Japanese cuisine is a reflection of the country's geography, climate, and culture, and is influenced by a variety of factors including Buddhist dietary restrictions, seasonal availability of ingredients, and regional traditions

In Japan, there is a tradition of eating soba noodles on New Year's Eve to bring good luck.

Astro Boy, created by Osamu Tezuka in 1963, is considered the first modern anime and helped to popularize the genre both in Japan and around the world.