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.

Japanese food is known for its use of umami, a savory taste that is often described as the fifth taste.

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