The instant noodle, invented by Momofuku Ando in 1958, has become a staple food item in many countries around the world.

Japanese automakers are known for their innovative and efficient manufacturing processes, including the "lean production" system pioneered by Toyota.

Astro Boy, created by Osamu Tezuka in 1963, is considered the first modern anime and helped to popularize the genre both in Japan and around the world.