The instant noodle, invented by Momofuku Ando in 1958, has become a staple food item in many countries around the world.

The Japanese men's national basketball team has competed in several Olympic Games and has produced several NBA players, including Rui Hachimura and Yuta Watanabe.

The Showa period, which lasted from 1926 to 1989, was marked by Japan's militarism and involvement in World War II.