The Mongol invasions of Japan in the 13th century were repelled by a combination of strategic planning and a typhoon that destroyed the invading fleet.

The Japanese giant salamander is one of the world's largest amphibians and is native to Japan's freshwater rivers and streams.

Golf is a popular leisure activity in Japan, and the country has produced several successful professional golfers such as Hideki Matsuyama and Ryo Ishikawa.