Usukuchi soy sauce is both saltier and lighter in color than regular soy sauce also known as koikuchi soy sauce. It is often used in the Kansai region and will help to retain the colors of this dish.
Alternatively, lotus root, boiled bamboo shoot, aburaage, thin deep-fried tofu, chicken or pork can be used.
This recipe is very helpful when making a bento or to add another side dish to a meal.
Gomoku means 5 ingredients or more than 5 ingredients and mama means beans, which is why this dish is called Gomoku-mame.