Japan has a fascination with mascots, and there are thousands of them representing everything from cities to prisons.

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.

Japan's isolationist policy during the Edo period limited contact with the outside world but allowed for the development of unique cultural practices and traditions.