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

Skiing and snowboarding are popular winter sports in Japan, with the country hosting several major ski resorts and hosting international competitions.

Studio Ghibli, founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, is one of the most famous anime studios in the world and is known for producing critically acclaimed films such as Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro.