Osaka is Japan's third-largest city and a major commercial and industrial hub, with a population of over 19 million people in the greater Osaka area.

The Japanese automotive industry has been impacted by changing consumer preferences, such as a growing demand for SUVs and crossover vehicles.

The Shiretoko National Park in Hokkaido is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for wildlife watching, with opportunities to see brown bears and rare bird species.