Kumamoto is a city located on the island of Kyushu, and is known for its historic castle and beautiful gardens.

During the Edo period, which lasted from the 17th to the mid-19th century, Japan was ruled by the Tokugawa shogunate and experienced a period of peace and stability.

The oil crisis of the 1970s had a major impact on Japan's economy, leading to increased focus on energy conservation and alternative sources of energy.