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

Japan is home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historic monuments of ancient Kyoto and the island of Itsukushima Shrine.

Tennis is also popular in Japan, with several Japanese players competing at the highest level of the sport, including Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori.