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

Wasabi, a spicy condiment made from a plant similar to horseradish, is often served with sushi and other Japanese dishes.

Katsuobushi, a type of dried and smoked tuna that is often used to flavor dishes and is a key ingredient in dashi.