Japan has hosted several major international sporting events, including the 1964 Summer Olympics and the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

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