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

The Honda Civic, first introduced in 1972, is one of the most popular and enduring Japanese cars of all time, with over 18 million units sold worldwide.

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