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

Sailor Moon, created by Naoko Takeuchi in 1991, is a popular anime series that follows the adventures of a teenage girl who transforms into a magical warrior to fight evil.

Karashi, a type of spicy mustard, is often served as a condiment with Japanese dishes such as sushi and grilled meat.