A woman picking ripe red apples from an apple tree in an orchard on a sunny day.

ABOUT Azusa

Hello! I’m Azusa, a home cook based in California. I share easy and tasty Japanese recipes made with simple, accessible ingredients, often featuring plenty of vegetables.

Two young children, one pulling a toy stroller with a child in it, walk on a park pathway surrounded by trees and grass.

Young boy eating a slice of pie at a table with striped tablecloth, sunlight casting shadows on wall.

A child in a yellow shirt is eating a bowl of noodle soup with chopsticks, with an egg and green onions in the broth.

I grew up in a small town in Japan.

My love for cooking started early. I began exploring the kitchen at around five or six, learning how to make classic Japanese dishes. By the time I was in high school, I was preparing bento boxes for my family every day.

During my college years in Kyoto, I took a little break from cooking, enjoying life in the city and eating out with friends. After graduating, I started working in Tokyo, then an unexpected job opportunity brought me to Hawaii, my first home in the U.S. Eventually, I settled in California, where I now live with my family.

I truly returned to the kitchen after becoming a mom. With three kids, cooking became more than a hobby.

I started my blog Okawari Recipes with two goals in mind:

To pass down Japanese food culture and family recipes to my children
To inspire others to explore simple, and tasty Japanese home cooking

Woman smiling and preparing food in a kitchen with potted plants and a fireplace in the background.

The name “Okawari” (おかわり) in Japanese means “more food” or “second serving” . I chose it because I wanted to share recipes your family will love so much that they’ll ask for seconds, and dishes you’ll want to make again and again.

My recipes are straightforward, cozy, made with everyday ingredients, and approved by my kids :)

I hope these recipes bring you inspiration, make your busy days a little easier, and fill your table with more smiles.

Outside the kitchen, I love traveling. I’ve been to Australia, England, Portugal, Austria, and Thailand, and I now visit Japan every year to discover local food culture and hidden gems. You can explore my travel blog here

Thank you so much for stopping by!

with love,