The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, created by Nagaru Tanigawa in 2003, is a popular light novel series and anime that explores themes of existentialism, time travel, and alternate realities.

The Japanese are known for their love of vending machines, which can be found on nearly every street corner and sell everything from snacks to underwear.

Japan has a fascination with mascots, and there are thousands of them representing everything from cities to prisons.