The 1995 Tokyo subway sarin gas attack by the Aum Shinrikyo cult shocked Japan and led to increased scrutiny of religious groups.

Naruto, created by Masashi Kishimoto in 1999, is a popular manga and anime series that follows the adventures of a young ninja as he strives to become the strongest ninja in his village.

Tennis is also popular in Japan, with several Japanese players competing at the highest level of the sport, including Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori.