The Little Orangey is a family story.

Orangey Kitchen is a place where we share recipes, culture and smile,

from our family, team and friends. 

 I embarked on an exciting mission of finding recipes that are authentic yet simple, mostly replicable at people's home,

with the intention of creating a special place for people around the world,

learn to cook homestyle Japanese meals and have a good time!

I'm happy to share my simple approach to Japanese Home Cooking.

 I'm also keen to demystify whole misconception that sometimes surrounds Japanese food and culture. 

 My name is Masumi, I was born in Osaka and currently living in Nara, Japan.

Nearly half a century ago, I went to the US through an exchange student program for two years and came back to Japan after graduating from high school in northern part of California.

I joined my family company in the costume jewelry business, I've had a lot of great opportunities visiting European countries to get inspired and Asian countries to learn about the general business, manufacturing and trading for over 20 years. 

Last 10 years, I traveled to the UK, France and Spain with my son for cultural experience and pleasure. I also started antiquing in the UK, sometimes in France and Belgium while my son joined summer school in the UK, I just love taking trains crossing countries and antiquing.

By the way, I have an Instagram account @antiques_styles , self-tought flower arranging with antiques and glasses, in case you are interested:)

Through these opportunities, I had enjoyed the experiences of visiting those local cuisine, stalls to fancy restaurants in each countries I've visited, and gathering around a table for home cooked meal where I home-stayed.

I also discovered 'Japanese Restaurants' in different countries. Very much impressed to find, in these years, many people enjoy Japanese cuisine with SAKE, and using chopsticks effortlessly, finding Japanese food and ingredients in the local supermarkets, which was something I was not able to encounter when I once lived in the US or traveled some European countries a few decades ago. 

At the same time, I have encountered some misinterpretation in recipes  which are missing small but very important keys for Japanese cuisine.

Thus, I thought of sharing some simple techniques and basic core principles of Japanese home style cooking for people to enjoy Japanese authentic flavors.