Karaoke, a popular form of entertainment in Japan, originated in Kobe in the 1970s.

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, created by Nagaru Tanigawa in 2003, is a popular light novel series and anime that explores themes of existentialism, time travel, and alternate realities.

The Japanese automotive industry has been impacted by natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis, which have disrupted production and supply chains.