The Showa period, which lasted from 1926 to 1989, was marked by Japan's militarism and involvement in World War II.

The instant noodle, invented by Momofuku Ando in 1958, has become a staple food item in many countries around the world.

The Tokyo Marathon, first held in 2007, has become one of the most popular marathons in the world, with over 30,000 runners participating each year.