The two religions have coexisted peacefully since 740 AD when it was said that the sun goddess announced to a monk that both were paths leading to the same end. Confucianism, which also came to Japan from China, has been a significant influence, especially in the respect it requires for the ancestors and the family. When the Shogun decided in the early seventeenth century to close Japan to the outside world, Christianity was forbidden and did not return until the reopening in the mid nineteenth century. FOOD Japanese food relies heavily on simplicity and freshness, with many dishes eaten raw. A variety of different foods, mainly in small portions, are served at a meal with much emphasis placed not only on the appearance of the food but also on the tableware and on general presentation.
Rice is the most important part of a meal.
Miso is soup made from fermented soybeans. Dried pickled apricots are eaten frequently and sweet potatoes are used in making confectionery and cakes. Western fast foods such as burgers and pizza are also popular, especially with young people. Beer is also produced but green tea is usually served with food. Migrations from the mainland continued from around 200 BC to 600 AD, bringing with them Buddhism, Confucianism, metalworking and other technologies.