The Most Important Person in Japanese Food You’ve Never Heard Of

Saori Kawano, founder of Korin Inc., revolutionized the American culinary scene by introducing authentic Japanese knives, kitchen tools, and tableware in 1978, leading to the popularity of Japanese cuisine among big-name chefs and restaurants. Through her TriBeCa showroom, she has cultivated a vast network of connections and knowledge, fueling the rise of Japanese food in the United States and establishing herself as a crucial link between the American and Japanese culinary worlds. Ms. Kawano’s dedication, persistence, and expertise have played a significant role in shaping the modern culinary conversation between Western and Japanese chefs, ultimately contributing to the recognition of washoku as an Intangible Cultural Heritage tradition by UNESCO.

Full Article