Authentic Japanese cuisine is coming to town during “Taste Japan,” and the organizers said they see a dire need for it in Wareham. At least Renee Walsh, a WCTV employee and fourth year chef at “Tastes and Sounds,” sincerely thinks so.

“I love Japanese food - a lot. And I think people here benefit from experiencing the different flavors. That's what Tastes and Sounds has always been. It's always been bringing something else to the local area,” she said.

Taste Japan, a four-course plated meal with authentic Japanese cuisine, will occur on May 21 this year, a switch-up from the usual September date. The dinner is hosted at Salerno's, and since the restaurant is so busy during September, it had to be moved earlier in the year. The event is in its 11th year. Another change is in the name and composition of the event.

“We used to have bands, but we stopped doing that because that's what the people wanted,” said Sally Morrison, coordinator of Massachusetts Children's Relief and director of the event. “There will be related music. We just found that people on the dining end want to eat, have fun, and talk with other people."

Walsh stepped into the kitchen of “Tastes and Sounds of...” three years ago, when she first moved here. Now, the event name is shortened to “Taste Japan,” or whatever country will come next. It was by her suggestion (more like begging, Walsh said) that Morrison decided to bring Japan to the table this year.

Walsh was described by Morrison as being “over the moon” about the event. The dishes she will help make are “the most complex, time-consuming dishes we've ever done,” Morrison said.

“I gave Sally a list of all the recipes that I thought would be original, and then she picked and chose what would make the final cut,” said Walsh.

To make authentic food, they needed authentic ingredients. Walsh and Morrison have gone on grocery trips together in the past few weeks, gathering all the ingredients necessary. They travelled to Quincy and several other places in the Boston area.

“We're finding that a lot of people have never had Japanese food. Some have even said I don't want all that raw food. They think that its going to be an entire evening of sushi. Only one of the sushi is raw,” Morrison said about the menu. “We try to be true to the Japanese cuisine, but also knowing its going to be a first experience for a lot of people. For people who love Japanese food, its going to be spot on.”

Walsh is one of those people, and she will be in the kitchen preparing each one of the dishes for the event. Though she presents herself as shy and timid, according to Morrison, Walsh is completely different in the kitchen.

“According to Sally, she'd never seen me so forceful,” said Walsh. “If I haven't met you, then I literally stand in a corner and just creep over.”

The shy girl moved to town four years ago, after marrying a Wareham native. Her hometown is Santa Barbara, where she recalls going to farmers markets several days a week.

Tickets to the event are $40 and are available at Gallery Consignment Shoppe, Plymouth County Teachers Federal Credit Union and Music of the Bay until May 20 at noon. Tickets cost $45 at the door. Dinner includes 10 dishes, six side dishes, three desserts donated by Artisan's Bakery and Shortcakes of Wareham and sorbet. The meal includes beer and wine tastings. The event will feature door prizes and a silent auction.

The function begins at 6:30 p.m. at Salerno Seaside Function Facility in Onset. Event proceeds benefit Turning Point Day Resource Center for the Homeless and Nearly Homeless, Wareham High School’s Best Buddies and Trey Miranda.

For tickets and menu information, contact Sally Morrison at sammorrison@comcast.net or 508-295-7410.