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

The Tokyo Marathon, first held in 2007, has become one of the most popular marathons in the world, with over 30,000 runners participating each year.

Cherry blossoms, or sakura, are a national symbol of Japan and are celebrated each spring with picnics and festivals.