Tofu nuggets make a great appetizer, snack or light meal. Fresh ponzu sauce is much better than bottled and easy to make with ingredients you have in your pantry.

The Japanese love automation and continue to design mochi makers that will produce quality mochi. This one works well but does it do enough?

Japanese medium and short grain rice takes less water than other types of rice, but just how much exactly? The finger method has been used for centuries but does it really render perfect rice?

Another Western or yoshoku dish, this sweet soy sauce hamburger on a bun tastes delicious with or without grilled pineapple. Burgers on buns were new to Japan.

The teriyaki rice bowl is simply teriyaki-flavored meat on top of rice, an American variation of the Japanese donburi dish.

An easy way to entertain Japanese-style is to offer guests a Temaki Sushi Platter. This is a roll-it-yourself sushi party.

Usually eaten for breakfast, this egg-rice dish is fast, easy, inexpensive and delicious. Protein-rich, tamago meshi has many names but no matter what it is called, it is enjoyed by all.

Taiyaki is similar to dorayaki (red bean paste filled pancake pastries) but cooked in a fish-shaped mold. Street vendors do a brisk business selling these popular treats.

Kabocha is a Japanese winter squash prized for its naturally sweet flesh. Nutrient-rich and flavorful, kabocha is prepared in a variety of delicious ways but the simplest and most popular is this recipe for Sweet Kabocha simmered in a light soy-sugar sauce.

Known for politeness, the Japanese seem to have etiquette rules for every aspect of society and that includes dining on sushi.