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

Wasabi, a spicy condiment made from a plant similar to horseradish, is often served with sushi and other Japanese dishes.

Studio Ghibli, founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, is one of the most famous anime studios in the world and is known for producing critically acclaimed films such as Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro.