If you have visited Japan, lived there, or had personal or business relationships with Japanese people, you know that Japan and the Japanese are special.

FORBES: Hello Forbes Readers! About Whither Japan

In Brazil, you are home to the largest Japanese population outside of Japan.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Speaks to the People of Brazil

The Japanese tend to think that, once you apologize, you are forgiven.

CNN: 'Let's Stop Apologizing'

To make this dashi, simmer kombu (a dried seaweed) and bonito (dried tuna belly flakes). (Both ingredients are available at most Japanese markets and some specialty stores.) If you can't find kombu, Ms. Schwertner suggests using dried shiitake mushrooms, which impart a similar umami flavor.

WSJ: Amaryll Schwertner's Poached Halibut in Dashi With Leeks, Sweet Potatoes and Sesame Seeds | Slow Food Fast

Japanese cameras are among the finest you can get, used by professionals the world over.

ECONOMIST: Genichi Kawakami