Japan's recorded history dates back to the 5th century AD, when the first known emperor, Emperor Jimmu, ascended to the throne.

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 hybrid car, first introduced by Toyota in 1997, uses both gasoline and electric power to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.