Japan+-+FCP-+PD1+-+SP11



**Beliefs/Behaviors**- Japanese culture is centered around great respect for their hosts, elders, and guests, the etiquette that the Japanese practice in eating is very respectful. This is a reflection of their beliefs and behaviors because respect holds a high place in the lives of the Japanese in every situation. In a restaurant, one must say the traditional pre and post meal ritual. The guests say, Itadakimasu! (いただきます！) to let the host know they are humbly ready to receive the food. After the meal is completed, the guest says, Go-chi-so-sama de-shita! (ごちそさまでした. ) This saying is used at the conclusion of the meal to thank the host for the food they have received. Also, the guest removes their shoes and wipes their hands on a provided towel. In more casual situations the guest may also wipe their face on this provided towel. All this is done to show respect to their host.

**Greater Region Comparison**- The surrounding region of East Asia has very similar food to Japan. A lot of Japanese food is agricultural, agricultural foods and seafoods are evident throughout East Asia. Rice and seafood are main items in most every Japanese and East Asian cuisine. Mostly fish, vegetables, and grains are used in the making of Japanese food. This can say a lot about the cultural norms of East Asia. Farming and other agricultural associations are common professions in East Asia, which can explain the use of harvested items in their food.

**Cultural Dishes**-

Sushi- is raw or cooked fish and vegetables wrapped in sushi rice, it is then wrapped in dried or cooked seaweed to create a roll. Then pieces are cut from the roll. Some sushi, such as Oshizushi is pressed, and therefore more of a flat sushi

Tempura- are vegetables or seafood dipped in batter and deep fried. This shows the type of food that is common throughout East Asian cuisine.

Chanko nabe- Is the traditional stew that is the diet of sumo wrestlers in Japan. It includes udon noodles, and many different types of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and cabbage.

Shabushabu- strips of beef are dipped in boiling water, then dipped in sesame sauce. This can also be done to cabbage, mushrooms, and tofu. Other dipping sauces include, but are not limited to citrus juices, soy sauce, or beef broth.

**Why food is important?**- Japanese food is important to this culture because it defines the occupations and heritage of Japan. Most Japanese people are either involved in fishing or agriculture. Food is also somewhat spiritual, as green tea is used at most all occasions for the spiritual and physical cleansing aspects. So food is important in many ways to Japanese culture. It is used for many different reasons and carries Japanese heritage and history with it.

Works Cited " Green Tea Pound Cake | I love all recipes, foods from AllRecipes.com." //I love all recipes, foods from AllRecipes.com//. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 June 2011.

"Culture of Japan, Japanese Culture." //Natural Family Living Activities - St. Patrick's Day Activites//. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 June 2011.

"Japanese Culture - Food & Drink - Popular Japanese Dishes." //Japan-Zone.com - Japan Travel Guide, Japanese Pop Culture, History, Japanese Girls, Japanese Guys//. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 June 2011.

Recipe:
 * 2 large eggs
 * 1 cup flour
 * 2/3 cup sugar
 * 1/2 cup butter
 * 1 Tbsp matcha (green tea powder) <---Instead of using this we used green tea from the tea bags.
 * 1/2 tsp baking powder

Preparation:
<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Cream butter in a bowl. Add sugar in the butter and mix well. Gradually add beaten eggs and stir well. Sift flour, baking powder, and green tea powder together and add the flour to the egg mixture. Pour the batter into a buttered loaf pan. Bake in preheated 340 degrees F oven for about 30-40 minutes.