Astro Boy, created by Osamu Tezuka in 1963, is considered the first modern anime and helped to popularize the genre both in Japan and around the world.

Neon Genesis Evangelion, created by Hideaki Anno in 1995, is a popular anime series that explores themes of psychology, philosophy, and spirituality, and has become a cult classic.

The Japanese men's national basketball team has competed in several Olympic Games and has produced several NBA players, including Rui Hachimura and Yuta Watanabe.