Cherry blossoms, or sakura, are a national symbol of Japan and are celebrated each spring with picnics and festivals.
Japan has more than 5 million vending machines, including ones that sell bananas, underwear, and even canned bread.
The Taisho period, which lasted from 1912 to 1926, was marked by political instability and social change, including the rise of labor unions and women's rights movements.
