Sushi can be blocks of molded rice topped with bits of garnish or rolled in dried seaweed that encloses the filling. A strong spice unique to Japan with a bright green color and flavor comparable to horseradish, wasabi is hard to find fresh, but most markets carry powdered wasabi or wasabi paste. Reconstitute the powdered kind with a small amount of tepid water and allow to stand for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. Sold in Asian markets and some supermarkets. When making rolled sushi, the shiny side should be on the outside, the rough side next to the filling.
Japan is a most interesting country geographically.
It is 1800 miles in length, but only 200 miles across at its widest point. It has climates that vary from snow bound winters in the north to humid subtropical weather in the south. Although there are more than 4000 small islands that make up Japan, the 4 largest ones are Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. There is a love of privacy and understanding of minimization from computer chips to bonsai to the small lacquer trays neatly divided holding small portions of exquisite food. Japanese food often looks like a still life painting.