Japan has a fascination with mascots, and there are thousands of them representing everything from cities to prisons.

The first novel ever written, The Tale of Genji, was written in Japan in the 11th century by a noblewoman named Murasaki Shikibu.

Yakiniku, a dish made with grilled meat and vegetables, is a popular Japanese dish that is often served in restaurants where diners cook the meat themselves at the table.