Akira, directed by Katsuhiro Otomo in 1988, is a classic anime film that helped to popularize the cyberpunk genre of science fiction.

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

Japan's surrender in World War II was announced on August 15, 1945, and marked the end of the war in the Pacific.