Sushi, a dish made with vinegared rice and various fillings such as raw fish or vegetables, is one of the most famous Japanese foods and has become popular around the world.

The 16th century saw the rise of Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu, who were instrumental in unifying Japan under a centralized government.

Cherry blossoms, or sakura, are a national symbol of Japan and are celebrated each spring with picnics and festivals.