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.

Japan invaded Manchuria in 1931, which marked the beginning of its aggressive expansion in Asia prior to World War II.

The Heian period, which lasted from the 8th to the 12th century, was a time of great cultural and artistic achievement in Japan.