The robotic pet, such as Sony's Aibo, has become a popular form of entertainment and companionship for people who cannot keep real pets.
The Showa period, which lasted from 1926 to 1989, was marked by Japan's militarism and involvement in World War II.
The oil crisis of the 1970s had a major impact on Japan's economy, leading to increased focus on energy conservation and alternative sources of energy.
