Japan's surrender in World War II was announced on August 15, 1945, and marked the end of the war in the Pacific.

Hayao Miyazaki, one of the most famous and influential anime directors of all time, has created many classic anime films such as Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, and Howl's Moving Castle.

Niigata is a city located on Japan's western coast, and is known for its delicious seafood, sake, and snow festivals.