Akemi Yokoyama
Akemi Yokoyama is a highly respected Japanese food specialist, chef, presenter, writer, and educator based in London. Her deep understanding of Japanese food provenance stems from her upbringing in Hokkaido, where, under her father's guidance, she spent her childhood foraging, fishing, and developing a profound appreciation for Japan's seasonal ingredients and culinary traditions.
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As Principal of Sozai Cooking School, Akemi leads acclaimed Japanese cookery classes that have earned praise from UK national media. Her expertise has been featured on major television and radio programmes, including Channel 4's 'Sunday Brunch', CBBC's 'Saturday Mash-Up,' BBC Radio 4's 'Front Row,' and Channel 5's 'Faking It!', where she appeared as a panel judge identifying the fake sushi chef. Alongside teaching, she is also a sought-after private chef, creating authentic and refined Japanese dining experiences.
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A passionate ambassador for Japanese food culture, Akemi regularly collaborates with Japanese government organisations and industry partners to promote washoku, sake, and traditional Japanese culinary techniques throughout the UK and Europe. She has a particular passion for Japanese fermentation, producing a wide range of traditional Japanese seasonings at home—including multiple styles of miso, shoyu-based condiments, and other fermented foods—while continually researching and practising time-honoured fermentation and preservation techniques.
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Combining historical insight, technical expertise, and engaging storytelling, Akemi brings Japanese cuisine to life for both professionals and home cooks alike. Her mission is to preserve and share the depth, craftsmanship, and cultural significance of Japan's culinary heritage with audiences around the world.
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Professional Affiliations & Qualifications
* Committee Member, Japanese Culinary Academy EU
* Certified Miso Sommelier, Japan
* Certified Koji Making Instructor, The Koji Academy, Japan
* International Wine Challenge (IWC) Sake Judge
* Culinary Committee Member, British Sake Association
Upcoming lessons
Take your sushi-making skills to the next level in this immersive full-day...
If you love ramen and would like to learn how to make an authentic bowl...
If you are making sushi rolls for the first time or would like to master the...
The masterclass is excellent in so many ways I don't know where to start! A maximum of 5 or 6 students in an informal kitchen setting means it is very personal, with lots of time to ask questions and get help; a fantastic chef who guides you through every step of filleting fish, making the all-important rice, slicing the fish, preparing condiments and assembling each piece; plus an abundance of background knowledge, experience and culture.
All in all, a fantastic course for beginners like me, or experienced chefs looking to expand their horizons.
Akemi was fantastic - thank you for a great afternoon!!
A really brilliant class with Akemi - learnt to so much through hands on experience and expert tuition. Highly recommended!
I am very happy to have attended this workshop. Ideal for begginers that want to learn nerikiri modeling. Personnel was very sweet and helpful. All materials were available. If you like nerikiri this is a good place to start!