NOVEMBER 2000 QUESTIONS

  • (Ryan)
    What is Japan's average summer temperature?
    Summer in the far north of Japan (Hokkaido) is warm, with an average temperature of about 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit), while in Tokyo summer is hot and humid, with an average temperature of around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). On most summer days in Tokyo, daytime temperatures rise above 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). In the far south (Okinawa), it is even hotter, averaging about 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit). Find out more in our Nature and Climate section.

  • (Tommy)
    Can you tell me something about the ancient sport of "dakyu"?
    The sport of dakyu (Japanese polo) has been played in Japan for at least 1,000 years. Like polo, it is played on horseback. Two teams use sticks with small nets at the end to throw a ball around the field. The aim is to get the ball into the other team's goal (a small hole in a wooden wall). You can see a picture of people playing dakyu here. (There is some Japanese writing at the top of the page. The writing may not show up correctly on English browsers, but the photo is OK.)

  • (Lisa, Australia)
    From what age are people allowed to drive in Japan?
    People can drive from the age of 18. Generally in Japan, though, 20 is the age at which people are considered adults. That is the age when people can vote in elections, smoke cigarettes, and drink alcohol.

  • (Kerry, Canada)
    How many hours a week do middle-school kids spend in school?
    In general, kids have to be at school by 8:45 am. School finishes around 3:15 pm, so they have to be in school for about six and a half hours every day from Monday to Friday. Most schools also have Saturday morning classes. In total, kids spend about 35 hours a week in school. However, most kids also attend after-school clubs, and many also go to juku (cram school) in the evening to do extra studying. Learn more about school life in Japan in our Welcome to Our School section.



    RECENT QUESTIONS JAN | FEB | MAR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG

    2000 QUESTIONS JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | SEP| NOV | DEC |

    1999 QUESTIONS
    JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC |

    1998 QUESTIONS
    SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC