The Japanese automotive industry is one of the largest and most advanced in the world, with major players such as Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Mazda.

The Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century saw the overthrow of the Tokugawa shogunate and the modernization of Japan.

Niigata is a city located on Japan's western coast, and is known for its delicious seafood, sake, and snow festivals.