The Heian period, which lasted from the 8th to the 12th century, was a time of great cultural and artistic achievement in Japan.

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

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.