About us
Story
A Symbiosis of Senses
In the vibrant culinary scene of Berlin, two chefs met by a twist of fate. Sharing a similar and profound philosophy of food, they felt the limitations of their solitary paths and were naturally drawn together to create something greater.
Risa brings a razor-sharp aesthetic for "Health and Beauty." Her cuisine is designed to align the body from within, bringing forth a sense of dignified, radiant vitality.
Yumi carries the legacy of her mother’s seasoned techniques—warm, artisanal handwork infused with deep compassion for others.
When these two distinct backgrounds resonate, a dining table transcends being a mere place for food; it becomes a sublime space where beauty, joy, and the soul can breathe deeply.
At the heart of their work lies Japanese tradition and the spirit of Japanese cuisine. By weaving in the seasonal bounty of specific localities they create a gentle harmony, expressing it through entirely new culinary creations.
The Dialogue with Nature: Fermentation as a Way of Life
Through the act of "hand-making" living miso and seasonings from rice koji, Risa and Yumi cultivate a mindful daily practice. It is a process of recognizing that we are sustained by nature and its ingredients—a quiet contemplation of what it means to be truly "alive" in this very moment.
An Unforgettable Culinary Experience
By facing each ingredient with sincerity and devotion, a quiet yet powerful flavor emerges. It is an experience that awakens a profound connection to nature and the tactile sensation of living with intention. The cuisine of Risa and Yumi is more than a meal; it is a moment of holistic fulfillment that lingers in the memory long after the last bite.
Risa Nagahama
Born in Tokyo to artist parents, she grew up surrounded by a profound sense of aesthetic beauty.
After working as an aesthetician in Japan, she moved to Paris on a working holiday, immersing herself in the art and gastronomy of Paris. She then gained experience in hospitality within the world of gastronomy before eventually relocating to Berlin with her husband.
A personal health crisis became the turning point in her life. A transformative three-week dietary detox awakened her to the vital importance of food, leading her to pursue a culinary career. Starting with vegan and vegetarian cuisine, her relentless curiosity eventually led to the publication of her own cookbooks. "Easy Peasy", "Evergreens", "JAPAN Die 5 Geheimnisse der japanischen Küche".
Once in Berlin, she faced a scarcity of the authentic, live-culture miso and shio-koji she loved. Driven by this, she took matters into her own hands and began crafting her own flavorful ferments from scratch.
Recognizing that there are 'shadows of the heart' that nourishment alone cannot heal, she endured a long, arduous, and profound journey of dissolution—a process through which she finally awakened to her true calling as a shaman.
As an author, food stylist, and private chef for exclusive dining, collaborational events etc., she specializes in cuisine that connects heaven, earth, and humanity, naturally harmonizing the body and mind of the diner.
Yumi Tanaka
Born and raised amidst the lush nature of Saitama and Nagano, Yumi grew up in a household where food was a language of love. Under the guidance of her mother—a nutritionist and middle school home economics teacher—and her grandmother, she mastered the fundamentals of cooking and learned the profound importance of nourishment.
Her journey then led her to Italy to study Art History. After gaining professional experience and becoming a mother in Rome, she eventually relocated to Berlin for her children. It was within the challenges of life in a foreign land that her desire to "deliver moments of peace through food" truly deepened.
Yumi’s cuisine is a beautiful marriage of the reliable techniques passed down from her mother and a nurturing spirit that gently embraces the diner. Her dishes evoke a sense of nostalgia and provide a quiet, grounding sense of security.
Currently based in Berlin, she works as a private chef supporting offices, elderly residents, and families with children, as well as catering private events. Through her cooking, she creates spaces where people can naturally find rest and connect with one another.