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

The robotic pet, such as Sony's Aibo, has become a popular form of entertainment and companionship for people who cannot keep real pets.

The Hells of Beppu in Beppu, a city on the island of Kyushu, are a series of hot springs that are too hot for bathing, but are a unique and interesting sight to see.