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

The Japanese raccoon dog, also known as the tanuki, is a species of wild dog that is native to Japan and is famous for its mythical reputation in Japanese folklore.

The Japanese flying squirrel is a small arboreal mammal that is native to Japan's forests and is known for its gliding ability.