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 serow is a goat-antelope native to Japan's mountainous regions, and is considered a national treasure in Japan.

Basketball is growing in popularity in Japan, with several professional teams and the national team competing at the highest level.