The first novel ever written, The Tale of Genji, was written in Japan in the 11th century by a noblewoman named Murasaki Shikibu.

The electric guitar, invented by Fujigen Gakki in the 1950s, has become a staple instrument in popular music worldwide.

Japan has more than 5 million vending machines, including ones that sell bananas, underwear, and even canned bread.