The first novel ever written, The Tale of Genji, was written in Japan in the 11th century by a noblewoman named Murasaki Shikibu.

Japan's surrender in World War II was announced on August 15, 1945, and marked the end of the war in the Pacific.

The Showa period, which lasted from 1926 to 1989, was marked by Japan's militarism and involvement in World War II.