Hi, I’m Grace Koyama! Welcome to Umami & Harmony!
I live in the U.S. with my husband and our son, who fills our days with joy and energy. As a full-time working mom, life gets busy, but I never want to give up cooking for my family or enjoying a healthy diet. I’m always exploring ways to make Japanese home cooking speedy and simple with ingredients I can find locally—while still keeping the authentic flavors and taste of home.
Food has always been a big part of my life. I come from a family that loves to travel and eat, and I was lucky to grow up experiencing a wide variety of cuisines and cultures. My father’s side once ran a ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn), and their deep appreciation for quality ingredients and thoughtful cooking continues to inspire me today.
I’m originally from Japan, and that background is at the heart of everything I cook and share here. Later, my passion for food took me to New York City, where I earned my Master’s degree in Food Studies at NYU. There, I explored everything from global food cultures to nutrition and food policy—an experience that deepened my love for sharing food stories.
This blog is my way of bringing those flavors and experiences to your table, with approachable recipes inspired by Japanese home cooking and dishes I’ve discovered around the world. I hope it helps you find inspiration for everyday meals, no matter how busy life gets.
Thanks so much for being here!