Okayama is a city located on Japan's western coast, and is known for its beautiful gardens, temples, and museums.

The Muromachi period, which lasted from the 14th to the 16th century, was a time of great artistic and cultural achievement, including the development of tea ceremony and the Noh theater.

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