Mila, and her family, are of Russian decent.  There are no accents or anything like that, but her mom has a tendency to make traditional Russian cuisine, a lot.  Things like like Pelmini (think Gnocchi), Bilini (think small wheat pancake with a sweet sour cream on top of it), or Pirozhki (basically a bun with meat inside kind of like a Hot Pocket, but fresh and much tastier). would've either been served to the girls while they were at Mila's house, or brought for any potluck/bake sale type thing that may've happened.<br/><br/>I'm not sure Mila would've had interest in Japanese culture at 10 (definitely would have as she got older).  She would've thought it was cool, but she would've just assumed it was part of life, instead of understanding the significance.<br/><br/>Perhaps their parents met at a PTA meeting or (whatever Canada's equivalent is) and were invited to experience a tea ceremony.  Mila's parents knowing how important culture is, brought Mila.  Mila recognized Ophelia from recess and thought it was the coolest thing and that she was dressed so pretty, and that's what started their friendship?