The Showa period, which lasted from 1926 to 1989, was marked by Japan's militarism and involvement in World War II.

The earliest known Japanese animation was produced in 1907, and the first feature-length anime film was released in 1945.

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.