I’m beyond excited to share something special today! As some of you know, I had the incredible opportunity to illustrate the children’s book A Very Asian Guide to Japanese Food. This fun, colorful book introduces young readers to the world of Japanese food and culture in a way that’s both playful and educational. It’s a project that’s close to my heart, and I’m so grateful for the chance to bring this unique story to life.
To make this blog post even more exciting, I had the pleasure of speaking with the author, Naoko Takei Moore, about the inspiration behind the book, her own food memories, and what Japanese food culture means to her. I asked her five questions, and her answers were not only thoughtful but deeply inspiring. I’m thrilled to share some of our conversation with you!
From Childhood Memories to Favorite Dishes
Q1: What was your favorite food when you were a child?
Naoko's answer:"I always loved my mom’s rice dishes. Chirashi Sushi was my favorite for birthdays and celebrations—it always felt so special."
Chirashi Sushi is a colorful, layered dish with sushi rice topped with a variety of ingredients like fish, vegetables, and eggs. For Naoko, it wasn’t just about the flavors—it was a dish tied to family celebrations and joyous memories.
Isn’t it amazing how food can hold such powerful memories? For Naoko, Chirashi Sushi wasn’t just delicious—it was a symbol of love, family, and happy moments shared around the table.
A Simple Comfort: Miso Soup
Q2: What is your current favorite food, or do you have a go-to Japanese dish you recommend?
Naoko's answer:"As I grow older, I realize more and more that I can’t live without miso soup. I especially love a simple daikon miso soup and usually add tofu or wakame, depending on my mood."
Miso soup is a dish that’s close to Naoko’s heart. It’s comforting, easy to make, and always satisfying. There’s something about the simplicity of miso soup—it’s nourishing, full of umami, and so versatile. I can definitely relate to that! Whether it's a busy day or a quiet evening, miso soup is always there to offer a warm hug in a bowl.
The Heart of Japanese Cuisine: Gratitude
Q3: In line with the theme of your book, A Very Asian Guide to Japanese Food, is there something specific you value or want to convey through Japanese cuisine?
Naoko's answer:"In Japanese culture, we say short prayers—'Itadakimasu' before every meal and 'Gochisosama deshita' after. These phrases express respect and gratitude for the ingredients, the growers, the cook, and the entire process that made the meal possible. I say these prayers even when I have a simple meal alone. I think this mindset is important and beautiful."
This deep sense of gratitude is one of the things that inspired me while illustrating the book. The words “Itadakimasu” and “Gochisosama deshita” are not just traditions; they are powerful reminders to honor the food and the effort that goes into preparing it. Whether you’re enjoying a simple bowl of miso soup or a grand feast, taking a moment to express gratitude makes every meal feel special.
The Joys and Challenges of Sharing Japanese Food
Q4: What do you find to be the joys and challenges of introducing Japanese food culture to others?
Naoko's answer:"One of the joys is sharing the deep connection Japanese food has with the seasons—it's something I truly cherish. However, it can be challenging to convey this to those who haven’t experienced the diverse and highly seasonal dishes of Japan firsthand, as the flavors and traditions are so deeply tied to the local environment and culture."
Naoko’s passion for seasonal eating shines through in her words. In Japan, food is incredibly connected to nature—the flavors change with the seasons, and every dish has a time and place. I think it’s one of the most beautiful aspects of Japanese cuisine, and it’s something I tried to highlight in the illustrations of the book. Food isn’t just about taste—it’s about honoring the rhythm of nature.
What’s Next for Naoko?
Q5: Are there any upcoming projects or activities you'd like to share with my readers?
Naoko's answer:"I’m excited to share that I’ll be starting work on a new cookbook soon! It’s scheduled to be published in 2026."
I can’t wait to see what Naoko will create next! If her children’s book is any indication, her cookbook will be filled with both delicious recipes and meaningful cultural insights. I know I’m not the only one eagerly awaiting its release. And if you haven’t already, definitely check out her DONABE Cookbook, which has become a huge hit and is truly amazing. If you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend it—it's an inspiring read with wonderful recipes and stories about Japanese cooking traditions.
You can also grab a signed copy (wow!) of A Very Asian Guide to Japanese Food directly from Naoko’s TOIRO online shop.
And, of course, you can also find A Very Asian Guide to Japanese Food at Gloo Books and Amazon.
About Naoko Takei Moore
Naoko Takei Moore is an acclaimed expert in donabe (Japanese clay pot) and Japanese
home cooking, based in Los Angeles, California. Originally from Tokyo, Japan, she is the
author of the popular cookbook Donabe: Classic and Modern Japanese Clay Pot
Cooking (Ten Speed Press, 2015) and the children’s book A Very Asian Guide to Japanese
Food (Gloo Books, November 2024). Naoko is the owner of TOIRO, an online and brick-andmortar
shop in West Hollywood that specializes in traditional donabe, Japanese kitchen
tools, and artisan tableware sourced from across Japan. Her company also serves as the
oTicial U.S. representative and distributor of Nagatani-en, an artisan donabe producer
since 1832 in Iga, Japan. Naoko is celebrated for her donabe cooking classes, Japanese
cooking workshops, and media appearances, where she shares her passion for Japanese
food culture. Her work has been featured in major outlets including The New York
Times and The Los Angeles Times. Naoko’s mission is to spread the joy of donabe cooking
and the rich traditions of Japanese cuisine and healthy lifestyle to the world.
(TOIRO website: toirokitchen.com | Instagram: @mrsdonabe)
A huge thank you to Naoko for taking the time to answer my questions and for sharing her thoughts with all of you. Her passion for Japanese food and culture is truly inspiring, and it was an honor to work with her on this project.
If you haven’t had a chance to check out A Very Asian Guide to Japanese Food, I highly recommend it. It’s a great way to introduce young readers (and adults, too!) to the joys of Japanese cuisine. Whether you're curious about the food itself or the cultural practices behind it, this book is a wonderful starting point.
And of course, stay tuned for Naoko’s upcoming cookbook—I know it’s going to be something special!
Thanks for reading, and I hope this blog post helps you feel a little more connected to the world of Japanese food. If you have any questions or thoughts, feel free to drop them in the comments below. Until next time!
November, 18, 2024
留言