This is a revised version of the long-selling Kodansha International title, updated in many places to include all the new areas of interest in Japanese food. It is designed to help those travelling to Japan, as well to help the many visitors to Japanese restaurants worldwide who would like more knowledge about the restaurants, the menus and the ordering process in the Japanese language. The purpose of this book is to act as both a translator and a tour guide to the world of Japanese food, explaining not only what to order but also how to order it. By referring to the sample menus, restaurant goers can immediately read and understand most Japanese menus, even if they can't speak a word of Japanese. This book, however, also introduces the many interesting specialty cuisines of Japan, explaining the different cooking styles and ingredients used. It offers insights into culinary customs and history, as well as some of the finer points of food preparation. It also includes an extensive phrase section that can be used in restaurants, and a special glossary filled with food terms and their corresponding Japanese characters, making this a comprehensive reference source as well as an easy-to-use introductory guide.