The upsurge in popularity of sushi and noodle bars over the past few years has put Japanese food firmly on the world culinary map. Now people want to be able to prepare this exquisite food at home. In this groundbreaking book, Kimiko Barber shows you how. She presents 100 essential ingredients, from the familiar soba noodles and nori, to the more unusual such as umeboshi (pickled plum). Each ingredient has its own entry that covers history, appearance, taste, manufacture, buying, storing, culinary use and health benefits. Completing the book are delicious, elegantly illustrated recipes.