• Japanese-inspired food is perfect for parties.sushi image by Mareen Friedrich from Fotolia.com
  
  You can eat more than sushi and enjoy the benefits of healthy living Japanese-style. Hosting a Japanese-themed party does not have to mean labor-intensive recipes; you can find quick and easy ways to entertain your guests with this theme in mind.
  
  

Yakitori

• Yakitori, grilled chicken skewers, is a popular Japanese fare.skewers image by Jaroslav Machacek from Fotolia.com
  
  Cherry Blossom Viewing parties, also known as Hanami, are often held in parks with family, friends, and sometimes coworkers in attendance. Yakitori, grilled chicken skewers, are one of the premiere items on the menu at a Cherry Blossom event. The chicken is coated in a mixture of mirin, soy sauce, sugar and garlic while it grills.
  
  

Ozoni

• The Japanese New Year, also known as Oshogatsu, is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Japan. Since it was typically taboo to cook on New Year's Day, many of the dishes are prepared ahead of time using preservatives and cooking practices that allow them to have longer lasting quality. Ozoni, also known as Good Luck New Year's Day Soup, is traditionally the first meal offering in Japanese culture. It's often a clear broth with mochi rice cakes. Sometimes meat, such as chicken or fish are added.
  
  

Cucumber Salad

• Japanese cucumber salad is the perfect recipe if you are short on time. If you can seed cucumbers, you can enjoy this scrumptious Japanese delicacy. The sliced cucumbers pieces are marinated in a mixture of sugar (or honey), soy sauce, rice wine vinegar and seasame oil to produce an authentic Japanese flavor.