Japan invaded Manchuria in 1931, which marked the beginning of its aggressive expansion in Asia prior to World War II.

The Japanese women's national soccer team, also known as the Nadeshiko Japan, won the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2011 and has been a dominant force in women's soccer.

Sendai is the largest city in Japan's Tohoku region, located in northeastern Japan, and is known for its cultural festivals and cuisine.