Japan invaded Manchuria in 1931, which marked the beginning of its aggressive expansion in Asia prior to World War II.

Astro Boy, created by Osamu Tezuka in 1963, is considered the first modern anime and helped to popularize the genre both in Japan and around the world.

Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, created by Hirohiko Araki in 1987, is a popular manga and anime series that follows the adventures of a family of warriors who possess supernatural powers.