The Japanese macaque, also known as the snow monkey, is the northernmost-living non-human primate and is famous for its habit of bathing in hot springs during the winter.

Shabu-shabu, a dish made with thinly sliced beef or pork that is cooked in a hot pot, is a popular Japanese dish that is often served with various dipping sauces.

The Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 and subsequent tsunami devastated Japan's northeast coast and caused the Fukushima nuclear disaster.