Astro Boy, created by Osamu Tezuka in 1963, is considered the first modern anime and helped to popularize the genre both in Japan and around the world.

The Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 and subsequent tsunami devastated Japan's northeast coast and caused the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

The Gion district in Kyoto is famous for its traditional geisha culture and is a popular destination for tourists who want to experience traditional Japanese hospitality.