Women of Taste was a monthly series at The Japan Times that introduced notable women working in the food industry in Japan. It ran from September 2019 through March 2021 and showcased eighteen women creating, organizing, baking, fermenting, and brewing among others.
Women of Taste has now shifted to an occasional column, but I’m always happy to learn about more women and their work. Contact me if you know someone or if you are one! English or Japanese is ok!
Takako Yoshino’s Growing Community of Farmers
In Oiso, Lee Utsumi’s Organic Bakery is On the Rise
Chie Nishimura: Reducing Food Waste Jar by Jar
Tokiko Iino: Appetizing Tales Begin with the Plate
Marie-Josee Laforest: Harvesting the Rewards of Organic Permaculture
For Chef Yoko Higuchi, Honesty is the Best Policy
Elizabeth Andoh: Writer, Chef, World-renowned Washoku Expert
Not a Sake Lover? You Just Haven’t Met Yuki Imanishi
Yubako Kamohara: Taking Center Counter at Tsurutokame
Yuri Nomura: The Interplay Between Good Food and a Good Life
Masayo Funakoshi: Making a Place for Art in the Kitchen
The Ever-Evolving Curiosity of Ayako Suwa
Keiko Seto Pushes the Limits of Vegan Food
Dawn Club Culinary Group Shines a Light on Tsugaru’s Traditional Cuisine
Want a Deeper Understanding of Tokyo’s Culinary Landscape? Just Ask Yukari Sakamoto
VinVie Breathes Life (and Cider) Into Matsukawa
Yoko Nagatomo Shiomi: An Unusual Heir to a 144-Year-Old Miso Brewery
Joan D. Bailey 