{Inter} Cultural Japan

There is perhaps no country so fond of tests and exams as Japan. After passing through the “examination hell” of high school, you would think most Japanese would be fed up. But on the contrary, people go on taking exams just for the fun of it!

The example I want to talk about is the “Kyoto Tourist and Culture Certification Test,” which was introduced in 2004 for the purpose of certifying knowledge about Kyoto’s history and culture (to generate more interest in the historical city).

This test, organized by the Kyoto Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has become extremely popular among Kyoto residents as well as fans of the old capital around the country. People who pass the exams (held in Japanese) receive a certificate and may call themselves “Kyoto Experts.”

The test has now been conducted two times, in 2004 and 2005; the third test will be held on December 10 this year (unfortunately, written applications for the test were only accepted until November 8, so you will have to wait until next year… just like me!).

The second test attracted 14,000 applicants. While the first test was only for the third and second grades (a basic and more specialized level), the 2005 test added a senior grade with advanced scholarly content. For attending the test, a small fee has to be paid in advance. It is allowed to sit for the third and second degrees at the same time, but the first degree test is only open to those who have passed the second degree.

In contrast to the lower levels, the top grade is not a multiple choice test, but students have to remember all those difficult kanji of names of historical persons, locations, and events! In 2004, the level 3 test was passed by more than 40% of participants, and the level 2 test by almost 30%.

This test is now so popular that the official text book has become a major bestseller in Kyoto bookshops. Besides that, whole stacks of books have appeared to help people test their Kyoto knowledge with questions and quizzes. Last year, even a coaching class was held in advance in Tokyo. Japan Travel Bureau has set up special tours to teach would-be experts about out-of-the-way temples.

In short, the Kyoto Kentei is fast becoming a business all of its own, and it goes without saying that in the meantime tourism in Kyoto is booming (67 million visitors in 2003).

[The first book shown here is the official text book. The second one gives questions and answers of the exam as drills. The third book contains lessons, also for practising]