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

Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Japan, and the country has a professional baseball league with 12 teams.

Cowboy Bebop, created by Shinichiro Watanabe in 1998, is a popular anime series that blends science fiction, film noir, and jazz music to create a unique and memorable atmosphere.