Kitakyushu is a major industrial city in southwestern Japan, located on the island of Kyushu, and is known for its steel and automotive industries.

Japan has a highly developed public transportation system, including bullet trains (Shinkansen) that can travel up to 320 km/h (200 mph).

The Mongol invasions of Japan in the 13th century were repelled by a combination of strategic planning and a typhoon that destroyed the invading fleet.