I loved collaborating with my friend Akiko Kurematsu on her first cookbook, Mother Tongue - a beautiful exploration of Japanese home cooking passed down through generations.

As an avid cook and devoted reader (and collector) of cookbooks, I was more than happy to edit Akiko’s thoughtful writing and delicious recipes.

Mother Tongue traces its roots back to a book written by Akiko’s mother, Kozue, which documents her grandmother Fusae’s recipes. Written during the global pandemic in 2020, the cookbook reflects Akiko’s journey of adapting her family’s recipes using the ingredients, produce and tools available in her new home of Aotearoa New Zealand. She also refined them for a new generation - one that values local, sustainable and mindful eating.

Filled with nostalgic childhood memories, the book features around 50 recipes, from the basics - like perfectly fluffy rice, miso soup and simple salads - to stand-alone dishes such as okonomiyaki and soba. Every recipe is designed to be made easily, without the need for specialised equipment or hard-to-find ingredients.

Mother Tongue is available to buy here (and I highly recommend you do!).

Client: Akiko Kurematsu
Design: Felix Henning-Tapley
Photography: Harry Were