Japan's victory over Russia in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905 was the first time an Asian power had defeated a European power in a modern war.

Neon Genesis Evangelion, created by Hideaki Anno in 1995, is a popular anime series that explores themes of psychology, philosophy, and spirituality, and has become a cult classic.

The Japanese men's national basketball team has competed in several Olympic Games and has produced several NBA players, including Rui Hachimura and Yuta Watanabe.