Naruto, created by Masashi Kishimoto in 1999, is a popular manga and anime series that follows the adventures of a young ninja as he strives to become the strongest ninja in his village.

Japan has hosted several major international sporting events, including the 1964 Summer Olympics and the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

The Hakone Ekiden, a long-distance relay race held annually between Tokyo and Hakone, is one of the most prestigious races in Japanese college athletics.