[The Sparkle of Youth] Trivia Quiz About the Carpenters

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

When asked which Western music artists are most beloved in Japan, many people would probably name the Carpenters.

The Carpenters—siblings Karen Carpenter, who possessed an overwhelmingly beautiful singing voice, and Richard Carpenter, an outstanding composer, arranger, and pianist—were a legendary group that scored record-breaking hits in the 1970s and left numerous timeless classics in music history.

In this feature, we present fun facts, trivia, and fascinating episodes about the Carpenters in a quiz format!

They’re so famous they appear in textbooks, yet some people may know the songs but not much about the group itself.

If that’s you, be sure to check this out!

[The Sparkle of Youth] Trivia Quiz about the Carpenters (1–10)

What sport did Karen like when she was little?

softball
soccer
Basketball

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softball

They say that in her girlhood, Karen was an active type who loved playing softball and baseball—at least until she encountered the drums in a marching band.

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When is the officially designated “Carpenters Day” in Japan?

April 22
June 18
September 12

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April 22

“Carpenters Day,” which originates from the fact that the Carpenters officially signed a major contract and began performing under the name “Carpenters” on April 22, 1969, is also certified and registered by the Japan Anniversary Association (a general incorporated association).

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What is the Japanese title of Karen’s only solo album?

A Distant Journey
A Distant Dream
A distant first love

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A distant first love

Karen’s only solo album, “Karen Carpenter,” was given the Japanese title “Tooi Hatsukoi” (Distant First Love) for its release in Japan. The album was officially released in 1996, after her death.

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[The Glow of Youth] Trivia Quiz about The Carpenters (11–20)

From which concert(s) was the audio used for the Carpenters’ live album “Live in Japan” recorded?

Tokyo
Nagoya
Osaka

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Osaka

“Live in Japan” is a recording of a live performance held at Osaka Festival Hall in 1974. The album was released only in Japan, reflecting the Carpenters’ popularity there.

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On their debut album “Ticket to Ride,” Karen plays drums on almost every track, but she actually recorded another instrument as well. What instrument was it?

piano
base
Guitar

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base

It's well known that Karen is a drummer, but she actually played bass on their debut album too. I’ve heard that the bass on 'All of My Life' and 'Eve' was recorded by her.

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One of their signature songs, “Sing,” was originally a featured song in a popular TV show. Which show was it?

The Simpsons
Saturday Night Live
Sesame Street

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Sesame Street

The Carpenters’ song “Sing” was originally written for the children’s TV program Sesame Street, and later became widely known when the Carpenters covered it.

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Which of the following Japanese TV dramas used the famous song “Top Of The World” as its theme song?

No Longer Human: For Example, If I Were to Die
minor
high school teacher

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minor

The Carpenters’ “Top of the World” was used as the theme song for the 1995 TV drama “Miseinen” (Minors). Its use in the drama helped introduce the Carpenters’ name to the younger generation at the time.

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