<P>This compilation of recipes makes Japanese cooking accessible, even to beginners. With its easy-to-follow dishes for Japanese-cuisine novices and inventive dishes which encourage experienced chefs to further master their skills, this book demonstrates how simple it is to prepare simple, elegant meals with an authentic Japanese flair. Adapted from recipes made famous at the restaurant Hirozen Gourmet, this cookbook features a combination of traditional and original recipes that chronicle Mr. Obayashi's inventiveness in the kitchen. From its detailed instructions on how to prepare rice and create basic broths to creating sukiyaki and exquisite sushi dishes, this cookbook contains a balanced mixture of recipes that are accessible to those just learning and challenging to those more proficient in the art of cooking. </P>