About

Zen in Onigiri (ZIO) is a little journey into Japan’s plant-based culture — seen through the eyes of a local, from cozy kitchens and grassroots restaurants and cafes to the simple joy of sharing meals.

Here, I share stories from my perspective as a local Japanese flexitarian — everything from home-cooked recipes and seasonal ingredients to the passionate people behind plant-based eateries, local farms, and hidden gems.

Whether you’re already plant-based, just curious, or looking for a peaceful moment, I hope these glimpses of Japan bring a bit of warmth to your day!

• Born and raised in Nagano, Japan
• Began a flexitarian lifestyle in 2018, while I was in the Netherlands
• Currently working in B2B sales at a Tokyo-based condiment company
• With roots in plant-based cooking from a university club I started