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When the Portuguese landed on Japanese shores, they were met with curiosity and intrigue. Their presence ushered in an era where foreign goods, ideas, and beliefs began to permeate Japanese society. This influx had a profound impact on the cultural and political landscape of late 16th-century Japan, driven largely by trade and the introduction of Catholicism.
The Influence on Japanese Cuisine
One of the most significant contributions from the Portuguese was in the realm of food. At that time, sugar had limited use in Japan primarily as a medicinal element. The Portuguese introduced culinary practices that expanded the horizons of Japanese gastronomy.