How about miso soup. It's starts with a broth made from kombu and bonito flakes (although you can use Hon Dashi instead). You could talk about how MSG is derived from seaweed and how this broth is a basic in many Japanese recipes. You could also introduce a discussion about miso itself and it's different varieties.

OK 11:52. You win. But I don't think that will go over with the kiddies.

Anonymous wrote:PPs stop the petty bickering.

OP, these look easy to make:
http://www.justhungry.com/2007/01/onigiri_omusubi_revisited_an_e.html

You are right, it is petty and as the person casting aspersions on the teriyaki ramen dish, I apologize. I guess it is a lifetime of having people lump all Asian things together (comments like "China, Japan, it's all the same") with no attempt to educate themselves about the world beyond them. Food is so fundamental to culture; I believe it sticks with people longer than language or even religion or other traditions, so it bothers me on some very basic level to see things like "Japanese Chow Mein" or whatever. If you are Italian, you would not want someone to bring a can of Chef Boyardee Spagetti-O's to represent your country, would you?

But I'm sorry for starting a food fight.

Op here. Did not mean to start an argument. Yes, this is for a cultural fair at school. Unfortunately, I think someone is already bringing edamame. I will look into the vegetable sushi. Thanks so much for all of your help.

PPs stop the petty bickering.

OP, these look easy to make:
http://www.justhungry.com/2007/01/onigiri_omusubi_revisited_an_e.html

How about making plain white mochi and use red and blue food coloring to make it pink for Girls Day and blue for the upcoming Boys Day?

I think the edamame was a great suggestion and the thread went offtrack after that.

Of course ramen is Japanese. It's the dousing it in teriyaki sauce that is disturbing. There is a dish called yakisoba that may be what the poster is referring to.

I assume the Japanese food requirement is for some sort of cultural event so being remotely accurate is important.

And yes, Japanese-style curry rice is sold all over Japan and is a mainstay of Japanese home cooking.

Seeing as how I was born and raised in Japan and have a Japanese mother and grew up eating Japanese food, I think I have my facts straight.