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.

Japanese automakers have been leaders in developing electric and hybrid vehicles, with Toyota's Prius being one of the most successful examples.

The bullet train (Shinkansen), which began operation in 1964, was the first high-speed train system in the world and is still one of the fastest.