The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, created by Nagaru Tanigawa in 2003, is a popular light novel series and anime that explores themes of existentialism, time travel, and alternate realities.
The 1995 Tokyo subway sarin gas attack by the Aum Shinrikyo cult shocked Japan and led to increased scrutiny of religious groups.
One Piece, created by Eiichiro Oda in 1997, is a popular manga and anime series that follows the adventures of a group of pirates as they search for the ultimate treasure.
