The Showa period, which lasted from 1926 to 1989, was marked by Japan's militarism and involvement in World War II.
Tennis is also popular in Japan, with several Japanese players competing at the highest level of the sport, including Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori.
Japan has hosted several major international sporting events, including the 1964 Summer Olympics and the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
