Japanese Pancake
Okonomiyaki is a crepe-like pancake that has been evolving since the Edo period (1683-1868). During World War II, there was a scarcity of rice and residents had to be creative with readily available ingredients. The wheat pancake was an ideal snack. After World War II, meat, fish, and vegetables were added and okonomiyaki continues to grow in popularity as chefs tweak the recipes and sauces to suit the taste of the customer.
I enjoyed seafood okonomiyaki in a restaurant in Hiroshima.
The basic batter is flour, eggs, and water. My friend adds grated nagaimo, a Japanese mountain yam, to the batter. Layers of shredded cabbage and bean sprouts as well as meat are often added.
Source: http://okonomiyakiworld.com/Okonomiyaki-History.html