Our Team
Meet the Team
We are all looking forward to welcoming you!
President
Shigehiko Yamada
I was born in Kyoto and moved from Tokyo to Kanazawa because of love for old houses and founded Kohaku Inc.in 2018. Before founding the company, I worked in business development in Africa, Middle East, and Latin America at a trading company (Shosha) and in various reforms at a consulting firm. My hobbies are watching movies, art, and plants, traveling, reading, and running. In addition to work, I'm also involved in efforts to preserve and pass on old private homes and eliminate vacant houses.
Director / Culinary expert
Naoko Taniguchi
Director
Hiroaki Araki
Marketing / PR
Chiho Hashimoto
I was born in Nagano, went through Shizuoka, and grew up in Kanazawa. Studied in London for high school, Tokyo for university, and Ibaraki for graduate school. I lived in Chiba when I was a company employee, then Tokyo, Singapore, and made a U-turn to Kanazawa in 2020. Having lived in many places in a flowing way, whether I want to or not, I am a cultural anthropology enthusiast who is always interested in the cultural differences between myself and others. A lover of travel, solo international travel is also a breeze, visiting various places with camera in hand, and despite my shyness, I am good at exchanging drinks with locals and making friends with them. I love the atmosphere of seaside towns such as Okinawa, Sri Lanka, Portugal, and Noto (Ishikawa). I am big fan of yoga, marine sports, festivals, sea urchin, and sake.
Sales / Operation
Aya Okabe
Originally from Kanazawa. I grew up in a house near the Asano River and am far from being shy, probably thanks to growing up in a so-called tenement house with the same walls as my neighbors. I learned about President Yamada's activities through my daughter's classes and approached him myself to join the company because it sounded like a fun place to work. I am the type of person who does things by feel, so my footwork is light, but because of this I am not good at thinking deeply, which sometimes causes trouble for those around me. As expected, or rather, more than expected, I enjoy working with fun members of the team. Currently, I am in charge of the reservation desk and arrangements for experiences.
Instructor / Guide
Maya Okuda
Hello! I am an instructor for the Temari Sushi making experience. I love to eat, drink, and travel. I find it interesting to encounter various things that are unique to each locality. Kanazawa has a lot of delicious fish and Sake, which makes me love cooking even more. I believe that sharing delicious food with people you like is the surest way to make people happy. Through the food experience at In Kanazawa house, it is very enjoyable to meet people from all walks of life and hear their stories. I love such a space where we can fill our stomachs and hearts by sitting around the table together. What kind of food do you like?
Instructor / Operation
Miki Hashimoto
Born and raised in Kanazawa. After graduating from Niigata University, I worked in sales and sales administration at various companies. I love to cook and have often served homemade dishes to my friends since I was a student. As the years went by, my desire to be involved in the culinary industry grew stronger, and I decided to obtaine the chef's license in 2020. After working in a restaurant kitchen in Tokyo and as a housekeeping cook, I made a U-turn to Kanazawa in the fall of 2022. I started working at In Kanazawa House in the spring of 2023. I love to eat and think that the happiest time is when eating delicious food. Everyday, I try my best to make sure that the guests enjoy their experience and that the food they prepare during the experience is delicious and tasty with a sense of Japanese culture. Other than cooking, I love “tidying up and organizing,” especially in the kitchen and refrigerator.
Instructor
Ai Yoshimura
Born in Nara, I have lived in Kanazawa since 2021. My hobbies are cooking, traveling, art appreciation, and hula dancing. I am interested in cuisine and food culture from around the world and love the Netflix documentary series Chef's Table. I have traveled to many different countries and am especially fond of Spain and Italy. Since I am in the midst of raising my children, it is difficult for me to travel abroad, but I enjoy family trips within Japan. In addition to its rich food culture, Kanazawa has many beautiful traditional crafts. Through a culinary experience at In Kanazawa House, I will show you the wonders of Kanazawa that will satisfy all five of your senses. I would love to hear about your local food culture as well!
Instructor / Guide
Chikako Takasaki
Hello. I am from Hokkaido and have lived in Kanazawa for 25 years after studying in Australia and the United States. I have gained a lot of experience through living abroad and meeting many different cultures and people. Now, I am very happy to use my experience in Kanazawa, a city full of charm, to provide visitors with an enjoyable and memorable experience through food. My hobbies include jass dance, listening to music, traveling, tea ceremony, and discovering delicious food. I look forward to meeting you all once in a lifetime.
Instructor / PR
Chizuru Toyoizumi
Born in Toyama Prefecture, I have lived in Tokyo, Osaka, Saitama, and Yamanashi, and has been in Kanazawa for about 10 years. After working in the advertising industry, I devoted myself to raising my three children. I love to eat, especially healthy food. I like to spend time with my family fishing in the ocean and having picnics in nature, and I also value spending time reading and hanging out at cafes as a break from my daily life. I have always loved to travel, and once traveled around the world with “food”, “organic” and “eco” as my themes. I have long been interested in environmental issues and is always looking for ways to help create a sustainable society. I would be delighted if you could feel the beauty of Japanese culture and our spirit of hospitality at IN KANAZAWA HOUSE. I look forward to meeting you!
Cooking Assistant
Ayana Tsuji
I have been working as a cooking assistant for Temari Sushi Making experience since September 2024. My favorite things to do are reading, walking, jogging, and traveling. I enjoy taking a stroll around town with a book when the weather is nice. I also often travel with my family. I find that small interactions with people I meet on my travels give me warm feelings even when I think back on them. I try to make sure that the guests who visit In KanazawaHouse also have a time that makes them feel that way.
Guide
Dai Meichao
After graduating from university in my home country of China, I came to Japan 15 years ago to learn Japanese. After finding a job, getting married, and having a baby, Japan has become my second home. I moved to Ishikawa Prefecture five years ago, where nature is abundant and people are friendly. I especially love Kanazawa, a city that preserves its historical scenery and traditional culture in a respectful and fashionable way. There are many extraordinary things that can happen even if you live here for a long time. It is fun to observe such a society and make interesting discoveries. I often discuss with my husband (from Texas, USA) about the differences in lifestyle and ways of thinking. I hope you will join us and have fun together.