Kitakyushu is a major industrial city in southwestern Japan, located on the island of Kyushu, and is known for its steel and automotive industries.

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