Judo, a martial art that emphasizes throws and grappling techniques, was developed in Japan in the late 19th century and has become a popular sport around the world.

The 1995 Tokyo subway sarin gas attack by the Aum Shinrikyo cult shocked Japan and led to increased scrutiny of religious groups.

Naruto, created by Masashi Kishimoto in 1999, is a popular manga and anime series that follows the adventures of a young ninja as he strives to become the strongest ninja in his village.