1. You have a plot of land in Tokyo which is about eight meters by eight meters. You I. Leave it alone; it's too small to bother with.
2. You parked illegally outside the subway station. When you return, you find your vehicle is gone. You
II. Let your kid work on his car in it.
III. Build a three-story building and rent out three "mansions."
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) III only
(d) I and II only
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct I. Pay the equivalent of C$38.97 and get it back.
3. Which of the following are true?
II. Find a friend who can read to find out where it went and how much it will cost.
III. Buy a new bike, since that would be cheaper and easier than all of the fines, etc.
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) III only
(d) II and III only
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct I. The typical hotel room in North America is larger and costs less per day than the typical apartment in Tokyo.
4. You must meet a potential client for dinner in Tokyo. You left your charge cards at home, but notice you have the equivalent of C$300.00 in your pocket. You
II. Saipan, CNMI is closer to Tokyo than it is to Manilla, The Phillippines.
III. Honolulu is closer to San Francisco than to Los Angeles.
IV. The time it takes to fly to New York from Tokyo is about the same as the time it takes to fly from Los Angeles to Tokyo.
(a) all but I
(b) all but II
(c) all but III
(d) all but IV
(e) all I. Cancel the appointment, C$300.00 barely gets you in the door.
5. Which of the following are true about living in Japan?
II. Go to the 24-Hour drive-in bank and cash a check.
III. Use a check at dinner.
IV. Let the client pay.
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) III only
(d) IV only
(e) None I. The smallest paper note in circulation is worth about C$8.50 (･500.)
II. Stores generally will not accept a ･10,000 (C$140) note to pay for a ･200 (C$2.75) item.
III. Most convenience stores have extensive security systems to defend against theft.
IV. The toll for a passenger car to travel from the airport to downtown Tokyo (about 60K) is about C$57.00.
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) III only
(d) IV only
(e) None
Copyright © 2006 Lohmann International Associates All Rights Reserved
6. With regard to pension plans in Japan, which of the following are true? I. An employer may not deduct payments related to a retirement plan unless the plan is part of a Tax Qualified Pension Plan (TQPP.)
7. With regard to living in Japan, which of the following are true
II. A TQPP is the rough equivalent of a Tax-qualified pension trust as used in North America.
III. Lifetime annuity benefits are required in order to qualify a TQPP.
IV. "Offset" plans are common among the larger companies in Japan.
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) III only
(d) IV only
(e) None I. The U.S. dollar is acceptable at most hotels and international stores.
8. With regard to language, which of the following are true?
II. Cab drivers will not make change for large denominated notes.
III. Typically, convenience store operators do not speak English.
(a) I and II only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and III only
(d) III only
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct I. Most Japanese young adults have studied English for six years.
9. With regard to personal "rights," which of the following are true?
II. The Japanese have preserved their culture by prohibiting the use of foreign words in printed Japanese.
III. All business must be conducted in Japanese.
(a) I and II only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and III only
(d) all
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct I. Foreigners are protected by special agreements between countries in criminal matters.
II. The rules about the length of time police may hold an accused before indictment are about the same as in North America.
III. Police in Japan generally do not carry guns.
IV. Japan is a democracy.
(a) all but I
(b) all but II
(c) all but III
(d) all but IV
(e) all
Copyright © 2006 Lohmann International Associates All Rights Reserved
10. With regard to time zones and ignoring the impact of the International Dateline, which of the following are true? I. Japan, like China, has only one time zone.
11. With regard to living in Japan, which of the following are true?
II. Japan is five hours behind Honolulu in the summer time.
III. Japan is ten hours behind Ottawa in the winter time.
(a) I and II only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and III only
(d) all
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct I. McDonald's recently lowered the price of their basic Hamburger C$1.50 to about C$2.65.
12. With regard to living in Japan, which of the following are true?
II. The cheapest "fast" food can be found at traditional noodle shops in Tokyo.
III. An annual subscription to the Asian Wall Street Journal costs more than C$500.00 more in Tokyo than it does in Hong Kong.
(a) I and II only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and III only
(d) None
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct I. Police brutality is seriously investigated when allegations are made.
13. With regard to living in Japan, which of the following are true?
II. Political graft has been eliminated for the most part.
III. Japanese eyes, like Japanese snow, are different than North American eyes.
(a) I and II only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and III only
(d) all
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct I. It is cheaper to send a one-page letter to Tokyo from Ottawa than it is from Tokyo.
14. With regard to living in Japan, which of the following are true?
II. It is cheaper to send a one-page letter to Tokyo from Mexico, NY than it is from Tokyo.
III. Many Japan-based organizations find it cheaper to carry bulk mail intended for Japan to Hong Kong than to mail it from their own offices.
(a) I and II only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and III only
(d) all
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct I. Telephone service is more economical than in North America compared to the cost of living.
15. With regard to living in Japan, which of the following are true?
II. It is cheaper to call Canada and Japan simultaneously from the U.S., than it is to call Canada directly from Japan.
III. A telephone line in Japan must be purchased from the telephone company and costs about C$1,000.00.
(a) I and II only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and III only
(d) all
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct I. Virtually all new construction since the mid-70's is well-insulated.
II. Building codes ensure earthquake safety in all new construction.
III. Central air and heating are common in new construction in Tokyo.
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) III only
(d) all
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct
Copyright © 2006 Lohmann International Associates All Rights Reserved
16. With regard to Japan's geography, with of the following are true? I. There are parts of Japan which are touching North America.
17. With regard to the use of bicycles in Japan, which of the following are true?
II. Tidal waves as high as 30 meters have recently been experienced in Japan.
III. Earthquakes occur almost constantly in Japan.
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) III only
(d) all
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct I. Children under 12 years old are expected to ride on the sidewalk.
18. With regard to living in Japan, which of the following are true?
II. Adults are expected to ride on the street.
III. Both Children and adults must obey traffic control signs (one-way, etc.)
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) III only
(d) None
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct I. Bicycles are permitted to park on the sidewalk, except if specifically restricted.
19. With regard to living in Japan, which of the following are true?
II. Motorcycles under 250 cc are permitted to park on the sidewalk, except if specifically restricted.
III. Motorcycles over 1 liter displacement are prohibited from parking on the sidewalk.
IV. Automobiles are permitted to park on the sidewalk, except if specifically restricted.
(a) all but I
(b) all but II
(c) all but III
(d) all but IV
(e) all I. Japanese normally report their names as last (family), first.
20. With regard to living in Japan, which of the following are true?
II. The salutation "-San" used by Japanese should always be capitalized.
III. The salutation "-Sama," has the rough meaning of "Esquire" and is primarily used with lawyers and certain other professionals.
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) III only
(d) all
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct I. The analogue of a U.S. Bill of Rights restricts newspapers from reporting the presumed guilt of an accused criminal before trial.
II. Juries in Japan usually have at least 5 members.
III. The use of capital and corporal punishment in Japan has had a significant deterrent impact on crime there.
(a) I and II only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and III only
(d) None
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct
Copyright © 2006 Lohmann International Associates All Rights Reserved
21. Regarding longevity in Japan, which of the following are true? I. Healthy lifestyles are the main reason for Japan's excellent reported longevity.
22. Regarding living in Tokyo, which of the following are true?
II. Japan has gone to great lengths to educate its populace about the dangers of smoking.
III. Decaffeinated coffee is popular in the better restaurants.
(a) I and II only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and III only
(d) None
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct I. Trains are extremely punctual.
23. Which countries recognize Canadian driving licenses as sufficient for renting a car and driving on their roads?
II. Most Doctors accept and keep appointments.
III. Trains tend to be crowded only during rush hours.
(a) I and II only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and III only
(d) None
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct I. St. Maarten
24. Which of the following are commonly found in busy streets in Tokyo?
II. Australia
III. Japan
IV. CNMI
(a) all but I
(b) all but II
(c) all but III
(d) all but IV
(e) all I. People
25. Regarding traffic control in Japan, which of the following are true?
II. Traffic signs
III. Bicycles
IV. Telephone poles
(a) all but I
(b) all but II
(c) all but III
(d) all but IV
(e) all I. In Tokyo, Stop-signs say both "STOP" and "ARRET."
II. In Tokyo, Stop-signs say "STOP."
III. In Tokyo, Stop-signs say "ARRET."
(a) I and II only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and III only
(d) all
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct
Copyright © 2006 Lohmann International Associates All Rights Reserved
26. Regarding traffic control in Japan, which of the following are true? I. Automobile traffic drives on the left side of the road.
27. Regarding fads in Japan, which of the following are true?
II. Pedestrian pathways are indicated by a white line painted in the street.
III. Japanese are just as likely to report the green signal light color as "blue" as they are "green."
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) III only
(d) all
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct I. The "peace sign" is very popular
28. Regarding living in Japan, which of the following are true?
II. Fried chicken is a popular Christmas meal
III. There is a drink whose name sounds like "Cow-piss"
(a) I and II only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and III only
(d) all
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct I. Mechanical clocks keep different time depending on whether you are in Eastern or Western Japan
29. Regarding the Japanese Language, which of the following are true?
II. Computers run faster in Western Japan
III. It takes longer to dry your hair with a hair dryer regardless of whether you are in Eastern or Western Japan
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) III only
(d) None
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct I. "Bike" is a generic term for two-wheeled vehicles, motorized and non-motorized.
II. "Gaijin" is the rough equivalent of "Alien" in English
III. "Sekuhara" was adapted from Portuguese and refers to "dry" (as opposed to "brute") Champagne
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) III only
(d) None
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct
Copyright © 2006 Lohmann International Associates All Rights Reserved
30. Regarding Taxes in Japan, which of the following are true? I. National income tax is based on current pay
31. The word "Tobako" in Japanese refers to which of the following?
II. "City" (ku) income tax is based on the prior year's income
III. Health care % of pay premiums are based on the prior year's income
IV. Income tax rates are steeply progressive
(a) All but I
(b) All but II
(c) All but III
(d) All but IV
(e) All I. An important national crop
32. Japanese generally consider which of the following "OK" to put on rice after it has been served?
II. The same thing as the English word "Tobacco"
III. The same thing as the English word "Cigarette"
(a) I and II only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and III only
(d) All
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct I. Soy sauce
33. Bowing is common among Japanese during which of the following activities?
II. Ketchup
III. Nothing
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) III only
(d) All
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct I. Greeting someone for the first time
34. Radon is purposely collected for which of the following purposes?
II. Saying "Good-bye" on the train platform
III. Opening the evening news TV show while sitting
IV. Saying "Hello" on the telephone
(a) All but I
(b) All but II
(c) All but III
(d) All but IV
(e) All I. Reducing opposition to religious ideas
35. Which of the following can be found in what Japanese call a "Konbini"?
II. Improving health
III. Preventing criminals from reproducing
IV. Helping tires maintain elasticity
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) III only
(d) IV only
(e) None I. Harvested rice before storage
II. Factors of a mathematical expression
III. A variety of soft drinks
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) III only
(d) None
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct
Copyright © 2006 Lohmann International Associates All Rights Reserved
36. Which of the following ranges of prices are typical for the rental of a sub-compact car for one day, not including gas? I. Under ･6,500
37. Which of the following are prohibited by the typical housing lease in Tokyo?
II. ･6,500 to ･10,500
III. ･10,500 to ･18,500
IV. Over ･18,500
(a) I and II only
(b) II only
(c) II and III only
(d) III only
(e) III and IV only I. A dog that lives with you
38. With regard to leasing an Apartment in Tokyo, which of the following are true?
II. A cat that lives with you
III. A new lover that lives with you
IV. Shoes on in the living areas
(a) All but I
(b) All but II
(c) All but III
(d) All but IV
(e) All I. Most lessees must have a guarantor
39. With regard to leasing an Apartment in Tokyo, which of the following are true?
II. It is significantly more difficult for a foreigner to lease than a Japanese, regardless of income
III. An apartment costing only $5,000 per month would normally require a payment exceeding $30,000 prior to move-in
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) III only
(d) None
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct I. At the end of the lease, the deposit is generally refunded in full
40. Which of the following are size indicators commonly used in Japan?
II. The commission is normally paid by the lessor
III. Generally, the lessee must return the apartment to the lessor in exactly the same condition in which it was leased
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) III only
(d) None
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct I. "S"
II. "C"
III. "W"
(a) I and II only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and III only
(d) All
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct
Copyright © 2006 Lohmann International Associates All Rights Reserved
41. Which of the following are true about Japanese names? I. Female names usually include the diminutive
42. Which of the following are true about Japanese business cards?
II. Male names usually include numerical references
III. Last names were generally derived from the trades of ancestors
(a) I and II only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and III only
(d) All
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct I. Japanese usually have English on the reverse side
43. Tokyo has proposed charging about$4.00 for garbage collection. Which of the following is the correct unit?
II. Foreigners and visitors are expected to have Japanese on the obverse side
III. Writing personal information on the card of a new acquaintance is generally appreciated
(a) I and II only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and III only
(d) All
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct I. Year
44. Which of the following are both necessary and sufficient to start a business in Japan?
II. Month
III. Week
IV. Day
V. Bag
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) III only
(d) IV only
(e) V only I. Knowledge of Japanese
45. You spend about 1/2 hour per day on the phone with no long distance calls. In which of the following ranges is your monthly bill?
II. Money
III. Proof of a Bachelor's degree
IV. Customers
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) III only
(d) IV only
(e) None I. under $25
II. $25 to $75
III. $75 to $125
IV. over $125
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) III only
(d) IV only
(e) None
Copyright © 2006 Lohmann International Associates All Rights Reserved
Questions 46 through 49 are based on the following scenario.
You have been transferred to Tokyo with a "Full Expat Package" that includes
We will be expanding this exam as time and our knowledge increase. Your comments are welcome and will be appreciated.
46. Regarding your apartment lease, which of the following must agree to lease termination prior to the end of the original contract? I. You
Questions 46 through 49 are based on the following scenario.
II. Your boss
III. Your company
IV. Japanese Ministry of Labour
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) III only
(d) IV only
(e) None
You have been transferred to Tokyo with a "Full Expat Package" that includes
47. Once moved to Tokyo in which of the following areas are you vulnerable to unilateral action by the company? I. Length of contract
Questions 46 through 49 are based on the following scenario.
II. Payment of rent
III. Payment of U.S. taxes
IV. Payment of Japanese taxes
(a) All but I
(b) All but II
(c) All but III
(d) All but IV
(e) All
You have been transferred to Tokyo with a "Full Expat Package" that includes
48. According to COLA subscriber services, about how much should be paid for your rent? I. Under $1,500
Questions 46 through 49 are based on the following scenario.
II. $1,501 to $2,500
III. $2,501 to $3,500
IV. $3,501 to $4,500
V. over $4,500
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) III only
(d) IV only
(e) V only
You have been transferred to Tokyo with a "Full Expat Package" that includes
49. According to COLA subscriber services, about how much should you expect to pay for your home utilities (except telephone) in Tokyo? I. under 5% of the rent
50. Please consider the following two assertions:
II. 5% to 15% of the rent
III. 15% to 25% of the rent
IV. 25% to 35% of the rent
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) III only
(d) IV only
(e) None i) People from Tokyo, like those from Houston, have an annual flower-viewing festival.
ii) Azaleas are a very popular shrub used in both cities.
(a) i is true and ii is true and ii is the reason for i
(b) i is true and ii is true but ii is not the reason for i
(c) only i is true
(d) only ii is true
(e) neither i not ii is true
Copyright © 2006 Lohmann International Associates All Rights Reserved
51. Please consider the following two assertions: i) The Roman character "N" is expressed with the sounds "eh" "nn" in Japanese kana
52. Which of the following would be considered alarming behavior in Japan?
ii) The Japanese kana (both hiragana and katakana) have symbols for the sounds "eh" and "nn"
(a) i is true and ii is true and ii is the reason for i
(b) i is true and ii is true but ii is not the reason for i
(c) only i is true
(d) only ii is true
(e) neither i not ii is true I. Making a noise while eating
53. Concerning the geography of the Pacific, which of the following is true?
II. Blowing one's nose in one's own handkerchief
III. Walking barefoot in the park
(a) I and II only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and III only
(d) All
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct I. If you moved Guam, Auckland and Honolulu perpendicularly to the equator, Honolulu would be closer to Auckland than Guam is Auckland
54. Concerning the geography countries making up the Pacific rim, which of the following is true?
II. Auckland is due south of parts of the North American continent
III. Hong Kong is due south of Tokyo
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) III only
(d) None is true
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct I. The International Date Line is an imaginary straight line drawn from pole to pole
55. Which of the following are true concerning the use of slippers in Japan?
II. Auckland is about as far south as Memphis is North
III. The Great Barrier Reef is technically misnamed
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) III only
(d) All are true
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct I. Even if your feet are cold and no one else is wearing the slippers you saw in the bathroom, leave them there
II. Wear the kitchen slippers only in the kitchen
III. Japanese Inns typically provide slippers for their guests at the front door in boxes sorted by metric size
(a) I & II only
(b) II& III only
(c) I & III only
(d) All are true
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct
Copyright © 2006 Lohmann International Associates All Rights Reserved
56. Please consider the following two assertions: i) Mt. Fuji can be seen easily from Tokyo
57. Stand-up style urinals may be found in which of the following?
ii) Mt. Fuji is Japan's tallest mountain and is about 200 Km away from Tokyo
(a) i is true and ii is true and ii is the reason for i
(b) i is true and ii is true but ii is not the reason for i
(c) only i is true
(d) only ii is true
(e) neither i not ii is true I. Homes
58. Please consider the following two assertions:
II. Places catering to the public
III. Day-time television advertisements
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) III only
(d) All are true
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct i) Drivers typically turn off their headlights when waiting at red signals in Tokyo
59. Which of the following is considered the English name of a building found in downtown Tokyo?
ii) Tokyo has an unenforced light pollution ordinance enacted to permit enjoyment of the night sky
(a) i is true and ii is true and ii is the reason for i
(b) i is true and ii is true but ii is not the reason for i
(c) only i is true
(d) only ii is true
(e) neither i not ii is true I. New Yurakucho
60. Which of the following are phonetic expressions of the Japanese word(s) for the number 8?
II. Shin Yurakucho
III. New Famous Happy Town
(a) I & II only
(b) II & III only
(c) I & III only
(d) None is true
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct I. ya
II. pa
III. ha
IV. ba
(a) All but I
(b) All but II
(c) All but III
(d) All but IV
(e) All
Copyright © 2006 Lohmann International Associates All Rights Reserved
61. Which of the following are popular snacks in Japan? I. Dried beef strips and chunks
62. A 150 yen bag/box of Oreos has about how many cookies in it?
II. Dried squid strips and chunks
III. Radish-flavored chips
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) III only
(d) All are true
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct (a) 10
63. Please consider the following two assertions:
(b) 20
(c) 40
(d) 80
(e) 160 i) High performance cars are quite popular in Tokyo
64. You are going down a one-way street the wrong direction in Tokyo and an on-duty policeman sees you. He will probably stop you if you are driving which of the following vehicles?
ii) Tokyo police generally allow motorists to drive as fast as they can on city streets
(a) i is true and ii is true and ii is the reason for i
(b) i is true and ii is true but ii is not the reason for i
(c) only i is true
(d) only ii is true
(e) neither i not ii is true I. A bicycle
65. Which of the following are necessary when visiting your branch office in Japan?
II. A motorbike
III. A car
(a) I & II only
(b) II & III only
(c) I & III only
(d) All are true
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct I. Bilingual business cards with Japanese on the front
II. Your drivers' license
III. A travelers' Japanese phrase book
(a) I & II only
(b) II & III only
(c) I & III only
(d) All are true
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct
Copyright © 2006 Lohmann International Associates All Rights Reserved
66. Which of the following are "Breakfast Only" items at McDonald's? I. Frank Burger (a hot dog).
67. Each of the following consists of two words or phrases separated by a slash. Which ones do Japanese pronounce the two words exactly the same?
II. Sausage McMuffin.
III. Egg McMuffin.
IV. Sausage Egg McMuffin.
(a) all but I
(b) all but II
(c) all but III
(d) all but IV
(e) all I. Grove/Globe.
II. Tokyu Hands/Tokyo Hands.
III. Tokyo/Tokio.
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) III only
(d) None
(e) None of (a) thru (d) is correct
Copyright © 2006 Lohmann International Associates All Rights Reserved
Long-answer Questions (note: If you actually prepare answers to the following, please feel free to E-mail them to us. We will send you a critique of your answers.)
1. In Japan, it looks like most of the bicycles are "girls' bikes." Compare and contrast the cultural differences between Japan and North America, using bikes as the focus of your discussion.
2. What are the reasons for transferring an employee at a private company's convenience to a foreign location? Evaluate each one for business necessity.
3. Why should an employee transferred at company convenience receive a better benefit package than one who transfers for his/her own convenience?
4. Compare the cost-of-living supports for U.S. military and embassy personnel stationed in Japan and those typically provided American employees transferred at their companies' convenience. Discuss the reasons for each support item.
5. Several international employee benefit consulting firms have suggested that American companies can improve Japanese operations by cutting back on perquisites provided to employees transferred at the company's convenience. Which international employee benefit consulting firms are these and what are their arguments.
Copyright © 2006 Lohmann International Associates All Rights Reserved
6. Many expatriates find themselves lost in Japan when confronted with ethical issues there (here, whatever!) Explain why. Include an explanation of the difference between ethics and morality and give a short summary of morality. Extra credit for discussing the reasons that morality and ethics are so closely bound in the west.
7. Despite the usual Internet service contract not having a usage time limit, few people in Tokyo stay connected to their service provider all day. Explain why.
8. You are in a small ramen shop when you notice a man come up tothe door and touch it near where a handle should be. Explain.
9. Thanksgiving weekend, there was hardly anyone shopping and prices were typically terrible. January 2, you could hardly get through the subway station there were so many lines formed an hour before the stores opened. Later, despite what looked like the usual ridiculous prices, people were carrying what looked to be the very same shopping bags around. Explain.