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

Japanese cuisine is a reflection of the country's geography, climate, and culture, and is influenced by a variety of factors including Buddhist dietary restrictions, seasonal availability of ingredients, and regional traditions

The Shinto religion, which emphasizes the worship of nature and ancestors, is indigenous to Japan and is still practiced by many people today.