The Japanese crested ibis, also known as the "toki," is a critically endangered bird that is native to Japan and is considered a symbol of good luck.

The Japanese men's national basketball team has competed in several Olympic Games and has produced several NBA players, including Rui Hachimura and Yuta Watanabe.

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