Japan's victory over Russia in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905 was the first time an Asian power had defeated a European power in a modern war.

The Hakone Ekiden, a long-distance relay race held annually between Tokyo and Hakone, is one of the most prestigious races in Japanese college athletics.

Wagyu beef, a type of high-quality beef that is known for its marbling and tenderness, is a popular ingredient in Japanese cuisine.