Discuss key influences on Japanese cuisine.

Japanese cuisine is greatly influenced by the seasons in nature. It is an important
determinant as to what foods are served, and when. The greatest example of that is
the kaiseki, a very artistic and advanced multi-course meal. The ocean is a truly
important influence from nature. The existence of dishes like sushi and sashimi are
proof of that.
The origins of Japanese cuisine from its early influences from China are important.
This would include the use of rice, chopsticks, and soybeans, and all of its
fermented products.
Part of the greatness of Japanese cuisine is ironically due to its isolation and lack
of access. The Japanese have had to be a very resilient people, using whatever
they found and what foods, cooking techniques, and technologies that were
introduced from outside cultures which came to Japan over the years.
The early influences of Buddhism and Shintoism also had a great impact. The
Japanese became a very thoughtful and reflective people. Their food and cooking
are layered with meaning and ritual which have greatly affected how the modern
Japanese cuisine has developed.