Question 1

The intent of Japan's post-World War II constitution is best described as which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The intent of Japan's post-World War II constitution, also known as the Constitution of Japan or the "Peace Constitution," was to transform Japan into a peaceful and democratic nation by imposing limits on its military and focusing on human rights and individual freedoms. The constitution renounces war and prohibits Japan from maintaining military forces and settling international disputes through the use of force. Overall, the goal was to ensure that Japan would never again become a militaristic society capable of waging aggressive war.

Question 2

A problem facing Japan in the immediate future is which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Japan is currently facing a declining birth rate, which could have significant consequences for the country's economy and social structure in the long run. A declining birth rate means that there are fewer young people to join the workforce and support the aging population, which could lead to a shortage of workers and increase in healthcare costs. Japan's government has implemented policies aimed at increasing the birth rate, but it remains a major challenge for the country.

Question 3

Which Japanese author writes characters that reflect the spiritual anguish of losing Japan's traditions in adopting Western culture?

Accepted Answer

A

Question 4

In the 1990s, how is the Japanese economy best described?

Accepted Answer

The Japanese economy in the 1990s is best described as having declined because of the value of the yen rising, which hurt exports. This led to a period of economic stagnation and deflation known as the "Lost Decade".

Question 5

Who was the leader of the People's Republic of Korea who ruled from the 1950s to the 1990s?

Accepted Answer

Kim Il-sung was the leader of the People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) from its establishment in 1948 until his death in 1994. Syngman Rhee and Park Chung Hee were both leaders of South Korea during this time period.

Question 6

The Republic of China, based on the island of Taiwan, benefited from which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Taiwan was under Japanese rule for fifty years before becoming the Republic of China, and during that time, the Japanese developed a modern economic infrastructure on the island. The Republic of China benefited from this infrastructure and was able to continue developing its economy based on it. The other options, financial aid from mainland China and government-run agricultural plantations, did not occur due to political tensions between the two Chinese governments and the Republic of China's shift towards a market-based economy.

Question 7

One of the differences between the Republic of China (Taiwan)and the People's Republic of China was which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Taiwan actively maintained Chinese traditions and a respect for Confucian values, while the mainland retained Confucius as a suitable paradigm because of its great size and lengthy history. Additionally, Taiwan did establish a family planning program.

Question 8

One of the fastest-growing religious sects in Japan in recent decades is which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Soka Gakkai is a Japanese Buddhist sect that has experienced rapid growth in the last few decades. It is known for its emphasis on the Lotus Sutra and its focus on personal empowerment and social engagement. Yukio Apure and Kokutai are not well-known religious sects in Japan.

Question 9

It is estimated that in the Korean War (1950-1953), how many Koreans died?

Accepted Answer

The Korean War, which lasted from 1950 to 1953, resulted in a devastating loss of life, with estimates suggesting that approximately four million Koreans died, including both civilians and military personnel. This figure encompasses casualties from the North and the South, highlighting the extensive human cost of the conflict.

Question 10

Which traditional religion in Japan is based on the belief in the existence of spirits in nature?

Accepted Answer

Shintoism is the traditional religion of Japan and is based on the belief in the existence of spirits or kami in nature, including mountains, rivers, and trees. It also involves ancestor worship and rituals for purification and protection. Buddhism and Hinduism are not native to Japan and do not specifically focus on the belief in spirits in nature as a central tenet.

Question 11

Who was the Republic of Korea's leader who borrowed the nineteenth-century concept of "rich country and strong state" from Japan?

Accepted Answer

Park Chung Hee was the leader of the Republic of Korea who borrowed the concept of "rich country and strong state" from Japan. He believed that in order for Korea to compete with other developed nations, the government needed to play a major role in guiding the economy and promoting national development. He implemented a series of economic policies that focused on export-oriented industrialization, which led to rapid economic growth and modernization in Korea, earning him the nickname "the father of the Korean economic miracle."

Question 12

What is the status of Japanese women today?

Accepted Answer

Japanese women are more likely to be found in traditional roles, but societal changes are slowly altering this dynamic, with more women entering the workforce and taking on roles outside of traditional expectations. However, progress towards gender equality is gradual.

Question 13

As a result of the Korean War, what percentage of the population became refugees?

Accepted Answer

The Korean War resulted in a large number of refugees, with approximately 25 percent of the population (around 10 million people) being displaced from their homes. This was due to both the military conflict and the ideological divide that characterized the war.

Question 14

All of the following are correct about education in Japan except which?

Accepted Answer

While there are many positive aspects of education in Japan, not all Japanese teachers necessarily respect students as individuals and encourage personal self-discovery. Like in any education system, there may be variations in teaching styles and approaches among individual teachers.

Question 15

Under the leadership of Park Chung Hee, South Korea followed which policy?

Accepted Answer

Under the leadership of Park Chung Hee, South Korea followed a series of five-year plans, which created a strong industrial base. This policy was known as the "Miracle on the Han River" and allowed South Korea to become one of the world's leading economies in a relatively short period of time. Economic laissez-faire and reduction of the size and power of the military were not a part of the policy.

Question 16

Which allied general was responsible for the political and social rehabilitation of Japan after World War II?

Accepted Answer

General Douglas MacArthur was appointed as the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers (SCAP) in Japan after World War II and was responsible for overseeing the country's political and social reform as well as its demilitarization. He implemented many significant reforms, such as introducing a new constitution, promoting democracy and human rights, and supporting economic growth.

Question 17

Japan's economic successes can be explained by all except which of the following factors?

Accepted Answer

Japan's economic success is not attributed to the abandonment of traditional Confucian values for Western individualism. Instead, Japan integrated aspects of Western technology and management with its existing cultural values, including those influenced by Confucianism, to drive its post-war economic recovery and growth.

Question 18

One example of an increase in personal rebellion against the society norm in Japan is which of the following?

Accepted Answer

"Tea hair" is a trend in Japan where young people dye their hair shades of green and brown, inspired by the colors of traditional Japanese tea. This goes against the norm of black or dark brown hair being the standard in Japanese society.

Question 19

The agricultural reform program in Japan had what results?

Accepted Answer

The agricultural reform program in Japan reduced the number of tenant farmers from about 50 percent to 10 percent of the total, indicating a significant success in land distribution and ownership. There is no evidence to suggest that it failed due to opposition by the allied occupation government or collapsed due to agricultural imports from the United States.

Question 20

Why did the South Korean industrial economy prosper from the 1960s through the 1980s?

Accepted Answer

The South Korean industrial economy prospered due to a high rate of savings. South Koreans had a culture of saving, which helped them accumulate capital for investments in industries like steel, shipbuilding, and electronics. This, in turn, led to economic growth through the 1960s to the 1980s. High wages and massive consumer spending were not major factors in South Korea's economic success during this time period.

Quiz 11: Toward the Pacific Century