Japanese cuisine

One course of a multi course Kaiseki meal, showing a careful arrangement of the foods

There are many views of what is fundamental to Japanese cuisine. Many think of sushi or the elegant stylized formal kaiseki meals that originated as part of the Japanese tea ceremony. Many Japanese think of the everyday food of the Japanese people--especially that existing before the end of the Meiji Era (1868 - 1912) or before World War II.

Food individual to the country

Barrels of sake, a traditional Japanese alcoholic drink

Traditional Japanese cuisine is dominated by white rice (hakumai, 白米), and few meals would be complete without it. Anything else served during a meal--fish, meat, vegetables, tsukemono (pickles)--is considered a side dish, known as okazu.

Traditional Japanese meals are named by the number of side dishes that accompany the rice and soup that are nearly always served. The simplest Japanese meal, for example, consists of ichijū-issai (一汁一菜; "one soup, one side" or "one dish meal"). This means soup, rice, and one accompanying side dish--usually a pickled vegetable like daikon. A traditional Japanese breakfast, for example, usually consists of miso soup, rice, and a pickled vegetable. The most common meal, however, is called ichijū-sansai (一汁三菜; "one soup, three sides"), or soup, rice, and three side dishes, each employing a different cooking technique. The three side dishes are usually raw fish (sashimi), a grilled dish, and a simmered (sometimes called boiled in translations from Japanese) dish -- although steamed, deep fried, vinegared, or dressed dishes may replace the grilled or simmered dishes. Ichijū-sansai often finishes with pickles such as umeboshi and green tea.

This Japanese view of a meal is reflected in the organization of traditional Japanese cookbooks. Chapters are organized according to cooking techniques: fried foods, steamed foods, and grilled foods, for example, and not according to particular ingredients (e.g., chicken or beef) as are western cookbooks. There may also be chapters devoted to soups, sushi, rice, noodles, and sweets.

Since Japan is an island nation, its people consume much seafood including fish, shellfish, octopus, squid, crabs, lobsters, shrimp and seaweed. Although not known as a meat eating country, very few Japanese consider themselves vegetarians. Beef and chicken are commonly eaten and have become part of everyday cuisine.

Noodles, originating from China, have become an essential part of Japanese cuisine. There are two traditional types of noodle, soba and udon. Made from buckwheat flour, soba (蕎麦) is a thin, brown noodle. Made from wheat flour, udon (うどん) is a thick, white noodle. Both are generally served in a soy-flavored fish broth with various vegetables. A more recent import from China, dating to the early 19th century, is ramen (ラーメン; Chinese wheat noodles), which has become extremely popular. Ramen is served in a variety of soup stocks ranging from soy sauce/fish stock to butter/pork stock.

Although most Japanese eschew eating insects, there are a couple of exceptions. In some regions, grasshoppers (inago) and bee larvae (hachinoko) are not uncommon dishes. Salamander is eaten as well in places.

Traditional Japanese table settings

The traditional Japanese table setting has varied considerably over the centuries, depending primarily on the type of table common during a given era. Before the 19th century, small individual box tables (hakozen, 箱膳) or flat floor trays were set before each diner. Larger low tables (chabudai, ちゃぶ台) that accommodated entire families were becoming popular by the beginning of the 20th century, but these gave way to western style dining tables and chairs by the end of the 20th century.

Traditional table settings are based on the ichijū-sansai formula. Typically, five separate bowls and plates are set before the diner. Nearest the diner are the rice bowl on the left and the soup bowl on the right. Behind these are three flat plates to hold the three side dishes, one to far back left (on which might be served a simmered dish), one at far back right (on which might be served a grilled dish), and one in the center of the tray (on which might be served boiled greens). Pickled vegetables are often served as well, and eaten at the end of the meal, but are not counted as part of three side dishes.

Chopsticks are generally placed at the very front of the tray near the diner with pointed ends facing left and supported by a chopstick holder, or hashioki (箸置き).

Dishes for special occasions

In Japanese tradition some dishes are strongly tied to a festival or event. Major such combinations include:

  • Osechi - New Year.
  • Chirashizushi, clear soup of crumbs and amazake - Hinamatsuri.
  • botamochi (sticky rice dumpling with sweet azuki paste) - Spring equinox.
  • Chimaki (steamed sweet rice cake) - Tango no Sekku and Gion Festival.
  • Hamo (a kind of fish) and somen - Gion Festival.
  • Sekihan, cooked rice with adzuki - celebration in general.
  • Soba - New Year's Eve. This is called toshi koshi soba (年越しそば) (literally "year crossing soba").

In some regions every 1st and 15th day of the month people eat a mixture of rice and adzuki (azuki meshi).

Japanese ingredients

  • Rice
    • Short or medium grain white rice
    • Mochi rice (glutinous rice)
  • Vegetables:
    • nira (Chinese chives),
    • spinach,
    • cucumber,
    • eggplant,
    • gobo (burdock),
    • daikon,
    • sweet potato,
    • renkon (lotus root),
    • takenoko (bamboo shoots),
    • negi (Welsh onion),
    • fuki (butterbur),
    • moyashi (mung or soybean sprouts)
    • Sansai (wild vegetables)
    • Konnyaku (shirataki)
  • Mushrooms:
    • shiitake,
    • matsutake,
    • enokitake,
    • nameko,
    • shimeji.
  • Tsukemono (pickled vegetables)
  • seaweed:
    • nori,
    • konbu,
    • wakame,
    • hijiki,
    • others; see Category:Sea vegetables
  • Processed seafood:
    • chikuwa,
    • niboshi,
    • dried cuttlefish,
    • kamaboko,
    • Satsuma-age.
  • Noodles (udon, soba, somen, ramen)
  • Eggs (chicken, quail)
  • Meats (pork, beef, chicken, horse), sometimes as minchi (minced meat)
  • Beans (soy, adzuki)
  • Bean products:
    • Edamame,
    • Miso,
    • Soy sauce (light, dark, tamari),
    • Tofu (tofu, agedōfu),
    • Yuba
  • Fruits:
    • persimmon,
    • chestnut,
    • nashi pear,
    • loquat
  • Citrus fruits:
    • daidai,
    • iyokan,
    • kabosu,
    • kumquat,
    • mikan,
    • natsumikan (amanatsu),
    • sudachi,
    • yuzu.
  • Katakuri flour, kudzu flour, rice powder, soba flour, wheat flour
  • Fu (wheat gluten)

See also Category:Japanese ingredients.

Japanese flavorings

It is not generally thought possible to make authentic Japanese food without shō-yu (soy sauce), miso and dashi.

  • Shō-yu (Soy sauce), dashi, mirin, sugar, rice vinegar, miso, sake.
  • Kombu, katsuobushi, niboshi.
  • Negi (welsh onion), onions, garlic, nira (garlic chives), rakkyo (a type of scallion)
  • Sesame seeds, sesame oil, sesame salt (gomashio), furikake, walnuts or peanuts to dress.
  • Wasabi (and imitation wasabi from horseradish), mustard, red pepper, ginger, shiso (or beefsteak) leaves, sansho, citrus peel, and honeywort (called mitsuba).

Famous Japanese foods and dishes

Deep-Fried dishes (Agemono)

  • Korokke (croquette) - breaded and deep-fried balls of mashed potato with creamy vegetable, seafood, or meat-flavored fillings.
  • Kushiage - meat deep fried on a skewer.
  • Tempura - battered and deep-fried vegetables, seafood, and meat.
  • Tonkatsu - deep-fried breaded cutlet of pork (chicken versions called chicken katsu).

Donburi

A one-bowl dish of hot steamed rice with various savory toppings

  • Katsudon - deep-fried breaded cutlet of pork (tonkatsudon), chicken (chicken katsudon) or fish (e.g., magurodon)
  • Oyakodon - (Parent and Child) Usually chicken and egg but sometimes salmon and salmon roe
  • Gyūdon - seasoned beef
  • Tempuradon - battered, deep fried bite-sized foods

Grilled and pan-fried dishes (Yakimono)

  • Gyoza - Chinese dumplings (potstickers), usually filled with pork and vegetables
  • Hamachi Kama - grilled yellow tail tuna jaw and cheek bone
  • Kushiyaki - meat and vegetable kebabs
  • Okonomiyaki - pan-fried batter cakes with various savory toppings (see also Okonomiyaki restaurants)
  • Omu-Raisu - i.e. "omelette rice", a fried ketchup-flavored rice sandwiched with a thinly spread beaten egg or covered with a plain egg omelette
  • Omu-Soba - an omelette with yakisoba as its filling
  • Takoyaki - a spherical, fried dumpling of batter with a piece of octopus inside
  • Teriyaki - grilled, broiled, or pan-fried meat, fish, chicken or vegetables glazed with a sweetened soy sauce
  • Unagi, including kabayaki - grilled and flavored eel
  • Yakisoba - Japanese style fried noodles
  • Yakitori - chicken kebabs

Nabemono (one pot cooking)

  • Sukiyaki - mixture of noodles, thinly sliced beef, egg and vegetables boiled in a special sauce made of fish broth, soy sauce, sugar and sake
  • Shabu-shabu - noodles, vegetables and shrimp or thinly sliced beef boiled in a thin stock and dipped in a soy or sesame sauce before eating
  • Motsunabe - cow intestine, hakusai (bok choi) and various vegetables are cooked in a light soup base
  • Kimuchinabe - similar to motsunabe, except with a kimuchi base and using thinly sliced pork. Kimchi is a traditional Korean dish, but it has also become very popular in Japan, particularly in the southern island of Kyushu, which is situated closest to South Korea
  • Oden
  • Nikujaga, a Japanese version of beef stew.

Noodles (men-rui)

Noodles often take the place of rice in a meal. However, the Japanese appetite for rice is so strong that many restaurants even serve ramen-rice combination sets.

  • Soba - thin brown buckwheat noodles served chilled with various toppings or in hot broth
  • Ramen - thin light yellow noodle served in hot broth with various toppings; of Chinese origin, it is a popular and common item in Japan
  • Udon - thick wheat noodle served with various toppings or in a hot shoyu and dashi broth
  • Champon - yellow noodles of medium thickness served with a great variety of seafood and vegetable toppings in a hot broth which originated in Nagasaki as a cheap food for students
  • Somen
  • Okinawa soba - a wheat-flour noodle often served with sōki, steamed pork

Other

  • Agedashi tofu - cubes of deep-fried silken tofu served in hot broth
  • Bento or Obento - combination meal served in a wooden box
  • Hiyayakko - cold tofu dish
  • Osechi - traditional food eaten at the New Year
  • Natto - fermented soybeans, stringy like melted cheese, infamous amongst non-Japanese for its strong smell and slippery texture. Often eaten for breakfast. Typically popular in Kanto and less so in Kansai
  • Shiokara - salty fermented viscera
  • Chawan mushi - meat (seafood and/or chicken) and vegetables boiled in egg custard

Rice (gohanmono)

  • Mochi - soft rice cake
  • Ochazuke - green tea poured over white rice, often flavored
  • Onigiri - Japanese rice balls
  • Sekihan - red rice with adzuki beans
  • Kamameshi - rice topped with vegetables and chicken or seafood, then baked in an individual-sized pot
  • Kare Rice (see also curry) - Introduced from UK in the late 19th century, it became a staple food in Japan
  • Hayashi Rice - thick beef stew on rice; origin of the name is unknown, but may be "hashed rice"
  • Om-rice (Omu-raisu オムライス) - omelette filled with fried rice, apparently originating from Tokyo

Sashimi

Sashimi is raw, thinly sliced foods served with a dipping sauce and simple garnishes; usually fish or shellfish but can be almost anything including beef, horse and chicken.

  • Basashi - sliced horse meat, sometimes called Sakura
  • Fugu - sliced poisonous pufferfish (sometimes lethal), a uniquely Japanese specialty
  • Rebasashi - usually liver of beef
  • Shikasashi - sliced deer meat, a rare delicacy in certain parts of Japan

Soups (suimono and shirumono)

  • Tonjiru - similar to Miso soup, except that pork is added to the ingredients
  • Dangojiru - soup made with dumplings along with seaweed, tofu, lotus root, or any number of other vegetables and roots
  • Miso soup - soup made with miso, dashi and seasonal ingredients like fish, kamaboko, onions, clams, potato, etc.
  • Sumashijiru - a clear soup made with dashi and seafood

Sushi

Sushi is vinegared rice topped or mixed with various fresh ingredients, usually fish or seafood.

  • Nigirizushi - This is sushi with the ingredients on top of a block of rice.
  • Makizushi - Translated as "roll sushi," this is where rice and seafood or other ingredients are placed on a sheet of seaweed (nori) and rolled into a cylindrical shape on a bamboo mat and then cut into smaller pieces.
  • Temaki - Basically the same as makizushi, except that the nori is rolled into a cone-shape with the ingredients placed inside.
  • Chirashi - Translated as "scattered", chirashi involves fresh sea food, vegetables or other ingredients being placed on top of sushi rice in a bowl or dish.

Sweets

  • Wagashi - Japanese-style sweets
    • Amanatto
    • Anmitsu- a traditional Japanese dessert
    • Anpan - bread with sweet bean paste in the center
    • Dango - rice dumpling
    • Ginbou
    • Hanabiramochi
    • Higashi
    • Hoshigaki - Dried persimmon fruit
    • Imagawayaki - also known as 'Taikoyaki' is a round Taiyaki and fillings are same
    • Kakigori - shaved ice with syrup topping.
    • Kompeito - crystal sugar candy
    • Manju - sticky rice surrounding a sweet bean center
    • Matsunoyuki
    • Melonpan - a large, round, sweet, crusty bread that looks and tastes somewhat like a melon
    • Mochi - steamed sweet rice pounded into a solid mass
    • Oshiruko - a warm, sweet red bean (an) soup with mochi - rice cake
    • Uiro - a steamed cake made of rice flour
    • Taiyaki - a fried, fish-shaped cake, usually with a sweet filling such as an - red bean paste
  • Dagashi - Old-fashioned Japanese-style sweets
    • Karumetou - Brown sugar cake. Also called Karumeyaki
    • Ramune - Sweet candy that melts in your mouth
    • Sosu Senbei - Thin wafers eaten with soy sauce
    • Umaibou - Puffed corn food with various flavors
  • Yogashi - Western-style sweets, but in Japan typically very light or spongy
    • Kasutera - "Castella" Iberian-style sponge cake
    • Mirucurepu - "mille crepe" - layered crepe
  • Other Snack
    • Azuki Ice - vanilla flavored ice cream with sweet azuki beans
    • Hello Panda
    • Macha Ice (Green tea ice cream) - green tea flavored ice cream
    • Pocky

Chinmi

  • Uni - Specifically salt-pickled uni
  • Karasumi
  • Konowata

Japanese influence on other cuisines

United States

Teppanyaki is said to be an American invention, as is the California roll (not to mention the Philadelphia roll), and while the former has been well received in Japan the latter has not and has, at worst, been termed not sushi by Japanese people. However thanks to some recent trends in American culture such as Iron Chef and Benihana, Japanese culinary culture is slowly fusing its way into American life. Japanese food, which had been quite exotic in the West as late as the 1970s, is now quite at home in parts of the continental United States, and has become an integral part of food culture in Hawaii.

Imported and adapted foods

A Japanese children's book. The food and utensils depicted, however, are Western.

Japan has incorporated imported food from across the world (mostly from Asia, Europe and to a lesser extent the Americas). Chinese, French, Italian and Spanish cuisine is of particular interest to Japanese people. Historically, foods such as castella and bread were originally imported from Portugal, and the name pan for bread is a loanword from Portuguese.

Many imported foods are made suitable for the Japanese palate by reducing the amount of spice used or changing a part of a recipe. For example, the Korean pickle kimchi, usually fermented in Korea, in Japan is instead often simply pickled, without a key Korean ingredient, fermented shrimp. Similarly, Japanese pizza may have toppings such as sliced boiled eggs, sweetcorn, shrimps, nori, and mayonnaise instead of tomato sauce.

Other examples of changed imported cuisine include:

  • Spaghetti with creamy shrimp, lobster, crab, Alaska pollock roe or sea urchin sauce, or a non-creamy light sauce topped with seaweed, or made with tomato ketchup, weiners, sliced onion and green pepper (called 'neapolitan')
  • Japanese-only "Chinese dishes" like Ebi Chili (shrimp in a tangy and slightly spicy sauce)
  • Korean barbecue that is unflavored and is dipped in sauce before eating for flavor
  • Korean Naengmyun with thicker noodles and a different broth

The Japanese often eat at hamburger chains such as McDonald's or Mos Burger, a popular competitor. Other fast-food establishments are similarly popular. These include doughnut and ice cream shops. Okinawa has a chain of A&W drive-in restaurants featuring the company's root beer. The Japanese also alter American-style fast-food, serving such items as green-tea milkshakes and fried shrimp burgers at chains like Lotteria.

In Tokyo, it is quite easy to find restaurants serving authentic foreign cuisine. However, in most of the country, in many ways, the variety of imported food is limited; for example, it is rare to find pasta that is not of the spaghetti or macaroni varieties in supermarkets or restaurants; bread is very rarely of any variety but white; and varieties of imported cereal are also very limited, usually either frosted or chocolate flavored. "Italian restaurants" also tend to only have pizza and pasta in their menus.

Washoku and yōshoku

Imported cuisines and foods from America and Europe are called yōshoku (洋食), a shortened form of seiyōshoku (西洋食) lit. Western cuisine. Japanese cuisine is called washoku (和食), lit. Japanese cuisine and Chinese cuisine is called Chūkaryōri (中華料理), lit. Chinese recipe.

A number of foreign dishes have been adapted to a degree that they are now considered Japanese, and are an integral part of any Japanese family menu. Yet, these are still categorized as yōshoku as they were imported. Perhaps the best example is curry rice, which was imported in the 19th century by way of the United Kingdom, and vaguely resembles the original Indian dish. Another example is "Hamburg steak", which is a ground beef patty, usually mixed with breadcrumbs and fried chopped onions, served with a side of white rice and vegetables. Restaurants that serve these foods are called yōshokuya (洋食屋), lit. Western cuisine restaurants. However, yōshoku basically refers to Japanese-style foreign cuisine of a vague origin.

Tempura

One of the oldest imported dishes is tempura, although it has been so thoroughly adopted that its foreign roots are unknown to most people, including many Japanese. As such, it is considered washoku. Tempura came to Japan from Portuguese sailors in the 16th century as a technique for cooking fish. Since then, the Japanese have extended its ingredients to include almost every sort of seafood and vegetable. Shrimp, eggplant, squash, and carrots are typical ingredients today. Another food, like tempura, that is now considered washoku is sōmen.

Fusion foods

In a constant quest to adopt and expand Japanese cuisine, Japanese have made hundreds of recipes that are distinctly different from the original recipes but still retain the "air" (and basic taste) of their origins. For example, "curry" from India, imported via the United Kingdom, has fused with varieties of foods to make new recipes. Curry made with fish based dashi is poured over udon, making "Kare Udon". It is wrapped in dough and deep fried, making "Kare Pan", curry bread. Curry is often eaten with pickled vegetables called Fukujinzuke or Rakkyo. Other recipes are so exotic by any standard that they remain a local cuisine. Anmitsu (あんみつ), a dish of cream, bean jam, ice cream, and fruits is often served as a dessert in restaurants.


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Anmitsu (あんみつ), a dish of cream, bean jam, ice cream, and fruits is often served as a dessert in restaurants. February 20, 2003. Other recipes are so exotic by any standard that they remain a local cuisine. g1 g2. Curry is often eaten with pickled vegetables called Fukujinzuke or Rakkyo. [24] The insurgents are known by the Coalition military (especially in the United States armed forces) as Anti-Iraqi Forces (AIF). It is wrapped in dough and deep fried, making "Kare Pan", curry bread. There is evidence that some guerrilla groups are organized, perhaps by the fedayeen and other Saddam Hussein or Ba'ath loyalists, religious radicals, Iraqis angered by the occupation, and foreign fighters.

Curry made with fish based dashi is poured over udon, making "Kare Udon". Tactics include mortars, suicide bombers, roadside bombs, small arms fire, and RPGs, as well as sabotage against the oil, water, and electrical infrastructure. For example, "curry" from India, imported via the United Kingdom, has fused with varieties of foods to make new recipes. The militant forces have been described as a type of guerrilla warfare. In a constant quest to adopt and expand Japanese cuisine, Japanese have made hundreds of recipes that are distinctly different from the original recipes but still retain the "air" (and basic taste) of their origins. Critics point out that the regions where violence is most common are also the most populated regions. Another food, like tempura, that is now considered washoku is sōmen. rotary aircraft with SAM-7 missiles bought on the global black market.

Shrimp, eggplant, squash, and carrots are typical ingredients today. In November, some of these forces successfully attacked U.S. Since then, the Japanese have extended its ingredients to include almost every sort of seafood and vegetable. These irregular forces favored attacking unarmored Humvee vehicles. Tempura came to Japan from Portuguese sailors in the 16th century as a technique for cooking fish. In the fall, the anti-occupation groups, guerrilla units, and other elements (who called themselves "freedom fighters") began using ambush tactics, bombings, kidnappings, and improvised explosive devices, targeting coalition forces, checkpoints, and civilian targets. As such, it is considered washoku. The beginning insurgency in Iraq was concentrated in, but not limited to, an area referred to by the Western media and the occupying forces as the Sunni triangle which includes Baghdad [23].

One of the oldest imported dishes is tempura, although it has been so thoroughly adopted that its foreign roots are unknown to most people, including many Japanese. The militants and guerrilla units favored attacking unarmored vehicles and avoiding major battles. However, yōshoku basically refers to Japanese-style foreign cuisine of a vague origin. These joined the insurgency and their attacks around Mosul, Tikrit and Fallujah. Western cuisine restaurants. With the Ba'ath party organization disintegrated, elements of the secret police and Republican Guard formed guerrilla units, since some had simply gone home rather than openly fight the multinational forces. Restaurants that serve these foods are called yōshokuya (洋食屋), lit. Al-Sadr then declared a national cease fire, and opened negotiations with the American and government forces on disbanding his militia and entering the political process.

Another example is "Hamburg steak", which is a ground beef patty, usually mixed with breadcrumbs and fried chopped onions, served with a side of white rice and vegetables. Through the months of July and August, a series of skirmishes in and around Najaf culminated with the Imman Ali Mosque itself under siege, only to have a peace deal brokered by al-Sistani in late August. Perhaps the best example is curry rice, which was imported in the 19th century by way of the United Kingdom, and vaguely resembles the original Indian dish. Militia leader Muqtada al-Sadr took control of Najaf and, after negotiations broke down, the government asked the United States for help dislodging him. Yet, these are still categorized as yōshoku as they were imported. The new government began the process of moving towards open elections, though the insurgency and the lack of cohesion within the government itself, has lead to delays. A number of foreign dishes have been adapted to a degree that they are now considered Japanese, and are an integral part of any Japanese family menu. Fighting continued in the form of an insurgent rebellion against the new sovereignty, with some parts composed of non-Iraqi Muslim militant groups like Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda.

Chinese recipe. Sovereign power handed to the interim government ended the occupation of Iraq. Japanese cuisine and Chinese cuisine is called Chūkaryōri (中華料理), lit. Toward the end of June (2004), the Coalition Provisional Authority transferred the "sovereignty" of Iraq to a caretaker government, whose first act was to begin the trial of Saddam Hussein. Japanese cuisine is called washoku (和食), lit.
. Western cuisine. Also, various insurgent leaders entered into negotiations with the provisional government to lay down arms and enter the political process.

Imported cuisines and foods from America and Europe are called yōshoku (洋食), a shortened form of seiyōshoku (西洋食) lit. Due to various setbacks, the Coalition gradually began admitting that it was facing independent organized rebel forces. "Italian restaurants" also tend to only have pizza and pasta in their menus. Over the next three months, the multinanational forces took back the southern cities. However, in most of the country, in many ways, the variety of imported food is limited; for example, it is rare to find pasta that is not of the spaghetti or macaroni varieties in supermarkets or restaurants; bread is very rarely of any variety but white; and varieties of imported cereal are also very limited, usually either frosted or chocolate flavored. In all, April, May and early June saw more fighting. In Tokyo, it is quite easy to find restaurants serving authentic foreign cuisine. British forces in Basra were faced with increasing insurgency and became more selective in the areas they patrolled.

The Japanese also alter American-style fast-food, serving such items as green-tea milkshakes and fried shrimp burgers at chains like Lotteria. The marines relieved the Poles and Italians, and put down the overt rebellion, but were unable to reestablish control over the centers of the towns. Okinawa has a chain of A&W drive-in restaurants featuring the company's root beer. The marines were then shifted south, because Italian and Polish forces were having increasing difficulties retaining control over Nasiriya and Najaf. These include doughnut and ice cream shops. Meanwhile, the fighting continued in the Shiite south. Other fast-food establishments are similarly popular. By the end of the spring uprising, the cities of Fallujah, Samarra, Baquba, and Ramadi had been left under guerrilla control with coalition patrols in the cities at a minimum.

The Japanese often eat at hamburger chains such as McDonald's or Mos Burger, a popular competitor. This compromise soon fell apart and insurgent control returned. Other examples of changed imported cuisine include:. While the Marine Division attacking had clear superiority in ground firepower and air support, it decided to accept a truce and a deal which put a former Baathist general in complete charge of the town. Similarly, Japanese pizza may have toppings such as sliced boiled eggs, sweetcorn, shrimps, nori, and mayonnaise instead of tomato sauce. A compromise was reached in order to ensure security within Fallujah itself by creating the local "Fallujah Brigade". For example, the Korean pickle kimchi, usually fermented in Korea, in Japan is instead often simply pickled, without a key Korean ingredient, fermented shrimp. The Marines were ordered to stand-down and cordon off the city, maintaining a perimeter around Fallujah.

Many imported foods are made suitable for the Japanese palate by reducing the amount of spice used or changing a part of a recipe. The coalition forces were unable to dislodge the insurgents, and instead suffered repeated attacks on its own rear and flank. Historically, foods such as castella and bread were originally imported from Portugal, and the name pan for bread is a loanword from Portuguese. In the April battle for Fallujah, Coalition troops killed about 600 insurgents and a number of civilians, while 40 Americans died and hundreds were wounded in a fierce battle. Chinese, French, Italian and Spanish cuisine is of particular interest to Japanese people. The city of Fallujah remained under insurgent control despite the Marine's attempt to recapture it in Operation Vigilant Resolve. Japan has incorporated imported food from across the world (mostly from Asia, Europe and to a lesser extent the Americas). [22].

Japanese food, which had been quite exotic in the West as late as the 1970s, is now quite at home in parts of the continental United States, and has become an integral part of food culture in Hawaii. of white phosphorus as an incendiary weapon against insurgents in Fallujah attracted controversy. However thanks to some recent trends in American culture such as Iron Chef and Benihana, Japanese culinary culture is slowly fusing its way into American life. The usage by the U.S. Teppanyaki is said to be an American invention, as is the California roll (not to mention the Philadelphia roll), and while the former has been well received in Japan the latter has not and has, at worst, been termed not sushi by Japanese people. Troops pulled back to the outskirts of the city; local leaders reciprocated the ceasefire, although lower-level intense fighting on both sides continued. United States. On April 10, the military declared a unilateral truce to allow for humanitarian supplies to enter Fallujah.

Sushi is vinegared rice topped or mixed with various fresh ingredients, usually fish or seafood. On April 9, the multinational force allowed more than 70,000 women, children and elderly residents to leave the besieged city, reportedly also allowing males of military age to leave. Sashimi is raw, thinly sliced foods served with a dipping sauce and simple garnishes; usually fish or shellfish but can be almost anything including beef, horse and chicken. On April 4, the multinational forces began assaults to clear Fallujah of insurgents. However, the Japanese appetite for rice is so strong that many restaurants even serve ramen-rice combination sets. After four private military contractors were killed and mutilated, preperation took place for the US Marines to take over responsibility for al-Anbar province in which Fallujah is located. Noodles often take the place of rice in a meal. Just before the attack on Fallujah, four private military contractors, working for Blackwater USA, were ambushed and their corpses mutilated by a large crowd, receiving a great deal of media attention.

A one-bowl dish of hot steamed rice with various savory toppings. The coalition and the Coalition Provisional Authority decided to face the growing insurgency with a pair of assaults: one on Fallujah, the center of the "Mohammed's Army of Al-Ansar", and another on Najaf, home of an important mosque, which had become the focal point for the Mahdi Army and its activities. It is not generally thought possible to make authentic Japanese food without shō-yu (soy sauce), miso and dashi.
. See also Category:Japanese ingredients. The southern and central portions of Iraq were beginning to erupt in urban guerrilla combat as multinational forces attempted to keep control and prepared for a counteroffensive. In some regions every 1st and 15th day of the month people eat a mixture of rice and adzuki (azuki meshi). The Mahdi Army also began launching attacks on coalition targets and to seize control from Iraqi security forces.

Major such combinations include:. An organized Sunni insurgency, with deep roots and both nationalist and Islamist motivations, was becoming clearer. In Japanese tradition some dishes are strongly tied to a festival or event. The bombings indicated that as the relevance of Saddam Hussein and his followers was diminishing, radical Islamists, both foreign and Iraqi. Chopsticks are generally placed at the very front of the tray near the diner with pointed ends facing left and supported by a chopstick holder, or hashioki (箸置き). Hundreds of Iraqi civilians and police were killed over this period in a series of massive bombings. Pickled vegetables are often served as well, and eaten at the end of the meal, but are not counted as part of three side dishes. Terroristic acts increased during the beginning of 2004.

Behind these are three flat plates to hold the three side dishes, one to far back left (on which might be served a simmered dish), one at far back right (on which might be served a grilled dish), and one in the center of the tray (on which might be served boiled greens). In all, over 200 top leaders of the former regime were killed or captured, as well as numerous lesser functionaries and military personnel. Nearest the diner are the rice bowl on the left and the soup bowl on the right. [21] In the summer of 2003, the multinational forces focused on hunting down the remaining leaders of the former regime, culminating in the shooting deaths of Saddam's two sons in July. Typically, five separate bowls and plates are set before the diner. On 2 July 2003, President Bush declared that American troops would remain in Iraq in spite of the attacks, challenging the opponents with "My answer is, Bring 'em on," a line the President later expressed misgivings about having used. Traditional table settings are based on the ichijū-sansai formula. The failure to restore basic services to above pre-war levels, where over a decade of sanctions, bombing, corruption, and decaying infrastructure had left major cities functioning at much-reduced levels, also contributed to local anger at the IPA government headed by an executive council.

Larger low tables (chabudai, ちゃぶ台) that accommodated entire families were becoming popular by the beginning of the 20th century, but these gave way to western style dining tables and chairs by the end of the 20th century. Several minor coalition members have pulled out of Iraq; this has been widely considered a political success for the anti-occupation forces. Before the 19th century, small individual box tables (hakozen, 箱膳) or flat floor trays were set before each diner. The anti-occupation forces are believed to be predominantly, but not exclusively, Iraqi Sunni Muslim Arabs, plus some foreign Arab and Muslim fighters, some of the latter tied to al-Qaeda. The traditional Japanese table setting has varied considerably over the centuries, depending primarily on the type of table common during a given era. During the early occupation, a number of widely-cited humanitarian, tactical, and political errors by United States and United Kingdom planners and forces led to a growing armed resistance, usually called the "Iraqi insurgency" (such as the mainstream media and coalition governments). Salamander is eaten as well in places. Guerrilla attacks were less intense.

In some regions, grasshoppers (inago) and bee larvae (hachinoko) are not uncommon dishes. Insurgent forces reorganized during which the multinational forces' tactics were studied and a renewed offensive planned. Although most Japanese eschew eating insects, there are a couple of exceptions. Early 2004 was marked by a relative lull in violence. Ramen is served in a variety of soup stocks ranging from soy sauce/fish stock to butter/pork stock.
. A more recent import from China, dating to the early 19th century, is ramen (ラーメン; Chinese wheat noodles), which has become extremely popular. The two most turbulent centers were the area around Fallujah and the poor Shia sections of cities from Baghdad to Basra in the south.

Both are generally served in a soy-flavored fish broth with various vegetables. More insurgents stepped up their activities. Made from wheat flour, udon (うどん) is a thick, white noodle. Most prominent among these was the Shia cleric Ali al-Sistani. Made from buckwheat flour, soba (蕎麦) is a thin, brown noodle. Shortly after the capture of Saddam, elements left out of the CPA began to agitate for elections and the formation of a Iraqi Interim Government. There are two traditional types of noodle, soba and udon. Oil revenues were also used for rebuilding schools and for work on the electrical and refining infrastructure.

Noodles, originating from China, have become an essential part of Japanese cuisine. Of this, less than half a billion dollars had been spent in 10 months after it had been promised. Beef and chicken are commonly eaten and have become part of everyday cuisine. The provisional government began training a security force intended to defend critical infrastructure, and the United States promised over $20 billion in reconstruction money in the form of credit against Iraq's future oil revenues. Although not known as a meat eating country, very few Japanese consider themselves vegetarians. With the weather growing cooler, United States forces were able to operate in full armor which reduced their casualty rate. Since Japan is an island nation, its people consume much seafood including fish, shellfish, octopus, squid, crabs, lobsters, shrimp and seaweed. With the capture of Saddam and a drop in the number of insurgent attacks (an average of 18 a day), some concluded the multinational forces were prevailing in the fight against the insurgency.

There may also be chapters devoted to soups, sushi, rice, noodles, and sweets. Army's 4th Infantry Division and members of Task Force 121. Chapters are organized according to cooking techniques: fried foods, steamed foods, and grilled foods, for example, and not according to particular ingredients (e.g., chicken or beef) as are western cookbooks. The operation was conducted by the U.S. This Japanese view of a meal is reflected in the organization of traditional Japanese cookbooks. In the wave of intelligence information fueling the raids on remaining Ba’ath Party members connected to insurgency, Saddam Hussein himself was captured on December 13, 2003 on a farm near Tikrit. Ichijū-sansai often finishes with pickles such as umeboshi and green tea.
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The three side dishes are usually raw fish (sashimi), a grilled dish, and a simmered (sometimes called boiled in translations from Japanese) dish -- although steamed, deep fried, vinegared, or dressed dishes may replace the grilled or simmered dishes. 101st Airborne Division and men from Task Force 20, Saddam Hussein's sons (Uday and Qusay) and one of his grandsons were killed. The most common meal, however, is called ichijū-sansai (一汁三菜; "one soup, three sides"), or soup, rice, and three side dishes, each employing a different cooking technique. On 22 July 2003, during a raid by the U.S. A traditional Japanese breakfast, for example, usually consists of miso soup, rice, and a pickled vegetable. In addition, two villages, including Saddam’s birthplace of al-Auja and the small town of Abu Hishma were wrapped in barbed wire and carefully monitored. This means soup, rice, and one accompanying side dish--usually a pickled vegetable like daikon. Surveillance of major routes, patrols, and raids on suspected insurgents were stepped up.

The simplest Japanese meal, for example, consists of ichijū-issai (一汁一菜; "one soup, one side" or "one dish meal"). Suspected ambush sites and mortar launching positions struck from the air and with artillery fire. Traditional Japanese meals are named by the number of side dishes that accompany the rice and soup that are nearly always served. Coaliton forces brought to bear the use of air power for the first time since the end of the war. Anything else served during a meal--fish, meat, vegetables, tsukemono (pickles)--is considered a side dish, known as okazu. A sharp surge in guerrilla attacks, ushered in an insurgent effort that was termed the “Ramadan Offensive,” as it coincided with the beginning of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Traditional Japanese cuisine is dominated by white rice (hakumai, 白米), and few meals would be complete without it. Toward the end of 2003, the intensity and pace of insurgent attacks began to increase.

. A series of similar operations were launched throughout the summer in the Sunni Triangle. Many Japanese think of the everyday food of the Japanese people--especially that existing before the end of the Meiji Era (1868 - 1912) or before World War II. Coalition military forces launched several operations around Tigris River peninsula and in the Sunni Triangle. Many think of sushi or the elegant stylized formal kaiseki meals that originated as part of the Japanese tea ceremony. efforts to establish a democratic state capable of defending itself [20], versus various insurgent demands that the foreign forces leave the country. There are many views of what is fundamental to Japanese cuisine. It centers around Coalition and U.N.

Korean Naengmyun with thicker noodles and a different broth. The post-invasion environment began after the Hussein regime had been overthrown. Korean barbecue that is unflavored and is dipped in sauce before eating for flavor. [19] The insurgents are generally known to the Coalition forces as Anti-Iraqi Forces or AIF. Japanese-only "Chinese dishes" like Ebi Chili (shrimp in a tangy and slightly spicy sauce). There is evidence that some of the resistance was organized, perhaps by the fedayeen and other Saddam Hussein or Ba'ath loyalists, religious radicals, Iraqis angered by the occupation, and foreign terrorists. Spaghetti with creamy shrimp, lobster, crab, Alaska pollock roe or sea urchin sauce, or a non-creamy light sauce topped with seaweed, or made with tomato ketchup, weiners, sliced onion and green pepper (called 'neapolitan'). Insurgent tactics include mortars, suicide bombers, roadside bombs, small arms fire, and RPGs, as well as sabotage against the oil, water, and electrical infrastructure.

Konowata. This resistance has been described as a type of guerrilla warfare. Karasumi. This may be misleading because Baghdad has a low ratio of attacks per capita. Uni - Specifically salt-pickled uni. Combined they account for 32% of the population. Pocky. The three provinces that had the most number of attacks were Baghdad, Anbar, and Salah Ad Din.

Macha Ice (Green tea ice cream) - green tea flavored ice cream. Critics point out that the regions where violence was most common was also the most populated regions, but this was not entirely true. Hello Panda. This location includes Baghdad [18]. Azuki Ice - vanilla flavored ice cream with sweet azuki beans. The insurgency in Iraq was concentrated in, but not limited to, an area referred to by Western media and the occupying forces as the Sunni triangle. Other Snack

    . According to the Pentagon, 250,000 tons (of 650,000 tons total) of ordnance were looted, providing an endless source of ammunition for the insurgents.

    Mirucurepu - "mille crepe" - layered crepe. In May of 2003, after the Iraqi conventional forces had been defeated, the coalition military noticed a gradually increasing flurry of attacks on the multinational troops in various regions, such as the "Sunni Triangle." In the chaos after the war, massive looting of the infrastructure, and most catastrophically, munitions occurred. Kasutera - "Castella" Iberian-style sponge cake. In the weeks that followed Bush's dramatic aircraft carrier landing, all types of crime significantly increased in Iraq due to the lack of law enforcement and security after the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime. Yogashi - Western-style sweets, but in Japan typically very light or spongy

      . However, one crewmember later stated the banner referred specifically to the aircraft carrier's mission and not the war itself. Umaibou - Puffed corn food with various flavors. Clearly visible in the background was a banner stating "Mission Accomplished." It was criticized by some as premature - especially later as the guerrilla war dragged on.

      Sosu Senbei - Thin wafers eaten with soy sauce. Bush's landing was criticized by opponents as an overly theatrical and expensive stunt. Ramune - Sweet candy that melts in your mouth. Bush landed on the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, in a Lockheed S-3 Viking, where he gave a speech announcing the end of major combat operations in the Iraq war. Also called Karumeyaki. On 1 May 2003 George W. Karumetou - Brown sugar cake.
      .

      Dagashi - Old-fashioned Japanese-style sweets

        . The documented number of Iraqi civilians killed by the Coalition military forces since 2003 according to various estimates ranges from 27,295 up to 30,789 (as of December 2005). Taiyaki - a fried, fish-shaped cake, usually with a sweet filling such as an - red bean paste. By no means did the Coalition invasion force see the entire Iraqi military thrown against it, and it is assumed that most units disintegrated to either join the growing Iraqi insurgency or return to their homes. Uiro - a steamed cake made of rice flour. Army attacked. Oshiruko - a warm, sweet red bean (an) soup with mochi - rice cake. forces, and as a result the units within were both confused and further demoralized when the U.S.

        Mochi - steamed sweet rice pounded into a solid mass. Worse, the Iraqi Army had incompetent leadership - reports state that Qusay Hussein, charged with the defense of Baghdad, dramatically shifted the positions of the two main divisions protecting Baghdad several times in the days before the arrival of U.S. Melonpan - a large, round, sweet, crusty bread that looks and tastes somewhat like a melon. Other Iraqi Army officers were bribed by the CIA or coerced into surrendering to coalition forces. Matsunoyuki. Entire units simply melted away into the crowds upon the approach of Coalition troops. Manju - sticky rice surrounding a sweet bean center. The Iraqi Army suffered from poor morale, even amongst the supposedly elite Republican Guard, their strength sapped after weeks of aerial bombardment.

        Kompeito - crystal sugar candy. The only tank loss sustained by the British Army was a Challenger 2 of the Queen's Royal Lancers that was hit by another Challenger 2, killing two crewmen. Kakigori - shaved ice with syrup topping. Three British tank crew fatalities happened as result of friendly fire. Imagawayaki - also known as 'Taikoyaki' is a round Taiyaki and fillings are same. Even with the large number of RPG attacks by irregular Iraqi forces, few Coalition tanks were lost and no tank crewmen were killed by hostile fire. Hoshigaki - Dried persimmon fruit. M1 Abrams and British Challenger 2, proved their worth in the rapid advance across the country.

        Higashi. The main battle tanks (MBT) of the Coalition forces, the U.S. Hanabiramochi. Army, Marine Corps and Naval Aviation, and British Royal Air Force operated with impunity throughout the country, pinpointing heavily defended enemy targets and destroying them before ground troops arrived. Ginbou. Air Force, U.S. Dango - rice dumpling. The U.S.

        Anpan - bread with sweet bean paste in the center. The Iraqi T-72 tanks, the heaviest armored vehicles in the Iraqi Army, were both outdated and ill-maintained and were destroyed quickly, in part due to the Coalition's control of the air. Anmitsu- a traditional Japanese dessert. The Iraqi's artillery proved almost worthless, and Iraq did not mobilize its air force to attempt a defense. Amanatto. Attacks on Coalition supply routes by Fedayeen militiamen were repulsed. Wagashi - Japanese-style sweets

          . anti-air batteries, or missed their targets.

          Chirashi - Translated as "scattered", chirashi involves fresh sea food, vegetables or other ingredients being placed on top of sushi rice in a bowl or dish. Missiles launched from Iraq were either interdicted by U.S. Temaki - Basically the same as makizushi, except that the nori is rolled into a cone-shape with the ingredients placed inside. The Iraqi army, armed mainly with Soviet equipment, had no weapons that could stand up to invading forces, and managed only to stage a few ambushes that gained a great deal of media attention but in reality did nothing to slow the Coalition advance. Makizushi - Translated as "roll sushi," this is where rice and seafood or other ingredients are placed on a sheet of seaweed (nori) and rolled into a cylindrical shape on a bamboo mat and then cut into smaller pieces. This did prove short-sighted, however, due to the requirement for a much larger force to combat the irregular Iraqi forces in the aftermath of the war. Nigirizushi - This is sushi with the ingredients on top of a block of rice. Utilizing massive precision air strikes along with rapid ground attacks, the invasion seemed a success of the U.S., and did not require the huge army build-up like the 1991 Gulf War, which numbered half a million allied troops.

          Sumashijiru - a clear soup made with dashi and seafood. Coalition forces managed to topple the government and capture the key cities of a large nation in 21 days, taking minimal losses while attempting to avoid large civilian deaths and high numbers of dead Iraqi military forces. Miso soup - soup made with miso, dashi and seasonal ingredients like fish, kamaboko, onions, clams, potato, etc. According to The New Statesman this was "Located at the furthest extreme of the southern no-fly zone, far away from the areas that needed to be patrolled to prevent attacks on the Shias, it was destroyed not because it was a threat to the patrols, but to allow allied special forces operating from Jordan to enter Iraq undetected." [17]. Dangojiru - soup made with dumplings along with seaweed, tofu, lotus root, or any number of other vegetables and roots. The September attacks included a 5 September 100-aircraft attack on the main air defence site in western Iraq. Tonjiru - similar to Miso soup, except that pork is added to the ingredients. The weight of bombs dropped increased from none in March 2002 and 0.3 in April 2002 to between 8 and 14 tons per month in May-August, reaching a pre-war peak of 54.6 tons in September - prior to Congress' 11 October authorisation of the invasion.

          Shikasashi - sliced deer meat, a rare delicacy in certain parts of Japan. A change in enforcement tactics was acknowledged at the time, but it was not made public that this was part of a plan known as Operation Southern Watch. Rebasashi - usually liver of beef. began to change its response strategy, more carefully selecting targets in the southern part of the country in order to disrupt the military command structure in Iraq. Fugu - sliced poisonous pufferfish (sometimes lethal), a uniquely Japanese specialty. In mid-2002, the U.S. Basashi - sliced horse meat, sometimes called Sakura. Iraqi air-defense installations were engaged on a fairly regular basis after repeatedly targeting American and British air patrols.

          Om-rice (Omu-raisu オムライス) - omelette filled with fried rice, apparently originating from Tokyo. Prior to invasion, the United States and other coalition forces involved in the 1991 Persian Gulf War had been engaged in a low-level conflict with Iraq, enforcing Iraqi no-fly zones. Hayashi Rice - thick beef stew on rice; origin of the name is unknown, but may be "hashed rice". Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:. Kare Rice (see also curry) - Introduced from UK in the late 19th century, it became a staple food in Japan. Operation Iraqi Freedom — often rumored to have been originally called Operation Iraqi Liberation before being changed due to an unwanted acronym — had the following military objectives, according to U.S. Kamameshi - rice topped with vegetables and chicken or seafood, then baked in an individual-sized pot. (ed., the details of this are cover in this article).

          Sekihan - red rice with adzuki beans. This conflict resulted in the defeat of the Iraqi regular Army and its supportive divisions. Onigiri - Japanese rice balls. The "War of Iraq" refers to the war proper, beginning with the 2003 invasion, continuing in the occupation, and ending at the handover of sovereignty to the new Iraqi government. Ochazuke - green tea poured over white rice, often flavored. According to some opinion polls, the war was unpopular from the outset in many Coalition countries. Mochi - soft rice cake. efforts to establishing a sovereign state.

          Chawan mushi - meat (seafood and/or chicken) and vegetables boiled in egg custard. In post-invasion Iraq (2003–2005), after the Hussein regime had been overthrown, activity centered around coalition and U.N. Shiokara - salty fermented viscera. The Iraqi forces presented little resistance to the invasion. Typically popular in Kanto and less so in Kansai. The forces opposing the coalition units were the conscript Iraqi Regular Army reinforced and strengthened by the Republican Guard and Fedayeen Saddam. Often eaten for breakfast. The US and UK claimed that the invasion was justified because Saddam Hussein had not complied with 19 UN resolutions requiring Iraq to destroy its special weapons and programs after the previous war.[15][16].

          Natto - fermented soybeans, stringy like melted cheese, infamous amongst non-Japanese for its strong smell and slippery texture. The United States and the United Kingdom were the two major components of the US-dubbed "Coalition of the willing" that invaded Iraq and deposed Saddam Hussein's regime. Osechi - traditional food eaten at the New Year. The war was between the Iraqi military and a coalition of multinational forces. Hiyayakko - cold tofu dish. The War of Iraq (2003) was the war in the Middle East country of Iraq, which resulted from the the Iraq disarmament crisis of late 2002 and began with the invasion of 2003. Bento or Obento - combination meal served in a wooden box. Sa.

          Agedashi tofu - cubes of deep-fried silken tofu served in hot broth. He also stated, in spite of missing stockpiles, that "the world is far safer with [...] the removal of Saddam Hussein." [http://www.ceip.org/. Okinawa soba - a wheat-flour noodle often served with sōki, steamed pork. He stated, "the work of the Iraq Survey Group has shown that Saddam Hussein had WMD intentions, had WMD programs that did survive, and did outwit for 12 years the United Nations Security Council and the resolutions [...] in large measure." Kay did "believe that the effort that has been directed to this point has been sufficiently intense that it is highly unlikely that there were large stockpiles of deployed militarized chemical and biological weapons there". Somen. Kay went on though to say that, "Iraq was in clear violation of the terms of Resolution 1441". Champon - yellow noodles of medium thickness served with a great variety of seafood and vegetable toppings in a hot broth which originated in Nagasaki as a cheap food for students. David Kay opened his testimony during the "Kay Report" at a Senate panel by stating "We were almost all wrong" on Iraq (a quote commonly missattributed to the later head of the ISG, Charles Duelfer,[13] [14]).

          Udon - thick wheat noodle served with various toppings or in a hot shoyu and dashi broth. The Iraq Survey Group later released the final ISG report which included the following points:. Ramen - thin light yellow noodle served in hot broth with various toppings; of Chinese origin, it is a popular and common item in Japan. Kay testified on January 28, 2004 that "the effort that has been directed to this point has been sufficiently intense that it is highly unlikely that there were large stockpiles of deployed, militarized chemical weapons [in Iraq]". Soba - thin brown buckwheat noodles served chilled with various toppings or in hot broth. In October 2003, the Iraq Survey Group released the report of interim ISG findings which indicated that small amounts of weapons of mass destruction were uncovered, (including a number of vials containing biological agents stored in the home refrigerators of Iraqi scientists, for example) as well as discoveries of non-WMD programs banned by the United Nations and concealed during the IAEA and UNMOVIC inspections that began in 2002. Nikujaga, a Japanese version of beef stew. The following countries' governments did not support the War of Iraq:.

          Oden. Concern is growing that corporations with ties to the Bush administration, notably Halliburton, which was provided no-bid contracts that many considered illegal due to their size, to be the primary beneficiaries of the execution of the war. Kimchi is a traditional Korean dish, but it has also become very popular in Japan, particularly in the southern island of Kyushu, which is situated closest to South Korea. [9] , with exceptionally poor accounting of how the funds are being spent. Kimuchinabe - similar to motsunabe, except with a kimuchi base and using thinly sliced pork. Critics have cited that, economically, the various engagements in Iraq has cost the United States about USD $200,000,000,000, and still costs about USD $6,000,000,000 a month. Motsunabe - cow intestine, hakusai (bok choi) and various vegetables are cooked in a light soup base. among other evidence that they believe connects this war to previous military actions.

          Shabu-shabu - noodles, vegetables and shrimp or thinly sliced beef boiled in a thin stock and dipped in a soy or sesame sauce before eating. This includes:. Sukiyaki - mixture of noodles, thinly sliced beef, egg and vegetables boiled in a special sauce made of fish broth, soy sauce, sugar and sake. Antiwar activists and opponents of the war draw direct parallels to the earlier actions (especially the Vietnam War) via several debated elements of evidence. Yakitori - chicken kebabs. The opponents to the wars' main rationales are, in their opinion, the "fixed intelligence" and "lack of connection to 9/11". Yakisoba - Japanese style fried noodles. Since the October 2005 indictment of Lewis Libby, politicians (including some of those who saw the same intelligence that was classified and used by the executive branch in America) and some citizens have begun to question pre-war intelligence and how it may have been misused in order to "sell", in their opinion, a war to the American people.[8] On the Senate floor during speeches, it was stated that,.

          Unagi, including kabayaki - grilled and flavored eel. By the summer of 2005, there was an increase in the number of individuals in the United States who felt the same way. Teriyaki - grilled, broiled, or pan-fried meat, fish, chicken or vegetables glazed with a sweetened soy sauce. Many viewed the war as improper (being a moral and ethical violation) and illegal under international law. Takoyaki - a spherical, fried dumpling of batter with a piece of octopus inside. The Iraq War was widely viewed by many critics as counterproductive. Omu-Soba - an omelette with yakisoba as its filling. The war's unpopularity was reflected in widespread protests, including allegedly the largest worldwide protest in human history on February 15th, 2003 (eg., a day of Global protests against war in Iraq).

          "omelette rice", a fried ketchup-flavored rice sandwiched with a thinly spread beaten egg or covered with a plain egg omelette. According to opinion polls, the war was unpopular from its beginning in many Coalition countries. Omu-Raisu - i.e. [7]. Okonomiyaki - pan-fried batter cakes with various savory toppings (see also Okonomiyaki restaurants). Some also posit that since the United States military has not lost a single battle, the multinational forces have removed a dictatorship, and the foundation for a new democracy in the Middle East has been set down. Kushiyaki - meat and vegetable kebabs. Zawahiri’s alleged intercepted letters).

          Hamachi Kama - grilled yellow tail tuna jaw and cheek bone. Proponents of the war say that "we should fight them over there, so we don't have to fight them over here."[citation needed] Others have pointed out that the insurgents are losing in Iraq (as exposed in Dr. Gyoza - Chinese dumplings (potstickers), usually filled with pork and vegetables. Recently revealed US government records raise the issue that the US may have played a role in Saddam's rise to power and provided his government with weapons of mass destruction. Tempuradon - battered, deep fried bite-sized foods. During the 1980's, the United States was pleased with its relationship with Iraq, despite chemical weapons, war with Iran, and alleged violations of civil liberties [6]. Gyūdon - seasoned beef. Throughout the 1980's the United States supported Saddam Hussein as an ally in the protection of American financial and political interests in the region.

          Oyakodon - (Parent and Child) Usually chicken and egg but sometimes salmon and salmon roe. No weapons of mass destruction were found in Iraq following the invasion. Katsudon - deep-fried breaded cutlet of pork (tonkatsudon), chicken (chicken katsudon) or fish (e.g., magurodon). Bush's 2003 State of the Union Address:. Tonkatsu - deep-fried breaded cutlet of pork (chicken versions called chicken katsu). Saddam's regime's alleged abuse of Iraqi citizens' human rights and the spread of democracy was cited, as mentioned in US President George W. Tempura - battered and deep-fried vegetables, seafood, and meat. Leaders of the multinational coalition have also pointed to human rights issues to justify the war.

          Kushiage - meat deep fried on a skewer. These reasons were not those originally given (before the 2003 Iraq invasion) by the Bush administration of the United States before or after the initiation of the war, which instead included:. Korokke (croquette) - breaded and deep-fried balls of mashed potato with creamy vegetable, seafood, or meat-flavored fillings. The first calls for war on Iraq came from the Project for the New American Century (PNAC), and the American Enterprise Institute, with arguments based largely on the disruption of the emerging modernizing Islamic Middle East, and the project of American influence into the next century. Wasabi (and imitation wasabi from horseradish), mustard, red pepper, ginger, shiso (or beefsteak) leaves, sansho, citrus peel, and honeywort (called mitsuba). Over time, these have varied. Sesame seeds, sesame oil, sesame salt (gomashio), furikake, walnuts or peanuts to dress. Pretexts of the invasion and occupation as stated by the United States in 2002 before the Iraq invasion are likewise controversial factors.

          Negi (welsh onion), onions, garlic, nira (garlic chives), rakkyo (a type of scallion). As stated in public speakings such goals have changed notably since 2002, and views differ as to whether past statements should be considered "failed goals" (or "deceptive premises") for the war. Kombu, katsuobushi, niboshi. The failure of western intelligence to distinguish between these two possibilities is perceived by some as a failure of intelligence. Shō-yu (Soy sauce), dashi, mirin, sugar, rice vinegar, miso, sake. Both critics and supporters of the war have disagreed about the validity of the rationales, and over whether the ex post facto failure to find weapons "stockpiles" indicates the destruction or transportation of such weapons prior to the war or failure of intelligence (or, by some, deliberate deceit). Fu (wheat gluten). They hold to concepts defined largely by lessons learned from American involvement in Southeast Asia.

          Katakuri flour, kudzu flour, rice powder, soba flour, wheat flour. Opponents of the war often hold that the current insurgency conflicts are a direct consequence of the U.S.-led invasion and occupation. yuzu. To many critics, the Iraq War has numerous parallels with past wars (in particular the Vietnam War). sudachi,. military presence in a foreign country. natsumikan (amanatsu),. Being dominantly driven by the United States various critics' eyes, the conflict is characterized by a large and dominant U.S.

          mikan,. In contrast, individuals who believe that the "Iraq war" is a continuing conflict base their concept of "war" and "occupation" on more general concepts, as opposed to the definitions of the United Nations, International law, military laws, or political techniques for using language effectively. kumquat,. Because the United States has made no effort to estimate civilian casualities, the estimates vary considerably. kabosu,. A better metric to determine precisely who the war is being waged upon should compare the number of civilian Iraqi deaths with the number of Iraqi soldiers killed in the first year of the war. iyokan,. the operations delimited to major hostilities against the Saddam Hussein government of Iraq and limited to the 2003 invasion and the succeeding period of military occupation) rest on rationalisations which tend to disagree, in various opinions, with direct or meaningful comparisons with other conflicts, though these are largely found in stated (or perceived) goals by the Coalition for the invasion and occupation.

          daidai,. The more exclusive definitions of the "Iraq War" term (ie. Citrus fruits:

            . A derivative of this viewpoint sees much of the current violence almost exclusively as expressions of the Iraqi sectarian divisions, and characterize the occupation as democratic, and preventative of a larger civil war. loquat. Though Coalition military officials have used the capitalized phrase Iraq War in this relatively narrow sense, they, and those politically in support of the invasion and current military presence (or 'occupation') also consistently use the terms Iraq war and 'war in Iraq. nashi pear,. Alternatively, if the term includes the subsequent military occupation of Iraq, the "War" ended with the ceremonial handover of sovereignty to the new Iraqi government in June 2004.

            chestnut,. According to this view, the "War" ended with the "cessation of major hostilities" between established military forces. persimmon,. Further definition of the term varies with usage and point of view; hence, depending on the context, the term 'Iraq War' or 'Iraq war' may refer to hostilities in Iraq that fit one of two general contexts: multinational forces"3 invasion of March 2003, and the three-week period of full-scale military hostilities between the multinational forces against the established, uniformed military forces (that is, Saddam Hussein "old" Iraqi Army). Fruits:

              . The term Iraq war is often left uncapitalized to indicate the legal informality and the lack of clarity in distinguishing among various operations and violent episodes. Yuba. military forces.

              Tofu (tofu, agedōfu),. Formal declaration or not, Iraq was nevertheless invaded by U.S. Soy sauce (light, dark, tamari),. In international law[1] however, an ultimatum is considered equal to a proper declaration. Miso,. Constitution could only be done by Congress; the last time that Congress made a formal declaration of war was for World War II). Edamame,. For instance, the United States never formally declared war on Iraq (which under the U.S.

              Bean products:

                . Variance in the use of the 'Iraq war' term can be traced to basic differences in the operative definition for 'war' and 'occupation'; as well as the understanding of 'political authority' and 'sovereignty'. Beans (soy, adzuki). . Meats (pork, beef, chicken, horse), sometimes as minchi (minced meat). The Iraq War or War in Iraq1,2 is both an informal and a formal American term for the military conflict in Iraq including the 2003 Invasion of Iraq by the United States and United Kingdom, overthrow of the governing dictatorship, occupation and subsequent military activities by US, UK and other forces.3. Eggs (chicken, quail). NewsMax.com Wires, Friday, 14 January 2005.

                Noodles (udon, soba, somen, ramen). ^  "President Regrets 'Bring 'Em On'". Satsuma-age. 30 April 2004 6:54 AM. kamaboko,. USA TODAY. dried cuttlefish,. ^  Soriano, Cesar G., and Steven Komarow, "Poll: Iraqis out of patience".

                niboshi,. globalsecurity.org. chikuwa,. ^  "Operation Iraqi Freedom Maps". Processed seafood:

                  . Time Magazine, Thursday, 10 April 2003. others; see Category:Sea vegetables. could soon find itself policing an ugly brawl".

                  hijiki,. The U.S. wakame,. ^  Karon, Tony, "Why Turks and Kurds Prize Kirkuk : Kurdish fighters have captured Kirkuk and Turkey is agitated. konbu,. CNN Washington Bureau, Wednesday, October 29, 2003. nori,. ^ , Dana, Bash, "White House pressed on 'mission accomplished' sign; Navy suggested it, White House made it, both sides say".

                  seaweed:

                    . gallup-international. Tsukemono (pickled vegetables). ^  "Post War Iraq Poll". shimeji. gallup-international. nameko,. ^  "Iraq Poll 2003".

                    enokitake,. New Statesman, 30 May 2005. matsutake,. ^  Smith, Michael, "The war before the war". shiitake,. whitehouse.gov, February 5, 2003. Mushrooms:

                      . Security Council".

                      Konnyaku (shirataki). Secretary of State Colin Powell Addresses the U.N. Sansai (wild vegetables). ^  "U.S. moyashi (mung or soybean sprouts). state.gov (Washington, DC), February 20, 2003. fuki (butterbur),. Powell, "Interview On BBC's NewsNight".

                      negi (Welsh onion),. ^  Secretary Colin L. takenoko (bamboo shoots),. An Ounce of Prevention- Looting of Munitions- Sept 2005. renkon (lotus root),. USAToday, 8 September 2005. sweet potato,. speech a 'blot' on his record".

                      daikon,. ^  "Powell calls pre-Iraq U.N. gobo (burdock),. ^  Hague Convention relative to the Opening of Hostilities, article one. eggplant,. Note 3: The term "multinational" in Multinational forces in Iraq is criticized due to the fact that most participating nations' troop contributions were vestigial when 98% of the invading forces were provided by the United States and the United Kingdom. cucumber,. Note 2: "War" is often written in lowercase, such as in "Iraq war", to indicate informal status or to distinguish its definition from the formal variant (as in "Iraq War").

                      spinach,. These terms are less frequently used today than "the Iraq War," "the war in Iraq," "War of Iraq," "the war on Iraq," or "Bush's War of 2003" (the last two used particularly by anti-war activists). nira (Chinese chives),. Note 1: The conflict is also commonly referred to as Gulf War II or the Second Gulf War to distinguish it from the Persian Gulf War of 1991. Vegetables:

                        . Operation Red Dawn (13 December 2003). Mochi rice (glutinous rice). Operation Planet X (15 May 2003).

                        Short or medium grain white rice. to help the Iraqi people create conditions for a transition to a representative self-government. Rice

                          . to secure Iraq's oil fields and resources, which belong to the Iraqi people. This is called toshi koshi soba (年越しそば) (literally "year crossing soba"). to end sanctions and to immediately deliver humanitarian support to the displaced and to many needy Iraqi citizens. Soba - New Year's Eve. to collect such intelligence as we can related to the global network of illicit weapons of mass destruction.

                          Sekihan, cooked rice with adzuki - celebration in general. to collect such intelligence as we can related to terrorist networks. Hamo (a kind of fish) and somen - Gion Festival. to search for, to capture and to drive out terrorists from that country. Chimaki (steamed sweet rice cake) - Tango no Sekku and Gion Festival. to identify, isolate and eliminate Iraq's weapons of mass destruction. botamochi (sticky rice dumpling with sweet azuki paste) - Spring equinox. to end the regime of Saddam Hussein.

                          Chirashizushi, clear soup of crumbs and amazake - Hinamatsuri. [12]). Osechi - New Year. There was "no indication [Iraq had] resumed fissile material or nuclear weapon research and development activities since 1991" (though there was extensive amount of "documents and equipment, hidden in scientists' homes, that would have been useful in resuming uranium enrichment by centrifuge and electromagnetic isotope separation"[11] and a "number of post-1995 activities that would have aided the reconstitution of the nuclear weapons program once sanctions were lifted". No senior Iraqi official interviewed by the ISG believed that Saddam had forsaken WMD forever;. Security Council member states;.

                          Iraq used procurement contracts allowed under the Oil for Food program to buy influence among U.N. Iraq had intended to restart all banned weapons programs as soon as multilateral sanctions against it had been dropped, a prospect that the Iraqi government saw coming soon;. Iraq's main goal was to end sanctions while preserving the capability to reconstitute WMD production;. invasion force, in order to prevent a coup over the prospects of fighting the U.S.-led Coalition without these weapons;.

                          Saddam Hussein convinced his top military commanders that Iraq did indeed possess WMD that could be used against any U.S. suitable for continuing chemical biological weapons research");. that contained equipment .. Iraq had destroyed its stockpiles of biological and chemical weapons after the Gulf War [10](but discoveries made by the ISG include a "clandestine network of laboratories ..

                          Iraq. Chile. Mexico. Brazil.

                          The Vatican. Luxembourg. Switzerland. Belgium.

                          New Zealand. Canada. France. Sweden.

                          Germany. Morocco. Pakistan. China.

                          Russia. The majority of the 114 governments of the Non-Aligned Movement. evidence of fraud, incompetence, and inefficiency of the "reconstruction" (eg., Halliburton, reused MREs, etc.),. evidence of war crimes (eg., Abu Ghraib, indiscriminate bombing, extra-judicial killings, intentional targeting of civilians, etc.), and.

                          lack of evidence of weapons of mass destruction,. evidence of local activity of paramilitary and militant groups (commonly known as the "insurgency" and, at other times, the "resistance"), political dissidence, and non-violent protests,. "colonize the government", blanket and unconditional diplomatic immunity for soldiers, etc.),. the colonialist character of the occupation (i.e.

                          changes and conflicts in the publicly stated goals of the war and later occupation,. the sectarian factionalism,. the previous changing status of the local government,. its protracted nature, being defined by the continued dominant presence of coalition soldiers (in particular, United States units),.

                          Promoting democratic self-government in the nearly-entirely autocratic Arab Middle East. That the Hussein regime had ties to al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations that posed a threat to international safety;[4]; and,. Iraqi government had failed to comply with 19 UN resolutions requiring a full accounting of its weapons of mass destruction and full cooperation with UN inspections.[2][3]. Hussein's regime produced and possessed stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction and posed a threat to the U.S.

                          The reason was however obviated by the Bush administration itself, who set a deadline while inspectors were active in Iraq. The Hussein regime was in violation of United Nations demands for weapons inspections.