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

The Muromachi period, which lasted from the 14th to the 16th century, was a time of great artistic and cultural achievement, including the development of tea ceremony and the Noh theater.

Japanese automakers have been leaders in developing fuel-efficient and low-emission vehicles, such as hydrogen fuel cell cars and plug-in electric vehicles.