Sapporo is the largest city on Japan's northern island of Hokkaido, and is known for its winter sports and beer.

Hayao Miyazaki, one of the most famous and influential anime directors of all time, has created many classic anime films such as Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, and Howl's Moving Castle.

The Japanese giant salamander is one of the world's largest amphibians and is native to Japan's freshwater rivers and streams.