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Chūgoku region Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The Chūgoku Region of Japan: A Comprehensive Overview

Cheat Sheet:
The Chūgoku Region of Japan: A Comprehensive Overview Study Guide

General Geography and Demographics

The Chūgoku region is located on Japan's smallest island, Honshū.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Chūgoku region is located on Honshū, which is identified as Japan's largest island, not its smallest.

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The Chūgoku region is composed of six prefectures, including Hiroshima and Okayama.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Chūgoku region is comprised of five prefectures, not six. These are Hiroshima, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori, and Yamaguchi.

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With a total area of approximately 31,922 square kilometers, the Chūgoku region is one of Japan's most expansive regions.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Chūgoku region has a total area of 31,922.26 square kilometers, making it a significant geographical entity within Japan.

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The population of the Chūgoku region was recorded as over 8 million people in the 2020 census.

Answer: False

Explanation: According to the October 1, 2020 census, the Chūgoku region's population was 7,328,339 people, which is less than 8 million.

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The Chūgoku region's population density is approximately 230 people per square kilometer.

Answer: True

Explanation: The population density of the Chūgoku region is stated as 229.5683 people per square kilometer, which rounds to approximately 230.

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The total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the Chūgoku region is US$282 billion, which is equivalent to JP¥30.745 trillion.

Answer: True

Explanation: The total GDP of the Chūgoku region is indeed US$282 billion, which corresponds to JP¥30.745 trillion.

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The Chūgoku region observes the UTC+8 time zone, also known as Japan Standard Time (JST).

Answer: False

Explanation: The Chūgoku region observes the UTC+9 time zone, which is Japan Standard Time (JST), not UTC+8.

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The Chūgoku region is characterized by extensive flat plains and is not divided by significant mountain ranges.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Chūgoku region is characterized by irregular rolling hills and limited plain areas, and it is distinctly divided by a central mountain range running east to west.

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The Chūgoku region borders the Japanese regions of Kyūshū, Shikoku, and Kansai.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Chūgoku region shares its borders with the Japanese regions of Kyūshū, Shikoku, and Kansai.

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Which of the following is the westernmost region of Honshū, Japan's largest island?

Answer: Chūgoku region

Explanation: The Chūgoku region is identified as the westernmost region of Honshū, Japan's largest island.

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What is the total land area of the Chūgoku region in square kilometers?

Answer: 31,922.26 square kilometers

Explanation: The total land area of the Chūgoku region is precisely 31,922.26 square kilometers.

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As of October 1, 2020, what was the total population of the Chūgoku region?

Answer: 7,328,339 people

Explanation: The total population of the Chūgoku region as of October 1, 2020, was 7,328,339 people.

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What is the population density of the Chūgoku region in people per square mile?

Answer: 594.5792

Explanation: The population density of the Chūgoku region is 594.5792 people per square mile.

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The total GDP of the Chūgoku region is US$282 billion. What is its equivalent in Japanese Yen?

Answer: JP¥30.745 trillion

Explanation: The total GDP of the Chūgoku region, which is US$282 billion, is equivalent to JP¥30.745 trillion.

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Which time zone is observed by the Chūgoku region?

Answer: UTC+9

Explanation: The Chūgoku region observes the UTC+9 time zone, also known as Japan Standard Time (JST).

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Which of the following best describes the general geographical characteristics of the Chūgoku region?

Answer: Irregular rolling hills, limited plain areas, and divided by east-west mountains.

Explanation: The Chūgoku region is characterized by irregular rolling hills, limited plain areas, and is distinctly divided by mountains running east and west through its center.

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Which of these regions does NOT border the Chūgoku region?

Answer: Hokkaidō

Explanation: The Chūgoku region borders Kyūshū, Shikoku, and Kansai, but not Hokkaidō.

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Which of the following prefectures is NOT one of the five prefectures included in the Chūgoku region?

Answer: Kagawa

Explanation: The five prefectures of the Chūgoku region are Hiroshima, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori, and Yamaguchi. Kagawa is not among them.

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Etymology and Nomenclature

The alternative name for the Chūgoku region is the San'in-San'yō region, primarily used to distinguish it from the country China in modern contexts.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Chūgoku region is indeed also known as the San'in-San'yō region, a name used in modern contexts, particularly tourism, to avoid confusion with the country China.

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The name Chūgoku literally translates to 'far country,' reflecting its historical distance from the capital.

Answer: False

Explanation: The name Chūgoku literally means 'middle country,' not 'far country.' 'Far country' was historically known as *ongoku*.

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Historically, Japanese provinces were classified into near, middle, and far countries based on their distance from the administrative center in Kansai.

Answer: True

Explanation: Japanese provinces, or *koku*, were indeed historically categorized as near countries (*kingoku*), middle countries (*chūgoku*), and far countries (*ongoku*), based on their distance from the Kansai administrative center.

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One theory for the name Chūgoku suggests it referred to all middle countries located both east and west of the capital in Kansai.

Answer: False

Explanation: One theory suggests Chūgoku referred to middle countries west of Kansai, but it explicitly notes limitations because the term did not apply to middle countries east of Kansai.

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An alternative explanation for the origin of the name Chūgoku is that it referred to provinces situated along a historically significant route between Kansai and Kyūshū.

Answer: True

Explanation: An alternative theory for the name Chūgoku proposes it referred to provinces located along the historically important route connecting Kansai and Kyūshū.

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The historical scope of Chūgoku was broader than its modern definition, encompassing 16 provinces, some of which are now considered part of Kansai.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historically, Chūgoku included 16 provinces of San'indō and San'yōdō, a broader scope than its modern definition, which excludes some eastern provinces now associated with Kansai.

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The Japanese term *Chūgoku* (中 国) is exclusively used for the Chūgoku region and never for the country China.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Japanese characters 中 国 and the reading 'Chūgoku' are also used to refer to the country China, leading to potential confusion.

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Before World War II, the term *shina* was commonly used in Japanese to refer to China to prevent confusion with the Chūgoku region.

Answer: True

Explanation: Before World War II, the term *shina* was indeed commonly used in Japanese to refer to China, specifically to avoid confusion with the Chūgoku region.

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The term *shina* was abandoned after World War II because it was deemed too difficult to pronounce.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term *shina* was abandoned after World War II because it became an offensive word due to its extensive use during the Sino-Japanese War, not because of pronunciation difficulty.

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In modern-day Okayama Prefecture, Bitchū Province was historically classified as a near country.

Answer: False

Explanation: Within modern-day Okayama Prefecture, Bitchū Province was historically classified as a 'middle country,' while Mimasaka and Bizen Provinces were 'near countries.'

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The accented pronunciation [t͡ɕúːɡokɯ] is used for the Chūgoku region and China, while the unaccented pronunciation [t͡ɕuːɡokɯ] is for a historical type of Japanese province.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source material explicitly distinguishes between the accented pronunciation for the modern Chūgoku region and China, and the unaccented pronunciation for a historical type of Japanese province.

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What does the name Chūgoku literally mean?

Answer: Middle Country

Explanation: The name Chūgoku literally translates to 'middle country.'

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How were historical Japanese provinces classified in relation to the administrative center in Kansai?

Answer: Near, middle, and far countries

Explanation: Historically, Japanese provinces were classified as near countries (*kingoku*), middle countries (*chūgoku*), and far countries (*ongoku*) based on their distance from the Kansai administrative center.

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What was the common term for China in Japanese before the end of the Second World War to prevent confusion with the Chūgoku region?

Answer: Shina

Explanation: Before the end of World War II, the term *shina* was commonly used in Japanese to refer to China, specifically to avoid confusion with the Chūgoku region.

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Why was the term *shina* abandoned after World War II?

Answer: It became an offensive word due to its use during the Sino-Japanese War.

Explanation: The term *shina* was abandoned after World War II because it acquired offensive connotations due to its extensive use during the Sino-Japanese War.

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The unaccented pronunciation [t͡ɕuːɡokɯ] of Chūgoku refers to what?

Answer: A historical type of Japanese province

Explanation: The unaccented pronunciation of Chūgoku, [t͡ɕuːɡokɯ], specifically refers to a historical type of Japanese province.

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Which historical province within modern-day Okayama Prefecture was classified as a 'middle country'?

Answer: Bitchū Province

Explanation: Within modern-day Okayama Prefecture, Bitchū Province was historically classified as a 'middle country,' while Mimasaka and Bizen were 'near countries.'

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What is the Japanese term for 'near countries' in the historical classification of provinces?

Answer: Kingoku

Explanation: In the historical classification of Japanese provinces, 'near countries' were referred to as *kingoku*.

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An alternative explanation for the origin of the name Chūgoku proposes it referred to provinces situated between which two regions?

Answer: Kansai and Kyūshū

Explanation: An alternative theory suggests that Chūgoku referred to provinces located along a historically significant route between Kansai and Kyūshū.

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Sub-regions: San'in and San'yō

The San'in region is the southern part of Chūgoku, facing the Seto Inland Sea, and is known for its heavy industry.

Answer: False

Explanation: The San'in region is the northern part of Chūgoku, facing the Sea of Japan, and is primarily agricultural, while the San'yō region is the southern part, facing the Seto Inland Sea, and is known for heavy industry.

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The San'yō region is characterized by a concentration of heavy industry, while the San'in region is primarily agricultural.

Answer: True

Explanation: The San'yō region is indeed noted for its heavy industry, contrasting with the San'in region's predominantly agricultural economy.

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The naming scheme for the San'in and San'yō regions is based on a yin and yang concept, where 'yin' refers to the northern side and 'yang' to the southern side.

Answer: True

Explanation: The names San'in and San'yō are derived from a yin and yang-based system, where 'yin' signifies the northern, shaded side, and 'yang' denotes the southern, sunny side of a region or mountain.

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Overfishing and pollution have contributed to reduced productivity in the fishing grounds of the Seto Inland Sea.

Answer: True

Explanation: The fishing grounds of the Seto Inland Sea have indeed experienced reduced productivity due to the combined effects of overfishing and pollution.

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Which part of Chūgoku is the southern region, facing the Seto Inland Sea, and characterized by heavy industry?

Answer: The San'yō region

Explanation: The San'yō region is the southern part of Chūgoku, faces the Seto Inland Sea, and is known for its concentration of heavy industry.

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What are the primary environmental challenges that have reduced productivity in the fishing grounds of the Seto Inland Sea?

Answer: Overfishing and pollution

Explanation: The primary environmental challenges that have led to reduced productivity in the Seto Inland Sea's fishing grounds are overfishing and pollution.

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Which of the following prefectures is part of the San'in region?

Answer: Shimane

Explanation: Shimane Prefecture is located in the northern part of Chūgoku, facing the Sea of Japan, and is thus part of the San'in region.

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Urban Centers and Population Dynamics

Hiroshima, the capital of the Chūgoku region, was rebuilt after being destroyed by a tsunami in 1945.

Answer: False

Explanation: Hiroshima was destroyed by an atomic bomb in 1945, not a tsunami, and subsequently rebuilt into an industrial metropolis.

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The combined population of Hiroshima and Okayama metropolitan areas was approximately 2.8 million in 2020.

Answer: True

Explanation: As of 2020, the combined population of the Hiroshima and Okayama metropolitan areas was 2.808 million, which is approximately 2.8 million.

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The Chūgoku region has experienced a steady population increase since 1992.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Chūgoku region has, in fact, experienced a steady population decline since 1992, with some prefectures showing declines even earlier.

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The Chūgoku region reached its peak population of approximately 7.8 million people in 1991.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Chūgoku region's population peaked in 1991, reaching approximately 7.8 million individuals.

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Between 1940 and 1950, the Chūgoku region's population increased by 18.9%.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Chūgoku region experienced an 18.9% population increase between 1940 and 1950, rising from 5,718,000 to 6,797,000 people.

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The population of the Chūgoku region in 2010 was 7,328,339 people.

Answer: False

Explanation: The population of the Chūgoku region in 2010 was 7,563,428 people. The figure 7,328,339 refers to the 2020 population.

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Hiroshima and Okayama are the only two designated cities within the Chūgoku region.

Answer: True

Explanation: Hiroshima and Okayama are indeed the only two cities within the Chūgoku region that are designated cities.

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Kurashiki, Fukuyama, and Shimonoseki are classified as core cities in the Chūgoku region.

Answer: True

Explanation: Kurashiki, Fukuyama, and Shimonoseki are explicitly listed among the core cities in the Chūgoku region.

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The Chūgoku region's population declined by 3.1% between 2010 and 2020.

Answer: True

Explanation: Between 2010 and 2020, the Chūgoku region experienced a population decline of 3.1%.

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Yamaguchi City has a population of 200,000, making it one of the core cities in the Chūgoku region.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Yamaguchi City has a population of 200,000, it is listed as a 'major city' but not explicitly classified as a 'core city' in the provided list of core cities, which includes Tottori with the same population.

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The Chūgoku region is predominantly urban, with most of its population concentrated outside the Hiroshima and Okayama metropolitan areas.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Chūgoku region is predominantly rural and sparsely populated outside of the major metropolitan areas of Hiroshima and Okayama.

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The Chūgoku region's population in 1920 was less than 5 million people.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1920, the population of the Chūgoku region was 4,971,000 people, which is less than 5 million.

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What is the significance of Hiroshima within the Chūgoku region's history?

Answer: It was destroyed by an atomic bomb in 1945 and rebuilt as an industrial metropolis.

Explanation: Hiroshima holds historical significance as it was destroyed by an atomic bomb in 1945 and subsequently rebuilt into a major industrial metropolis.

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What was the approximate peak population of the Chūgoku region?

Answer: 7.8 million people in 1991

Explanation: The Chūgoku region reached its peak population of approximately 7.8 million people in 1991.

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Which two cities form the largest metropolitan areas in the Chūgoku region, with a combined population of 2.808 million as of 2020?

Answer: Hiroshima and Okayama

Explanation: Hiroshima and Okayama constitute the two largest metropolitan areas in the Chūgoku region, with a combined population of 2.808 million as of 2020.

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What is the overall population trend observed in the Chūgoku region since 1992?

Answer: A steady decline

Explanation: The Chūgoku region has experienced a steady population decline since 1992.

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What was the population of the Chūgoku region in 1920?

Answer: 4,971,000 people

Explanation: In 1920, the population of the Chūgoku region was 4,971,000 people.

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Between 1940 and 1950, the Chūgoku region experienced a population increase of what percentage?

Answer: 18.9%

Explanation: Between 1940 and 1950, the Chūgoku region's population increased by 18.9%.

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Which city in the Chūgoku region is designated with a population of 1,200,000?

Answer: Hiroshima

Explanation: Hiroshima is a designated city in the Chūgoku region with a population of 1,200,000.

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Which of the following is a core city in the Chūgoku region with a population of 460,000?

Answer: Fukuyama

Explanation: Fukuyama is listed as a core city in the Chūgoku region with a population of 460,000.

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What was the population of the Chūgoku region in 2010?

Answer: 7,563,428 people

Explanation: In 2010, the population of the Chūgoku region was recorded as 7,563,428 people.

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What was the percentage decline in population for the Chūgoku region between 2010 and 2020?

Answer: 3.1%

Explanation: Between 2010 and 2020, the Chūgoku region experienced a population decline of 3.1%.

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What is the population of Okayama City, one of the designated cities in the Chūgoku region?

Answer: 720,000

Explanation: Okayama City is a designated city in the Chūgoku region with a population of 720,000.

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Tourism, Transportation, and Cultural References

Miyajima is a notable sightseeing location found in Okayama Prefecture.

Answer: False

Explanation: Miyajima is listed as a notable sightseeing location in Hiroshima Prefecture, not Okayama Prefecture.

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Iwami Ginzan is a highlighted sightseeing spot in Shimane Prefecture.

Answer: True

Explanation: Iwami Ginzan is indeed highlighted as a sightseeing spot in Shimane Prefecture.

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The largest airport serving the Chūgoku region is Okayama Airport.

Answer: False

Explanation: The largest airport serving the Chūgoku region is Hiroshima Airport, not Okayama Airport.

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In Lian Hearn's *Tales of the Otori* trilogy, the Chūgoku region is referred to as the 'land of martial arts.'

Answer: False

Explanation: In Lian Hearn's *Tales of the Otori* trilogy, the Chūgoku region is translated as the 'Middle Country,' while 'the land of martial arts' is a reference from *B. Ichi*.

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Miyajima is a notable sightseeing location in which prefecture?

Answer: Hiroshima Prefecture

Explanation: Miyajima is identified as a notable sightseeing location within Hiroshima Prefecture.

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Which of the following is a recommended sightseeing location in Tottori Prefecture?

Answer: Misasa

Explanation: Misasa is listed as a recommended sightseeing location in Tottori Prefecture.

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What is the largest airport serving the Chūgoku region?

Answer: Hiroshima Airport

Explanation: Hiroshima Airport is identified as the largest airport serving the Chūgoku region.

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In Lian Hearn's *Tales of the Otori* trilogy, the Chūgoku region is translated as what?

Answer: The Middle Country

Explanation: In Lian Hearn's *Tales of the Otori* trilogy, the Chūgoku region is translated as 'the Middle Country.'

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Which sightseeing area is listed for Yamaguchi Prefecture?

Answer: Akiyoshidai

Explanation: Akiyoshidai is listed as a sightseeing area within Yamaguchi Prefecture.

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Which of the following is a smaller airport found throughout the Chūgoku region?

Answer: Yonago Kitaro Airport

Explanation: Yonago Kitaro Airport is listed among the smaller regional airports located across the Chūgoku region.

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In the fictional work *B. Ichi*, the Chūgoku region is referred to as what?

Answer: The Land of Martial Arts

Explanation: In the fictional work *B. Ichi*, the Chūgoku region is referred to as 'the land of martial arts.'

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Which of the following is a popular sightseeing destination in Shimane Prefecture?

Answer: Tsuwano

Explanation: Tsuwano is listed as a highlighted sightseeing spot in Shimane Prefecture.

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