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

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

The instant noodle, invented by Momofuku Ando in 1958, has become a staple food item in many countries around the world.