Basketball is growing in popularity in Japan, with several professional teams and the national team competing at the highest level.

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

Dragon Ball, created by Akira Toriyama in 1984, is one of the most popular and influential anime franchises of all time, and has inspired numerous spin-offs, video games, and merchandise.