vietnam offers many fascinating places to experience. Vietnam also offers many popular Japanese specialties such as pho and spring rolls, making it a great place to enjoy a meal. As rice is the staple food in Vietnam, just like in Japan, you will probably feel familiar with the country. QuizGenerator, which we used to create our miscellaneous quizzes about Vietnam, allows users to create their own original quizzes and share them on SNS and websites for free, with no registration required. The QuizGenerator website also offers a quiz generation tool that allows anyone to easily experience quiz generation by AI by simply entering a question. We hope you will enjoy creating your own original quizzes using the popular quiz generator AI! We also recommend this site! Also read Back to Table of Contents

June marks the beginning of the rainy season. Many people may feel depressed because of the increasing number of rainy days. Many people may be aware that the rainy season refers to the time of year when it rains a lot, but few people know why "ume" in "plum" refers to "rain. We usually use "rainy season" without thinking, but by learning some miscellaneous trivia about the rainy season, you may discover something new and enjoy the rainy season a little more. In this issue, we will introduce the etymology of the word "rainy season" and miscellaneous trivia related to the rainy season. We have also prepared a quiz related to the rainy season, so please try your hand at it. What is the rainy season (Tsuyu)? The "rainy season" is a seasonal phenomenon in which many rainy and cloudy days appear during the seasonal transition from spring to mid-summer. This phenomenon is seen mainly in Japan, China, and some other parts of East Asia. During the rainy season, there is a lot of rainfall, and the weather is humid and hot, with high temperatures and damp, humid and hot weather. Although it is a difficult time to spend, it is an important time to store water and other resources for agriculture that will be needed during the summer months. Etymology of the word "rainy season The word "rainy season" itself is believed to have originally come from China, but there are various theories as to the origin of the word. Why do we use the Chinese character for "ume"? According to one theory, the Chinese characters for "ume" and "rain" came to be called "baiyu (ume rain)" because of the rain that falls around May to June, when the ume fruit ripens. In addition, since the temperature rises and rain falls in May and June, making the months humid, it was called "mold rain" from "mold" and "rain" because mold tends to grow. Some say that the word "mold" sounded bad, so it was read as "ume (plum) rain" using the same pronunciation of "ume" (plum). Why was it called "Tsuyu"? Although the Japanese word for "rainy season" can also be read as "ba-ui," in Japan it has been read as "tsuyu" since the Edo period (1603-1868). There are various theories as to why it came to be called "Tsuyu. The first theory is that it is derived from the dew that forms on the tips of branches and leaves when it rains a lot. It is said that the name "tsuyu" came from the word "dew-keishi," which means a wet and damp appearance. The second theory is that the name "tsuyu" was derived from "tsuyu", which means that the ume fruit rots because it is in the season when mold easily grows, but the name gradually changed and it came to be called "tsuyu". There are various theories on how it came to be called Tsuyu, but the origin of the word "rainy season" is not clear. Definition of the Beginning and End of the Rainy Season On average, there is a five-day transition period between the beginning and end of the rainy season. Therefore, the Japan Meteorological Agency announces the beginning and end of the rainy season as "around XX days" using the approximate date of the middle day of the transition period. However, the JMA does not have a clear definition of when the rainy season begins and ends. The JMA announces the beginning and end of the rainy season on a region-by-region basis, based on earlier weather forecasts. The reason for announcing the beginning and end of the rainy season is that this information is important for daily life and industry, and is also meant to prevent disasters. Reference] How is the "beginning of the rainy season" determined? ｜Weather News Reference] How and by whom is the end of the rainy season decided? ｜Weather News Back to Table of Contents Tidbits of Knowledge about the Rainy Season When it comes to the rainy season, there are rumors and trivia that everyone has heard at least once. In this issue, we will introduce some of the most interesting rumors and trivia, as well as whether or not they have any basis in fact. There is no rainy season in Hokkaido Although Hokkaido is not included in the annual announcement by the Japan Meteorological Agency of the beginning and end of the rainy season, it was originally assumed that Hokkaido also had a rainy season. However, since the rainy season in Hokkaido does not last as long as the rainy season in Honshu, it was decided not to officially define the rainy season because it is not clear when it occurs. For this reason, Hokkaido is said to have no rainy season. Reference] Cloudy and rainy weather before the height of summer Is it true that it rains when cats wash their faces? There has long been a rumor in Japan that "when a cat washes its face, it rains," but many people may be wondering what the actual truth is. Cats' whiskers, also called "tentacles," are quite sensitive and act as sensors, quickly sensing changes in wind and humidity and sensing distance. Before it rains, humidity becomes high and moisture adheres to the surface of their whiskers, so they rub their faces to maintain their important senses. There are other reasons why cats wash their faces, so it is not always true that cats washing their faces cause rain, but the rumor that cats washing their faces cause rain is not false. Where are the petals of the hydrangea? Many people may associate hydrangeas (hydrangea) with the rainy season. Generally, hydrangeas bloom from June to July with blue, purple, pink, red, and white flowers. The part of the hydrangea that looks like petals is actually not a petal but a deformed leaf called a sepal, which is not exactly a flower. In the center of the hydrangea is a small bud-like part, and this small flower is the true flower of the hydrangea, called the "true flower. Reference】 Hydrangea blooms in the rainy season｜Aomori Meteorological Observatory Soil determines the color of hydrangea One of the main characteristics of hydrangeas is that the color of the hydrangea changes depending on the nature of the soil in which it grows. Because of this characteristic of color change, it is sometimes also known as the "seven changes". Hydrangeas contain a pigment called anthocyanin, and when anthocyanin is added to aluminum absorbed from the soil, the color of the hydrangea turns blue. Aluminum is soluble in acidic soil and not in alkaline soil, so acidic soil produces blue hydrangeas, while neutral to alkaline soil produces light red or pink hydrangeas. Some varieties of hydrangeas turn dull red or green over time. Reference] Analysis of components in sepals that cause variability in flower color of hydrangea depending on soil conditions. Back to Table of Contents Rainy Season Miscellaneous Quiz We have prepared a miscellaneous quiz related to the rainy season. There will be a total of 5 questions. Please try to clear them. Back to Table of Contents SUMMARY In this issue, we introduced why the term "rainy season" came to be used and some miscellaneous trivia related to the rainy season. Although we usually use the term "rainy season" as a matter of course, many of you may have learned for the first time that there is a theory that the term actually came from China. The word "rainy season" may make you feel down because of many rainy days, but knowing that it is also an important time to store water for agriculture during the summer may change your view of the rainy season. QuizGenerator, which we used to create this quiz on miscellaneous topics related to the rainy season, allows users to create their own original quizzes and share them on SNS and websites without registration and free of charge. The QuizGenerator website also offers a quiz generation tool that allows anyone to easily experience quiz generation by AI by simply entering a question. We hope you will enjoy creating your own original quizzes using the popular quiz generator AI! ▼ We also recommend this one! Also read. Back to Table of Contents

Soon after the New Year, the New Year's mood in the city changes, and stylish chocolates begin to appear on store shelves here and there, and the mood suddenly turns to Valentine's Day. Many people may think of Valentine's Day as the last event of winter. Many manufacturers offer a wide variety of chocolates that look and taste so good that it is hard to choose just one. Valentine's Day in Japan has the image of being an event created by the marketing strategies of confectioners, but in fact, Valentine's Day itself is an event with a long history that has been handed down from generation to generation, and each country has its own culture. In this article, we will introduce such differences in Valentine's Day culture between Japan and other countries, as well as the origin and origin of Valentine's Day. At the end of the article, we have also prepared a quiz related to Valentine's Day, so please try your hand at it. Table of Contents 01What is Valentine's Day? Origin of Valentine's Day Origin of this event for lovers 02Why do we give chocolate? What is the origin of the gift of chocolate in Japan? Origin (1) Morozoff Co. Origin (2) Merry Chocolate Kamppany Co. 03Valentine's Day Culture in Other Countries United States of America Finland Korea 04Valentine's Day Miscellaneous Quiz 05Summary What is Valentine's Day? Valentine's Day is an event that has become established around the world as "Lovers' Day" on February 14. Let's look at the origins and origin of why it became established as a day for lovers. Origin of Valentine's Day The origin of Valentine's Day dates back to 3rd century Rome. At that time, the Roman emperor forbade young soldiers from marrying, on the grounds that morale would suffer if some soldiers left their loved ones back home. Against this backdrop, a Christian priest named Valentine (*Uarentinus in Latin) opposed the policy and secretly conducted weddings for young soldiers. Eventually, the rumor reached the ears of the emperor, who angrily ordered Valentine to never disobey the law again. However, Valentine disobeyed the order by preaching the preciousness of love, and was executed on February 14 of the same year. Later, people began to honor him as "St. Valentine" for his courageous action. The day of Valentine's execution, February 14, is called "St. Valentine's Day," and people began to pray for him. Origin of this event that became an event for lovers Valentine's Day used to be an event to mourn the death of a saint, but it was not until the 14th century that it became "Lovers' Day" as we know it today. In honor of Valentine, who was devoted to love, February 14 became the day to express love. According to a theory, February 14 is the beginning of spring according to the lunar calendar, the season when birds choose their mating partners. Therefore, it is said that this day became a day for lovers because it is an appropriate day for confessing love. Back to Table of Contents Why do we give chocolate? What is the origin of the gift of chocolate in Japan? Valentine's Day in Japan has become an event where women give chocolates to the men they love. These days, people sometimes exchange chocolates among friends, or enjoy a reverse Valentine's Day by giving chocolates from men to women. The custom of giving chocolates on Valentine's Day originally originated in England. It is said that it started when Cadbury, a long-established confectionery company in England, introduced a heart-shaped box of chocolates in 1868. From there, we will introduce two things that are said to have originated in Japan and why people began giving chocolates in Japan. Origin (1) Morozoff Co. According to one theory, the culture of giving chocolates on Valentine's Day began in Japan in 1932, when Morozoff Corporation, a famous confectionery brand in Kobe, Japan, introduced the style of giving chocolates on Valentine's Day for the first time. This was inspired by the founder of Morozoff, who learned of the custom of "giving gifts to loved ones on February 14 in Europe and the United States," and wanted to spread this wonderful culture in Japan. Reference] The first Valentine's Day chocolate advertisement in Japan Even earlier, in 1935. | Morozov Co. Origin 2) Merry Chocolate Kamppany Co. In 1958, Merry Chocolate Kamppany Co., Ltd. held Japan's first Valentine's Day Fair, and the following year it released heart-shaped chocolates that could be personalized with the names of the giver and the recipient. These chocolates with the names of the giver and the recipient drawn much attention, and the custom of women giving chocolates to men on Valentine's Day gradually took root under the catchphrase "a day when women can confess their love to men once a year" by Merry. Reference] Merry's Valentine History｜Merry Chocolate Company, Ltd. Back to Table of Contents Valentine's Day Culture Abroad In Japan, it is customary for women to give chocolate to men on Valentine's Day, but what is the culture of Valentine's Day overseas? The following is an introduction to Valentine's Day in other countries. The United States In the U.S., Valentine's Day is a day for couples to express their gratitude to each other and to go out on dates. In the U.S., contrary to Japan, it is common for men to send message cards, bouquets of flowers, and gifts to women. In some cases, women prepare gifts for men in return. Also, at school, good friends exchange sweets with each other and give gifts to teachers who have taken care of them. Finland In Finland, February 14 has been officially marked on the calendar as "Friend's Day" since 1996. This is a relatively new custom, so there is not much tradition behind it. However, it has become a very popular event in Finland, a day to confirm friendships and show appreciation for loved ones. As with Valentine's Day, sweets are sometimes given as gifts, but instead of one-sided gifts as in Japan, people usually give sweets to each other and eat them together. Also, while roses are often given on Valentine's Day in other countries, Finns give tulips on Friend's Day. Korea On Valentine's Day in Korea, people give chocolates to the person they love, similar to the Japanese culture. Also, like Japan, White Day is celebrated on March 14, but Korea has a day called "Black Day" on April 14. Black Day is an informal Korean event that has taken root as a way for people who were not involved in Valentine's Day and White Day to share their feelings of sadness. On Black Day, people wear black clothes, eat jajangmyeon, a noodle dish made with black miso, and drink black coffee. People who do not have a boyfriend or girlfriend sometimes get together on Black Day, and this is a good opportunity for them to meet someone and have a couple. Back to Table of Contents Valentine's Day Miscellaneous Quiz Here we have prepared a quiz on the state of Valentine's Day around the world. There will be a total of 4 quizzes. Please try to answer all the questions correctly. Back to Table of Contents Conclusion In this issue, we introduced the origin of Valentine's Day, the origin of giving chocolates on Valentine's Day, and Valentine's Day culture in other countries. Valentine's Day is very familiar in Japan, but I was surprised to learn that it was originally an event to mourn the death of a saint! Each country has its own unique culture and way of perceiving Valentine's Day. This year, you may enjoy spending a different Valentine's Day by referring to other countries' cultures. QuizGenerator, which we used to create our Valentine's Day quiz, allows you to create your own original quiz for free and without registration, and you can also share it on SNS and websites. We hope you enjoy creating your own original quiz! We also recommend this one! QuizGenerator Back to Table of Contents

The cooler days have made it easier to spend time in the city, and it has completely turned into autumn. There are many ways to enjoy autumn, such as enjoying the arts, engaging in sports, and reading books, but the most exciting autumn event in recent years is probably Halloween. Halloween has become a well established event in Japan, and events are held here and there in autumn. Because of this image, many people may think that Halloween is just a festival where people dress up in costumes and have fun. However, it was originally a traditional event with a long history to celebrate the harvest. In this issue, we will introduce the origin, history, and hidden anecdotes of Halloween. We've also created a quiz about Halloween, so give it a try! Table of Contents 01What is Halloween? When is Halloween? Origins of Halloween The Beginning of Halloween in Japan At Disney Halloween Why do we dress up as 02? 03The meaning of Trick or Treat 04Halloween is Pumpkin Anecdotes about Jack-o'-lanterns 05Halloween Miscellaneous Quiz 06Summary What is Halloween? Halloween is a traditional event that has been celebrated for over 2000 years. It was a religious event to celebrate the fall harvest and to drive out evil spirits. Halloween was originally called "All Hallows Eve" because it was a festival held on the eve of All Hallow's Day (All Saints' Day), which was designated by Christianity on November 1. It is said that the name "Halloween" was derived from this. When is Halloween? Halloween is an event that takes place on October 31. It was originally a Celtic festival called "Sawin" from Ireland. Since the Celtic calendar changed to November 1, they held a harvest festival on October 31, the turn of the year, to celebrate harvest and fertility. Origins of Halloween The Celts believed that on October 31, the end of the year, a doorway to the afterlife opens. It was a day to celebrate harvest and fertility, as well as the return of the souls of the dead to their families. In Japan, it is a combination of "Omisoka," "Autumn Festival," and "Obon! Later in history, the Celtic culture came to the Americas with immigrants and came to be enjoyed as a highly entertaining event. In modern times, the religious flavor has faded and it is now enjoyed as an entertaining event. The Beginning of Halloween in Japan In Japan, "Kiddy Land" is said to be the pioneer of Halloween. In 1983, Kiddy Land held a Halloween parade in Omotesando, Harajuku, to promote sales of its products, but the number of participants was small and not many Japanese attended. [Reference] https://www.value-press.com/pressrelease/30185 At Disney Halloween It is said that Halloween gained recognition when Tokyo Disneyland held the Halloween-themed "Disney Halloween" in 1997. Nowadays, Halloween has become well established in Japan, with Halloween events held throughout the country in the fall. Back to Table of Contents Why do we dress up? As mentioned above, Halloween was originally a day for the souls of the dead to return, but it was also believed that demons, witches, and evil spirits would also come to this world to bring misfortune along with the souls of the dead. People would dress up in the same clothes and make-up as the demons and witches to make them feel like they were friends and to protect themselves. This custom led to the culture of dressing up for Halloween. In Japan, many people enjoy dressing up as witches, vampires, black cats, and other standard costumes, as well as anime and manga characters and celebrities. Back to Table of Contents Meaning of Trick or Treat On Halloween, after sunset, children in costumes visit their neighbors' houses saying "Trick or Treat! and visit houses in the neighborhood. When the children say "Trick or Treat," the adults usually reply "Happy Halloween! Trick or Treat" means, in Japanese, "Give me candy, or I'll make you do it! Trick" means "trick or treat" in Japanese. Trick" means "trick" or "trick" and "treat" means "treat" or "entertain. The custom of going from house to house to receive candy is said to have existed in the Celtic tradition since ancient times, and gradually spread and took root throughout the United States. Today, Halloween has become a central event for American children. Back to Table of Contents Halloween is all about pumpkins When you think of Halloween, you probably have a strong image of pumpkins hollowed out into scary faces. It is said that decorating a room with pumpkins with scary faces serves to ward off evil spirits by scaring them away from the afterlife. Originally, however, "turnips" were used. When Halloween was introduced to the U.S., pumpkins, which were harvested in large quantities in the U.S., were used as a substitute for the unfamiliar turnip. In Japan, where Halloween was introduced from the U.S., its influence is strong, and the image of Halloween = pumpkin has taken root. In Ireland, the home of Halloween, turnips are still used instead of pumpkins. Anecdotes about Jack-O-Lanterns In fact, the pumpkin hollowed out into a scary face is named "Jack O'Lantern. It comes from an anecdote in Ireland. There was a man named Jack who was always misbehaving. On Halloween, Jack almost lost his life to a demon he met by chance, but the demon deceived him and made him promise never to take his soul again. Jack's life is about to expire, and he hopes to go to heaven after his death, but he is unable to do so because of his misdeeds during his life. He has no choice but to try to go to hell, but the devil refuses to take him there, saying, "I promised I would not take your soul, so I cannot take you to hell. Jack was so distressed that he decided to go back the way he came, but it was dark and windy that night, so he begged the devil for a light. The Devil gave him a small hellfire, which he shared with Jack. Jack, not wanting the devil's flame to be extinguished by the wind, hollows out a turnip that was lying nearby and uses it as a lantern. Jack, now unable to go to heaven or hell, continues to wander forever in the dark with the turnip lantern in his hand. Back to Table of Contents Halloween Miscellaneous Quiz Halloween is not only about jack-o'-lanterns, but also about many other related monsters and characters. We have created a quiz with miscellaneous trivia about these Halloween-related characters! There will be a total of 5 questions in the quiz. Please take the challenge! Back to Table of Contents Conclusion In this issue, we introduced Halloween. Halloween has become a familiar annual autumn event, but you may be surprised to know that it also has a bit of scary background, such as the anecdote about the jack-o'-lantern. Halloween in Japan is strongly influenced by the U.S., and not much is known about its original origin. By learning about the historical background, I think you can enjoy Halloween more deeply. QuizGenerator," which we used to create our Halloween trivia quiz, allows users to create their own original quizzes and share them on SNS and websites for free, with no registration required. We hope you will enjoy creating your own original quizzes too! We also recommend this one! Also read Back to Table of Contents

When it comes to summer fruits, watermelons are the most popular! What kind of image do you have of watermelon as a summer staple? Many of you may be thinking, "Watermelon has almost no nutritional value." Many of you may be thinking, "Watermelon has almost no nutritional value. However, watermelon actually contains many nutrients that lead to beauty. In this issue, we will introduce the nutritional content of watermelon, which is full of charm and sweetness. We have also prepared a quiz about watermelon, so please try it out! Table of Contents 01Is watermelon a vegetable? A fruit? 02Is there any nutrition in watermelon? What nutrients does it contain? Lycopene Beta-carotene Citrulline 03Eat watermelon and lose weight! Watermelon as a regular snack Keeps you fuller than snacks Be careful not to overeat 04Take the watermelon miscellaneous quiz! 05Summary Is watermelon a vegetable? A fruit? According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, watermelon is classified as a "fruity vegetable," and besides watermelon, strawberries and melons are also treated as the same species. According to the definition of plants and cultivation methods, watermelon is a "vegetable," but it is often treated as a fruit in household surveys conducted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and in supermarkets. Reference] Please tell us how vegetables are classified. ｜Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Back to Table of Contents Watermelon has no nutrients? What nutrients does it contain? Watermelon, or "watermelon" in English, has a water content of about 901 tp3 t in its flesh. You may think, "If it is mostly water, isn't there much nutrition in watermelon? However, watermelon actually contains various nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Here are three nutrients that are particularly effective for beauty. Reference] Large watermelon (watermelon) Lycopene Lycopene is a nutrient that is good for beauty as it suppresses melanin, which causes skin blemishes and dullness. When one thinks of foods that contain a lot of lycopene, tomatoes probably come to mind. In fact, watermelon contains more lycopene than tomatoes. Lycopene has a very strong antioxidant effect and works to remove active oxygen in the body. Reactive oxygen species are substances that are necessary for maintaining health, such as fighting viruses that invade the body. However, when there is an excessive increase in reactive oxygen species, the body becomes oxidized, causing a variety of skin problems. The main causes of increased reactive enzymes include smoking, stress, food additives in processed foods, and ultraviolet rays. In order to suppress body oxidation, actively consume nutrients with antioxidant properties to maintain beautiful skin. Reference] Lycopene | Ingredient Information | Wakasa no Himitsu Beta-carotene Watermelon also contains β-carotene in an amount comparable to that of green and yellow vegetables such as spinach, pumpkin and carrot. When β-carotene is ingested, part of it is converted into vitamin A (retinol) in the body, which helps maintain normal skin and mucous membranes, and is a reassuring nutrient that helps prevent rough skin. The β-carotene that is not converted into vitamin A, like lycopene, has antioxidant properties and helps maintain beautiful skin. Reference] Research Material No. 9 Current Status of Functional Research on Vegetables and Future Research Issues | National Institute of Agro-Environmental Sciences (NIEA) Citrulline The scientific name for watermelon is "Citrullus vulgaris," and as the name suggests, it contains a large amount of a nutrient called "citrulline. Citrulline is also known as a super amino acid, and it helps alleviate skin damage caused by ultraviolet rays. When human skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays, collagen is excessively broken down, causing damage to the skin. By taking citrulline, the degradation of collagen is suppressed and skin elasticity is maintained. In addition to skin elasticity, citrulline also helps to reduce the formation of dark spots and dark spots by expelling accumulated melanin pigment! Furthermore, citrulline is a natural moisturizing factor, which helps retain moisture in the skin. It also has the effect of widening blood vessels and improving blood flow, which will help reduce swelling. Incidentally, the white part of watermelon rind contains about twice as much citrulline as the flesh, so it is a great waste to throw it away without eating it! It is recommended to eat the white part of the rind cooked in pickles or pickled vegetables. Reference] What is citrulline? | Kyowa Hakko Bio's Health Ingredients Laboratory Back to Table of Contents Eating Watermelon and Losing Weight! Watermelon is a great food for weight loss. If you are on a diet, please try to include watermelon in your daily diet. Watermelon as a regular snack For those who usually snack, we recommend eating watermelon instead of sweet snacks. According to the Japanese Food Standard Composition by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, watermelon has about 37 kcal per 100 g, which is lower in calories than bananas and other fruits. Food Name Energy (kcal / 100 g) Watermelon (red flesh) 37 Banana 93 Kiwi (green meat) 51 Tangerine 49 Replacing your usual snacks with watermelon instead of high-calorie, fatty and sugary sweets will reduce calories without reducing the amount you eat. Source: Standard Tables of Food Composition in Japan 2020 (8th revision)｜ Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Keeps you fuller longer than snacks According to an article published in the scientific journal Nutrients in 2019, eating watermelon instead of snacks keeps you feeling fuller and suppresses your appetite, leading to weight loss. A sustained feeling of fullness reduces the stress of dieting due to food restrictions, and since watermelon is more nutritious than snacks, watermelon is a recommended food for a healthy diet. Be careful not to overeat. Eating too much watermelon can lead to excessive water intake. Too much water intake can dilute stomach acid and cause indigestion or diarrhea. Also, because of the high water content, overeating can cool the body more than necessary. According to the Dietary Balance Guide by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the appropriate daily intake of watermelon is about 200 g (about one slice of watermelon), so be careful not to overeat. Reference】 Dietary Balance Guide (Niigata Regional Version)｜ Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Back to Table of Contents Take the Watermelon Miscellaneous Quiz! We have introduced the various nutrients contained in watermelon, and have prepared a quiz to review what we have learned so far. There will be a total of 5 questions. Please take the challenge! Take the quiz Back to Table of Contents Conclusion In this issue, we have mainly introduced the nutrients in watermelon that are linked to beauty. Watermelon is truly a beauty essence to eat, and its high water content makes it an ideal food for combating heat stroke and summer fatigue. It is rich in minerals, and when eaten with a small amount of salt, it has the same effect as a sports drink! Eat watermelon to get through the hot summer months. Our "QuizGenerator" allows you to create your own original quizzes and share them on SNS and websites without registration and free of charge. We hope you will try making your own original quizzes! We also recommend this site! Also read Back to Table of Contents

Seeking challengers! Take the Aomori Apple Quiz - Even Farmers Get It Wrong! This is Kidaoka from the Marketing Department. There are only a few more days left in this year. I would like to thank everyone for their support in 2021 through blog posts. In this article, I, a native of Aomori Prefecture [Apple Kingdom], have created a "Super Muzu Ringo Quiz" with full of excitement! This quiz is at such a level that even apple farmers will fail if they are not careful. The quiz is free for kids and adults alike, and you can take it as many times as you want! Please try it out to test your skills. We look forward to seeing you again in this issue. Click here for the Table of Contents 1. Quiz on "Basic Knowledge" of Apples 2. Quiz on apple nutrition and taste 3. Quiz on "appearance and varieties" of apples 4. How to make your own quiz with QuizGenerator 5. Summary Quiz on "Basic Knowledge" of apples Difficulty level 🍎: The quiz will consist of "multiple choice" questions. Answer Time】：The time limit is 180 seconds! The quiz will be forced to end when the time is up. Number of questions】：There will be 10 random questions each time, and the choices will be shuffled automatically. Passing Score】：A score of 70 or higher is required. Take the quiz 1) Apple trivia: "60% of all apples in Japan are grown in Aomori." Aomori Prefecture is currently Japan's largest apple kingdom, accounting for approximately 60% of the nation's apple production. It is said that eating apples can be expected to have beauty effects such as "beautiful skin, whitening, and a small face. Apples are rich in vitamins such as vitamin B6, vitamin E, and vitamin C. They also contain organic acids such as citric acid and malic acid, and are very rich in dietary fiber, which is often lacking in our daily diet. Quiz on "Nutrition and Taste" of Apples Difficulty level 🍎: The quiz is based on "correct/incorrect" questions. Answer Time】：The time limit is 180 seconds! The quiz will be forced to end when the time is up. Number of questions】：There will be 10 random questions each time, and the choices will be shuffled automatically. Passing Score】：80 points or more Challenge Quiz 2) Apple trivia: "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." Compared to other fruits, apples contain more "dietary fiber, potassium, organic acids, and vitamin C," which help improve health. In particular, the fiber contained in abundance between the skin and fruit of apples and one of its components, pectin, have a regulating effect on diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain, as well as reducing abnormal cholesterol levels. Apples are so rich in nutrients that the whole family, from weaning babies to the elderly, should enjoy them every day. For this reason, apples have long been known as a familiar fruit, so much so that they are said to have no need for a doctor. Quiz about "appearance and varieties" of apples Difficulty level 🍎🍎🍎🍎: The quiz will consist of "Picture Choice" questions. Answer Time】：The time limit is 180 seconds! The quiz will be forced to end when the time is up. Number of questions】：There will be 10 random questions each time, and the choices will be shuffled automatically. Passing Score】：90 points or more Challenge Quiz 3) Apple trivia: "Apple varieties are full of relatives" There are many varieties of apples in terms of taste, size, color, shape, etc. Worldwide, there are about 15,000 varieties or more. In Japan, more than 1,000 varieties have been introduced so far, and only 20 of them match Japan's climate, climate, and consumer preferences. Full-scale apple cultivation in Japan was introduced from the United States and France by the government in the early Meiji period and distributed throughout the country. Later, they were established in climatically suitable areas such as Hokkaido, Tohoku region, and Nagano, and came to form the current production areas. The apple harvest period is from August to November, and apples are classified into "very early," "early," "medium," and "late. How to create your own quiz with QuizGenerator QuizGenerator is a web service that allows anyone to create quizzes easily. The questions you create can be published on the web for free, or embedded in blogs and websites. You can create quizzes for free with a PC and an Internet environment. With QuizGenerator, you can easily create original quizzes by simply typing questions and answers in the specified format. All quiz creation and settings can be done on the web from your PC. About how to make a quiz If you are a first time user, we recommend you to use the question creation form. If you are a first time user, we recommend the question creation form. If you have a large number of quizzes and want to create them quickly, we recommend the text form. If you want to make a batch quiz in a familiar file, we recommend you to make it in Excel. QuizGenerator allows you to create quizzes in any of the above three ways, depending on your level and ease of use. For detailed information on how to create a quiz, please check [How to Create a Quiz] here. It is introduced in detail with images. Conclusion In this article, I have introduced the "Super Muzu Ringo Quiz," which I, a native of Aomori Prefecture [Apple Kingdom], have created with full enthusiasm. QuizGenerator is a free and easy way to create original quizzes. If you want to put a quiz on your website or your own blog! Why not take this opportunity to create your own quiz? Thank you very much for your patience with this paper. ▼ We also recommend this one! Also read: "Web Service to Create Original Questions for Free" (Japanese)