Japanese country-style eggplant: nasu no inaka ni

Ingredients

• 8 Japanese eggplants or one large eggplant
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 teaspoon chili pepper flakes, to taste
• 1 packet dried bonaito flakes
• 3 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons mirin
• 1 cup water