Japan's victory over Russia in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905 was the first time an Asian power had defeated a European power in a modern war.

The Japanese river otter, once common throughout Japan, is now extinct due to habitat destruction and hunting.

Mount Fuji, located on Honshu island, is the highest mountain in Japan at 3,776 meters (12,388 feet) and is considered a sacred site.