Kashi pan or “菓子パン” is a word that means “snack bread” in Japanese.

In case you have not noticed, karaage (Japanese-style fried food) is big in this country, especially chicken karaage.

If you live on Okinawa, you might have heard about Goya, a local cucumber-like vegetable also known as bitter melon.

Although the temperature stays relatively warm throughout the year, winter in Okinawa can be a little too chilly for beachgoers.

It’s not too much a stretch to say Goya is the staple of Okinawa.

One of the great joys of living in Japan is experiencing the wide range of traditional Japanese pickles, or tsukemono, that are served with every meal.

The French have their wine, you can’t get more American than beer and everybody knows Japan is all about the sake, right?

In Japan, before you eat a meal, you say “itadakimasu” to express appreciation for those who cooked the food.

Growing up, I often helped my mother in the kitchen and shaved dried bonito fish, or katsuobushi, while she prepared dinner.

Foods like omurice, ton katsu and naporitan spaghetti are items you’ve likely seen on a menu if you’ve ever visited a casual dining restaurant in Japan.