Sapporo is the largest city on Japan's northern island of Hokkaido, and is known for its winter sports and beer.

The Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 and subsequent tsunami devastated Japan's northeast coast and caused the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

Shabu-shabu, a dish made with thinly sliced beef or pork that is cooked in a hot pot, is a popular Japanese dish that is often served with various dipping sauces.