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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Kazu hears the sigh of a sobbing homeless man who is doing what, which Kazu says is unusual for a homeless person?
(a) Crying that he is hungry.
(b) Complaining he cannot get work.
(c) Pleading with a stranger to help him.
(d) Telling his life story.

2. What edible product did some homeless people sell to make enough money to feed themselves?
(a) Blueberries.
(b) Muffins.
(c) Fish.
(d) Ginko nuts.

3. When Kazo reflects on his life in Tokyo, what does he say he was too busy working to do?
(a) Go to the movies.
(b) Watch television.
(c) Eat at nice restaurants.
(d) Worry about his looks or flirt with other women.

4. What does the jogger Kazu sees thank God for in his note at the temple?
(a) He thanks God for his good health.
(b) He thanks God he met his wife.
(c) He thanks God that he finished the marathon.
(d) He thanks God for his father's speedy recovery.

5. How long after Shige invited Kazu to his hut for the first time did Kazu die?
(a) The next day.
(b) Within hours.
(c) 1 year.
(d) 1 month.

6. What does the author intersperse between the dialogue Kazu hears between the two women at the Ueno Royal Art Museum?
(a) A remembered conversation between Kazo and his wife.
(b) A radio announcement about the Imperial family.
(c) Dialogue between two museum guards.
(d) Informational panel about the artwork.

7. What are some other things people ask God for in the notes they leave at the temple?
(a) To have a healthy baby.
(b) To make someone fall in love with them.
(c) To never be homeless.
(d) To win the lottery.

8. How many children does Kazu's daughter Yoko have?
(a) 3.
(b) 5.
(c) 1.
(d) 7.

9. Which of Kazu's family members was the first to die not long after he returned home?
(a) His mother.
(b) His father.
(c) His granddaughter.
(d) His daughter.

10. What did Shige ask Kazu to do with him the next day when they were in Shige's hut?
(a) Go to the library.
(b) Collect cans.
(c) Go out for breakfast.
(d) Go to a bookstore.

11. What was the first sign something is unusual the morning Kazu woke up after the 49th day mourning ceremony?
(a) The house was empty.
(b) He did not smell Setsuko's miso cooking.
(c) He did not hear Setsuko talking on the phone.
(d) It was still dark when he woke.

12. Why did Kazu not want Shige to tell him what he had done to hurt his family?
(a) Kazu did not care about Shige.
(b) Kazu felt he would then have to share his story with Shige.
(c) Kazu was afraid he might have to turn Shige in to the police.
(d) Kazu feared if Shige confessed a crime he will have to kill Kazu.

13. What did Kazu give to the cabaret hostess the last night he saw her?
(a) Perfume.
(b) Money.
(c) White roses.
(d) A box of chocolates.

14. What do some believe happened to the homeless man Kazu recalls hearing tell his life story and sob?
(a) He moved into a homeless shelter.
(b) His wife took him back.
(c) He jump in front of a train.
(d) He was killed by some teenagers.

15. What monument did Shige tell Kazu was initially meant to be placed near the Imperial Palace but was deemed indecent?
(a) The Giant Buddha.
(b) The statue of Saigo Takmori.
(c) The grave of Shogitai.
(d) Statue of Times Forgotten.

Short Answer Questions

1. How much was the homeless man Kazu listens to making in his profession before the bubble burst and his company went under?

2. On days when the homeless were forced to evacuate the park, what does Kazu say those with enough money might do?

3. What did Kazu decide to do at the age of 60?

4. What do the pictures exhibited at the Ueno Royal Art Museum display?

5. What does Kazu worry may have happened the night Setsuko died?

(see the answer keys)

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