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 All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, held annually since 1921, is one of the most prestigious high school soccer tournaments in the world.

Japan has a theme park called Huis Ten Bosch that is a replica of a Dutch town, complete with windmills and tulips.