The Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century saw the overthrow of the Tokugawa shogunate and the modernization of Japan.

The Japanese government has implemented various policies and incentives to promote the development and adoption of eco-friendly vehicles, such as tax breaks and subsidies.

The Hakone Ekiden, a long-distance relay race held annually between Tokyo and Hakone, is one of the most prestigious races in Japanese college athletics.