The bullet train (Shinkansen), which began operation in 1964, was the first high-speed train system in the world and is still one of the fastest.

The instant noodle, invented by Momofuku Ando in 1958, has become a staple food item in many countries around the world.

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