About

Konnichiwa! Nice to meet you. I’m Namiko Chen.

Many of you know me as the creator of Just One Cookbook (JOC)—the largest English-language website for Japanese recipes.

For over a decade, I’ve shared my background and knowledge of Japanese culture and travel. With our ever-expanding content, we decided to launch a new travel site to provide you with the best experience as you plan your trip to Japan. Thus, JOC Japan Travel was born.

I couldn’t be more excited for you to explore Japan with us! Just as my trips back to Japan have deepened my connection to and discovery of my home, I hope this blog will become your ultimate resource for all things Japan.

A woman with long brown hair, wearing a navy blue top and a crescent moon necklace, smiles outdoors in front of green trees and natural sunlight.

My goal is to inspire you to explore Japan with an open mind and experience my home country intimately. That’s what the JOC Japan Travel blog is all about.

A woman with long brown hair, wearing a dark blouse and a gold necklace, smiles while standing against a light gray tiled wall.

What can you expect from JOC Japan Travel?

Together with my team, we aim to equip you with local know-how and in-depth cultural and historical insights, all from an international perspective.

In this blog, you’ll find:

Must-see attractions across Japan’s regions. We’ll cover not only famous landmarks but also hidden gems that bring you closer to everyday Japanese life.
Day-trip ideas and family-friendly itineraries to make your travels smoother and more enjoyable.
Practical resources like the Japan Railway Pass (JR Pass), Wi-Fi options, and other travel essentials.
Etiquette tips for visiting onsen, temples, and shrines, traveling by train, and other cultural experiences.

Of course, we’ll dive into Japan’s amazing food scene, sharing authentic local dishes, our favorite restaurants, and hidden gems. Food is our greatest passion!

Meet Our Team

Mr. JOC and I started Just One Cookbook in 2011. Since 2016, we’ve been fortunate to have an incredible team working behind the scenes—helping us grow, create, and share with our wonderful community.

Namiko Hirasawa Chen (Nami)

Born and raised in Yokohama, Japan, and now based in San Francisco, Nami has spent the past 14 years sharing foolproof Japanese recipes with a global audience. She is passionate about preserving culinary traditions and empowering home cooks with clear, step-by-step guidance. Inspired by her own experience with dyslexia and learning differences, she takes a visual-first approach that makes Japanese cooking more accessible to all types of learners.

Shen Chen (Mr. JOC)

Shen Chen, affectionately known as Mr. JOC, is the co-founder of Just One Cookbook and the behind-the-scenes force that keeps everything running smoothly. Beyond photographing and video-recording Nami as she creates her recipes, he proudly serves as her chief taste tester. Responsible for operations, he manages the business and technology behind the brand, allowing Nami to focus on developing and sharing authentic Japanese recipes. With a deep passion for food, culture, and travel, Mr. JOC has expanded Just One Cookbook beyond recipes—running JOC Goods, an artisan Japanese tableware shop, and curating JOC’s travel content, offering an insider’s guide to their family’s adventures in Japan and beyond.

Andy Cheng, Travel Writer/Photographer

Andy is a freelance writer and chef, who grew up in the UK. His mother is Japanese and his father is from Hong Kong so was exposed to various cultures and cuisines. His father, who was once a chef, taught him how to cook from a young age, which ignited his passion for food. After graduating from the University of Nottingham in the UK, with a bachelor’s in Architecture, he moved to Tokyo to seek new adventures. It was there that he realized he didn’t want to be an architect but wanted to cook. This led him to train in various restaurants across Japan, from Roppongi, Tokyo to a Michelin Star restaurant in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Now, while cooking his own menu at various pop-up events, Andy also writes about Japanese food, culture, and lifestyle. If he’s not cooking or writing, he’s probably on a drive taking some photos, or eating at his local ramen shop.

Reese Lee, Marketing Manager

Reese has been part of the JOC family since 2016 and is Nami’s trusted sidekick. Originally from Penang, Malaysia—a tropical island known for its rich culture and history—she now calls Minnesota home, embracing its distinct seasons, including the famed winter. With a background in UNESCO Heritage projects in the performing arts, she brings a unique perspective to her work. She has also taught Modern Asian Cooking classes at local co-ops and community education programs. In her free time, Reese enjoys family time, dancing, listening to podcasts, and reading about wellness and design.

Four people stand close together outdoors, smiling at the camera. Bundled in winter jackets and scarves, they enjoy a chilly day in a park, perhaps sharing stories about Japanese culture amid the trees and cloudy sky.

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Thanks for being part of this journey, and welcome to JOC Japan Travel!