About me...

1 February 2005

name: Keiko (born and brought up in Japan)

live in: Suffolk, UK

live with: Matthew (Playstation addict) and Maya (8 year old Cats Protection rescued tom cat)

would love to visit: anywhere in the world, but at the moment South and Central America
 

Misc        157 comments    Permalink

  • hi keiko and hello maya! welcome to the wonderful world of food blogging, you are off to a great start!

    Posted by santos. | 7 February 2005 #

  • Hi Keiko-san
    Love your photos of food (and ovbiously your sweet desserts, too)! I have been drooling with envy on your dessert you and your friends would talk about, but I can’t believe now I have to see all this great photos... ONLY seeing them!!

    Happy blogging :) Say hi to the *other* pizza-man and the pussy cat!

    Posted by chika | 7 February 2005 #

  • Hi Santos

    Thank you for your comment - I’m looking forward to sharing lots of yummy story with you.

    Hi Chika

    Thank you for inspiring me to start this blog, I’ll try to carry on as much as I can but you know what I’m like...

    Should I change the description to the *other* pizza-man??

    Posted by keiko | 8 February 2005 #

  • Hello Keiko,
    very nice pictures you take.
    I think I’ll have to take an early lunch. Well 2-00 is early for me.
    Kind regards
    Heinz

    Posted by Heinz | 8 February 2005 #

  • Yokoso--to the blogopshere! Beautiful blog and kitty!:-)

    Posted by Viv | 8 February 2005 #

  • Hi Heinz

    Thank you for visiting, I’m looking forward to seeing your photo library soon!

    Hi Viv

    Arigato, Dozo Yoroshiku!

    Posted by keiko | 9 February 2005 #

  • Beautiful and sweet :-)

    Posted by stef | 10 February 2005 #

  • Hello Keiko,

    beeing photographer myself, I can see, you take really very good pictures. The framing, the light the subjects - lovely -

    You seem to be able to express everything you want to say, about all the things you really like, in your pictures -

    Your writing is entertaining too.

    Please give my regards to Mathew.

    Have a lovely day

    Heinz

    Posted by Heinz | 10 February 2005 #

  • Hi Stef

    Thanks for visiting, I just had a quick look at your photos - they are gorgeous! I’ll go back later and enjoy more :)

    Hello Heinz

    Thank you again for your kind note - that’s definitely the best compliment I’ve ever had! I’d like to think that my enthusiasm for food helps when I take pictures... I’d like to ask you some advice about cameras, so I might email you, I hope you don’t mind!

    Posted by Keiko | 11 February 2005 #

  • hello keikosan! celia of english patis tipped me off that there’s lovely food and a lovely cat here. i’m glad she did. i look forward to more!

    Posted by stel | 13 February 2005 #

  • Hi Stel

    Thank you for visiting - I’m glad I’ve found another cat lover here!

    Posted by keiko | 15 February 2005 #

  • I just posted a comment on your February 21st entry, but I was curious about the cat photo and ended up here....

    I ADORE cats!

    Posted by rowena | 24 February 2005 #

  • Hi Rowena

    I know... I always end up somewhere there are cats or dogs or, well, anything furry!

    Posted by keiko | 25 February 2005 #

  • Hi keiko, I got here via KIPlog’s site. I can’t believe that you’re not a professional photographer. Absolutely stunning pictures. Your food looks delicious too. It’s so exciting to see another talented food blogger on the scene. :)

    Posted by Julia | 27 February 2005 #

  • Hi Julia - Thank you for your kind comment... I look forward to talking about Oriental/Asian food with you (it makes me feel homesick though!)

    Posted by keiko | 1 March 2005 #

  • Hi there, I just wandered in via ’Kiplog’ (http://www.kiplog.com/food). Beautiful site, beautiful photography! What kind of camera do you use?

    Posted by s’kat | 3 March 2005 #

  • Hi s’kat - Thank you for visiting, I was really chuffed when I read the post on Kiplog site... I bought a new camera (Minolta A2) about six months ago and that’s the only one I’ve got. I’d always like to take it with me, so I’m glad I didn’t get an SLR, which can be bulky and heavy (I couldn’t afford a digital SLR anyway!).

    Posted by keiko | 4 March 2005 #

  • keiko-san
    It is very very very fantastic blog!!

    男性のプレステキ○ガイ(Playstation addict)、というのは全世界共通なんでしょうか？>:-)
    Maya-chan　とってもかわいらしい。mewmew
    これかもヨロシクです。

    Posted by azu | 13 March 2005 #

  • azuさん、遊びに来てくれてありがとう。
    azuさんのご主人もプレキチ（？）なんですね！
    もう、あれは病気のようなもんだと思うので、
    キーキー言わずに放っておくことにしました（笑）
    私もazuさんの猫ちゃんsを見れるの楽しみにしてますね。
    これからもどうぞよろしく。

    Posted by keiko | 15 March 2005 #

  • Hi Keiko
    I love your site and your photos. I’m wondering if you could recommend me which camera to buy, are you happy with A2?
    Also which lighting should I buy to photograph food like you? They are so fantastic I’d love to shoot all my food and give them as Christmas present.
    Many thanks
    Fon
    p.s. If you’d like Thai food recipes I can give you lots!

    Posted by fon hutacharern | 1 May 2005 #

  • Hi Fon - thank you for your kind note. As for cameras, I’m quite happy with my A2, although I just use auto mode most of the time! I haven’t got any lighting equipment and don’t know anything about it. Like other people say, I believe that shooting during the day with natural light is the best option, but I’m aware that it’s not possible for most people. I’ll try to learn more and post when I find useful sites etc.

    I think your idea is brilliant, could you send me one too? :) I LOVE Thai food, let me know if you have your own site, I’d love to visit.

    Posted by keiko | 7 May 2005 #

  • Hi Keiko,
    I don’t have a website for food yet but I’m building a collection of food photos right now. I can send you recipes for Thai food by email, but if you are looking for the best Thai cookbook on the market I believe it is by David Thompson - the most accurate and authentic recipes ever!
    Are you shooting some more photos? I’m longing to see more beautiful shots.
    p.s. I’ve tried the cinnabon recipe twice, the second time it didn’t rise enough! Could you help? Thanks, Fon

    Posted by fon hutacharern | 16 May 2005 #

  • Hi Fon - I love David Thompson’s Thai Food and am waiting for it to get cheaper ;) I look forward to seeing your beautiful Thai dishes on your site! Let me know when you launch. I’ve been a bit busy and haven’t had time to take pictures/write posts... As for the cinnamon rolls, although I’ve never had that problem, I think there could be lots of different reasons for them *not* to rise...

    Posted by keiko | 22 May 2005 #

  • Keiko, you rule. We love this blog. It’s the best food blog we’ve ever found.

    Alex and Mike

    Posted by Alexander | 1 July 2005 #

  • Hi Alex and Mike - thank you for your kind note. I visited your site and loved it! I was also interested in your book called Edinburgh...

    Posted by keiko | 15 July 2005 #

  • Found your site by accident. Your photos are absolutely stunning!

    Posted by Nobody in London | 17 August 2005 #

  • Hi Nobody - thanks for your kind note, I guess you are a cat lover too...

    Posted by keiko | 18 August 2005 #

  • Oh Keiko....I absolutely adore your blog! Your photos are stunningly perfect, how do you do it?! You really do have a talent for composing pictures! Also...I like that you named your blog "Nordljus", which in swedish is Northern Light, but I think you know that already ;) Keep up the good work!

    Posted by Jenny | 18 August 2005 #

  • Hi Jenny - thank you for your kind words. I’m glad you like the name of the blog, I don’t speak any Swedish but I love Scandinavia and liked the sound of it :)

    Posted by keiko | 19 August 2005 #

  • keiko,

    Now I know where to come for my daily dessert fixes :D

    Posted by slurp! | 11 September 2005 #

  • Hi Slurp - thank you for dropping by, are you going to have your own blog soon? Let me know when you do, I’d love to visit.

    Posted by keiko | 15 September 2005 #

  • Hi Keiko,

    I came across your site by accident and I am so impressed by it! Like so many people already mentioned here your photos are amazing, I am dying to try and take some photos myself! And your food....... is extraordinary, can’t wait to try some recipes.

    Posted by Alice | 24 September 2005 #

  • Hi Alice - thanks so much for your kind notes. I hope you’ll enjoy the recipes!

    Posted by keiko | 26 September 2005 #

  • Hi Keiko, I hope you don’t mind me asking, what is your profession? You are very creative and artistic and your cooking is amazing. I can imagine you writing a column for times.

    Posted by Alice | 27 September 2005 #

  • Hi Alice - thank you for your kind words, but I do boring things that have nothing to do with cooking/photography/writing!

    Posted by keiko | 27 September 2005 #

  • Hi there Keiko. Your pictures bring the food to life....its almost like its moving, living. Am an artist and my art extends to the kitchen...and I am into food photography and will shortly upload some food pictures.Ofcourse, they are a lot different from yours; more arrangement, colour, shapes etc...and a lot of dead rotting fruit in my small kitchen.

    Chao

    Posted by Montreal Artiste | 3 November 2005 #

  • Hi Montreal Artiste - thank you for your kind words, I love your paintings, they are absolutely beautiful. I look forward to seeing your gorgeous photos too.

    Posted by keiko | 8 November 2005 #

  • Hello Keiko! love your blog, you take lovely food pictures - they make me hungry just looking!!

    Posted by sharon | 14 November 2005 #

  • Hi Sharon - thanks so much for your kind notes!

    Posted by keiko | 23 November 2005 #

  • Hy Keiko,

    I’m Sandra and I wrote from Turin, in Italy...

    Your blog/site it’s very very interesting...And very beuatiful your photos!

    My english is awful, but I wont to learn a little bit for wrote to all friend’s foodbloggers in the world...:)

    I have a black cat like yours...It’s name is Tatina!!

    Maya is wonderful...

    A lot of kisses 4 my new japanese friend..

    Bye..

    Sandra

    Posted by sandra | 30 November 2005 #

  • Hi Sandra - thanks so much for your kind notes. Don’t worry about your English, I know mine is terrible :) It would be nice if you could write in English too, but I think it’s nice to write in your own language, which I do as well. I’m glad you are a cat lover too, Tatina is a girl’s name, isn’t it? Can I see some pictures of her anywhere? Let me know if I can see her in one of your posts. Maya is actually a boy (and he has dark grey hair), even though he has got a girly name - we thought we got a female cat at first, but our vet told us that she was actually HE after we named him!

    Posted by keiko | 2 December 2005 #

  • Ah, the bored little kitty...nothing that a little confectioners sugar and raspberry sauce wouldn’t cure.

    Posted by tcphoto | 4 December 2005 #

  • love your photos and your blog!!

    Posted by Kat | 16 December 2005 #

  • Hi Keiko,

    Your work here is absolutely amazing. Am so envy on your multiple talents, including your life style you wrote. You declared yourself as if you’re sort of new to Photography. Knew that it’s Japanese style to say such.

    Will drop back periodically for sure, love to see more of your cat photos, too. - Mine’s got lost since last summer. ( still hoping recovering. )

    Thank you for shearing your artistic job. The experience that I have had here is the best ever. Keep up great work.

    Posted by chez | 28 December 2005 #

  • Hi Tcphoto and Kat - thank you for your notes!

    Hi Chez - thanks so much for your kind words, I’m so sorry about your cat - I can imagine how sad you must be, but I hope he/she will find their way home again. I’ve just started another photo blog and there will be loads of pics of my cat, so please take a look and let me know what you think.

    Posted by keiko | 5 January 2006 #

  • Hi Keiko, greetings from Panama! Just found out about your blog today and I love it,..specially the photography. If you ever come to Panama let me know,...I’ll make sure to show you the area. Hugs and belated Happy New Year :)

    Posted by melissa_cookingdiva | 14 January 2006 #

  • I have always admired the Japanese food art making, delicate and exact, and you are definitely an artist! A great eye to take beautiful pictures and to create food! This reinforces my desire to go to Japan, to get a food cultural adventure! ;-)

    Posted by Béa at La Tartine Gourmande | 18 January 2006 #

  • Hi Melissa - thank you for your kind wishes, I’d love to visit Panama one day, it must be a beautiful place.

    Hi Bea - thank you for your kind words. I hope you’ll have a chance to visit Japan soon, I’m sure you’ll enjoy every minute of the stay!

    Posted by keiko | 20 January 2006 #

  • Keiko,

    Your foodblog is impressive! Did you take all the photos? Looks like you have an eye for photography. The food, wow! I am at awe.If I compare my blog to yours, man! Mine looks far less streamlined.

    Posted by Zita | 1 February 2006 #

  • Hi Zita - thank you for your notes, I think you have lots of beautiful pictures on your site :)

    Posted by keiko | 2 February 2006 #

  • Wow... I am so in love with your food blog and it sure inspires me so much that I want to do something with my camera, not that great as yours! I enjoy reading your stuff and that makes me come back for more, especially your drolling photos! Thank you for sharing! I used your link on my sidebar and I hope that you don’t mind, thanks!

    Posted by Yvette | 14 February 2006 #

  • Hi Yvette - thanks so much for your kind notes!

    Posted by keiko | 16 February 2006 #

  • Warm hellos from the still-chilly Toronto, Ontario (it’s Spring for goodness sakes! Arrgg). WONDERFUL photos and lovely looking treats- thanks for sharing. If you ever get to Toronto- let me know. I’m a fan of culinary tours (offering them, taking them)- especially here in the city I call home! If you can’t get here in person- visit my site and eat with your eyes! Hasta Luego.

    Posted by Mary Luz | 24 March 2006 #

  • Hi Mary - thanks so much for your kind notes. I’ve never been to Canada, but I’d definitely love to visit one day. Toronto must be a wonderful city, I’ll let you know when I have a chance!

    Posted by keiko | 31 March 2006 #

  • Quick question, where is the best place to post my food blog to meet tonnes of foodies.

    Also checkout my first blog

    Cheers

    john

    http://newveggie.blogspot.com

    Posted by john dudley | 2 April 2006 #

  • Hi Keiko. Your blog is by far the best one I have ever seen in terms of presentation of food and photos. I also like your photo blog a lot. I hope that one day I can take photos of my posts as professional as you are. Cheers!

    Posted by Cenk | 7 April 2006 #

  • Hi John - thank you for your notes and I’m sorry I deleted one of your comments by mistake! It must be wonderful living in Cornwall, there is abundance of great products... I wish you the best of luck in your new job!

    Hi Cenk - thank you for your kind notes, I know I should be updating the photo blog more often...

    Posted by keiko | 10 April 2006 #

  • lovely blog, stylish photos and nice themes,

    i’ll give you five stars...! and a link...;-)

    culinarian greetz from outta space

    Posted by vatel | 15 April 2006 #

  • HI, I have just discovered your blog and I am in love with your photography. I am at work right now and finding it really hard to concentrate just dreaming of tasting all your wonderful creations.

    Just wanted to know what type of camera and lens do you use?

    Posted by JenJen | 26 April 2006 #

  • Hi Vatel - thanks for your notes!

    Hi JenJen - thanks for your kind words, I use a Canon 350D and 50mm lens for most food shots.

    Posted by keiko | 9 May 2006 #

  • Hi Keiko

    Wow what a fantastic blog how did you get started? How did you get into taking photos of food I am constantly snapping away at beautiful things but not nearly as good as you, someting to aim towards! I am a Brit in New Zealand and stumbled across your blog by accident its great! Any tips on how to get started from a budding photographer!?!

    Liv :)

    Posted by Liv Quarrelle | 17 May 2006 #

  • Hi Liv - thank you for your kind notes. I hope you enjoy living in New Zealand, it must be a fascinating place... As for photos, I use natural light and try to see how the light falls on the subject.

    Posted by keiko | 20 May 2006 #

  • hey Ms. keiko!

    i am just wondering what camera/lenses did u use to capture those pretty pictures of yours?:>

    Posted by shuyii | 28 May 2006 #

  • Hi Shuyii - I took the above picture with a Minolta A2, but I now use a Canon 350D!

    Posted by keiko | 30 May 2006 #

  • GREAT SITE AND PHOTOS

    What kind of camera and lens do you use? Thanks for what you do.

    Posted by Gary Texas | 2 July 2006 #

  • Hi Gary - I use a Canon 350D and a 50mm lens for shooting food.

    Posted by keiko | 4 July 2006 #

  • Love your photo and page design!

    Posted by littlem | 13 July 2006 #

  • Hi, Keiko san,

    I’ve always fasinated with your photos and writings!

    I am making a website now (it is about photos, food, life etc.)

    and would like to link your blog, if you don’t mind :-)

    Posted by junko | 13 July 2006 #

  • Hi Littlem - thanks!

    Hi Junko-san - thank you for your kind notes. Let me know when you launch your site, looking forward to visiting it :)

    Posted by keiko | 19 July 2006 #

  • Hi, Keiko san

    I’ve been renewing my site now. Please kindly check my link page under the food blog / photography. If there are any problems, let me know. Thank you very much, Keiko san :-)

    Posted by juju | 19 July 2006 #

  • Hi Keiko. Your blog is by far the best one I have ever seen in terms of presentation of food and photos. I also like your photo blog a lot. I hope that one day I can take photos of my posts as professional as you are for my side ihave sony dsc im just learnin my new camera and i realy dont know how to use it like you do

    Posted by asya yusof | 30 August 2006 #

  • Hello Keiko,

    I must say your food is by far the best online. I lovc your composures and use of color and bokeh in your images. I know you use a Canon 350D and 50mm for a mjority of your shots. Do you use flash to light your food or any lighting? Do you do any post processing?

    Cheers :-)

    Posted by Don | 7 September 2006 #

  • Hi Keiko. How come you have chosen a Scandinavian name for your blog? Or does it mean something on other languages too?

    Posted by ASMO | 13 September 2006 #

  • Hi Keiko-san,

    I really enjoyed your beutiful photos and so many incredible sweets here:-) Now getting chilly and sky is turning grey here, but I hope that i could have the sight and feels as your way.

    I’d love to link your blog if you don’t mind.

    Posted by mica | 17 October 2006 #

  • Hi Keiko, I note that you live in sunny Bury St Edmunds, not far up the road from me, I’m in a small town close to Sudbury! Anyway, I was wondering if you could post my blog on your site?

    I will put a link to yours too!

    Thanks,

    Posted by FreyaE | 25 October 2006 #

  • Hi Keiko! Stumbled across your blog while searching for ’cake’ pictures on yahoo, your blog is so beautiful!! The pictures are unbelievably amazing. Gosh. Thanks for sharing all your neat little creations, I’m linking you up in my blog and will be reading up from now on!

    Love from Singapore

    Posted by Yvonne T | 1 November 2006 #

  • Hi! I will certainly visit your beautiful site again. I was thoroughly impressed by the amazing quality of images. As a chef, I love food and get terribly excited about the sight of such amazing ingredients as those in your recent market shots. Thank you so much.

    Posted by Michael E Little | 24 November 2006 #

  • I adore your site. Wonderful in every possible way.
    Thanks for sharing it with all of us.

    Posted by Isabeca | 26 December 2006 #

  • I’m sorry I didn’t get back sooner, thank you so much for all your kind notes.

    Hi Asya – don’t forget enjoy doing it :) Let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

    Hi Don – I only use natural light, although it’s really difficult in the winter here! I use photoshop/aperture for post processing.

    Hi ASMO – I loved the sound of it, but it doesn’t mean I speak any Swedish… I wish I could :)

    Hi Mica-san – it’s kind of you to put a link on your lovely site :)

    Posted by keiko | 12 January 2007 #

  • you take amazing photos. very inspiring. what kind of lens do you use?

    love the look of your website as well. simple and clean. you have an good eye. :)

    Posted by butta | 13 January 2007 #

  • hi keiko.
    hajimemashite.
    chanced upon your blog as i was searching for inspirations for my next green tea dessert experiment. great site with an elegant touch to it! your little desserts are simply mouthwatering! maccha opera ga daisuki! yattemitai na~! maya wa chou kawaii~~!
    keep up!^^ will drop by once a while yo.^^

    Posted by jun. | 10 February 2007 #

  • Hi Butta – I mainly use a 50mm and 90mm for food shots.

    Hi Jun – thank you for your kind note :)

    Posted by keiko | 12 February 2007 #

  • Bravo Keiko !
    It’s the wonderful foodblog i’ve ever found.
    Regards to Maja..or Maya :-)
    Cheers…

    Posted by Crvena | 24 February 2007 #

  • Hi Keiko,

    So what does “nordljus” mean, afterall?

    Your Matcha Opera cake has me dying to try—what a good alternative for those loving tea more than coffee!

    Would you share your Orangette recipe?

    Thanks for inspiring new ideas!

    Posted by Stephanie | 2 March 2007 #

  • Hi Keiko,

    Just came across your blog. It is fantastic. Well done. I’ve included you in my links page.

    Cheers,

    Doc-G

    The Foodologist

    Posted by The Foodologist | 9 March 2007 #

  • what kind of camera do you use

    Posted by asuka | 15 March 2007 #

  • Keiko-san、はじめまして。
    Food Blogを徘徊していたら、とっても素敵なブログに！
    しかも日本の方だなんて！？素晴らしいです！
    またちょくちょくお邪魔させていただきますね ^^　
    どうぞ宜しく♪(私のブログで紹介させてくださいね)

    Posted by Lee | 11 April 2007 #

  • Hi keiko,
    I Stumbled upon your blog this morning.
    Its absolutely stunning! I am currently working as a graphic designer, but wish to pursue a career in photography also. Your site is an absolute inspiration.
    Thany you :)

    Posted by Deb | 25 April 2007 #

  • hi keiko!
    i really love your site and your photos are always so inspiring!

    may i ask, what application do you use and did you do the design yourself? it’s so beautiful!

    Posted by minny | 4 May 2007 #

  • keiko,
    i’m so sorry to post twice but i just looked at your japanese blog and it’s gorgeous as well!

    if you would be so kind to amuse me, may i ask whether or not you manually rounded the corners of your images (in the japanese blog) or did you use a plugin or some other function? thanks!

    xx
    minny

    Posted by minny | 4 May 2007 #

  • Hi, Keiko san~
    I too, as so many others did, stumbled upon your blog. Out of all things, I was reading through my google search articles about “tomato and cracks” because I have been growing tomatoes and last year my yellow tomatoes had cracks, which made tomatoes hard to keep for more than few days… How strange that I somehow got to your gorgeous blog in the process, but I am very happy that I did. Anyway, I read through some of the postings above, and I am shocked as to find out that your profession has nothing to do with photography or cooking, yet you are so fantastic at it. I don’t have my own blog yet, but lately, I have been thinking about starting one. Now, I am very inspired. Just out of curiosity (I am a total novice about creating a website), if you don’t mind sharing some info, what kind of program do you use to create your blog? I really love your layout, and would like to look into designing one that is visually pleasing. Thank you, and I am looking forward to reading and enjoying your photos. :) Hopefully, I will start soon so that you can visit my blog. (By the way, I do have a calico cat named Miu Miu, who loves roasted turkey, veal stew and aloo gobi. I take pictures of Miu Miu and my garden all the time. )

    Posted by ellen（エレニ） | 15 May 2007 #

  • Hi keiko,

    Came across your blog, whilst browsing. I used to live in Bury St Edmunds, used to go to school there. Haven’t been there for years. My mum lives near Newmarket, and brother and sister live near Cambridge. Last year I made friends with a Japanese lady called Yuki…We email each other now and again. Love your pictures.

    Posted by Anne | 26 May 2007 #

  • Hi!

    Well, i’ve never done that before… but your pics are just awesome! really amazing! Thank you for that! please keep going ;)

    Sarah Anna
    btw from Russia

    Posted by Sarah Ann | 9 June 2007 #

  • Hi Keiko! Been reading your blog for sometime now and just want to let you know that everytime I read it, I’m really inspired to cook or take photos. I’ve taken up the matcha opera challenge.

    Also, your travel photos are awesome! You’ve mentioned you use 50 & 90mm lens for your food. What lens do you use for the travel shots? the same? I have a canon 400D and I’m after some new lens for when I go to UK & europe, do you have any recommendations?

    keep the good stuff coming!

    x Ann

    Posted by Ann | 5 July 2007 #

  • Hi Keiko,
    What an amazing website. Gorgeous photos of some very good looking food and a super cute cat. I’ve just started a food and travel blog, http://shacklifequarterly.com and I’d love to have better pictures of food to put on it. Your site is definitely an inspiration!
    Theo

    Posted by Theo | 22 August 2007 #

  • Hi Keiko,

    I’ve just posted in my blog an entry about yours. I think this site is amazing and I love the pictures. The entry is called El Blog Más Elegante del Mundo (The Most Elegant Blog in the World) and I hope you don’t mind, but I took a couple of pictures here to illustrate it.

    Thank you for sharing your work.
    Greetings from Galicia, NW Spain.

    Jorge

    Posted by Gourmetdeprovincias | 28 September 2007 #

  • Hi Keiko,

    I have been following your posts for the longest time and I couldn’t contain myself but to recommend your site to everyone! I have just posted some of your pictures and the link to your site on a forum to publicize this blog (not like you need it u). If you wish not to have the pictures post, please let me know and I’ll remove them.

    Regards,
    Venus

    Posted by Venus | 29 September 2007 #

  • Hello!! Hajimemashite!

    What a wonderful site!! I’m a fan of food, most especially japanese food. Your blogsite makes my mouth water.

    I’m also an photography amateur/hobbyist. I’m surprised you still ask for tips on lighting and photography. You’re photographs are wonderful. Makes me and my wife want to eat off the computer screen.

    I will try to post or blog my attempts at food photography and so you can check it out and give me tips!

    Thank you! I will bookmark your site!

    Nor

    Posted by Nor Domingo | 1 October 2007 #

  • hey there! i love all your photos! they all look so pretty! ur photos of all the food are simply irresistable!
    i’ve just started photography. just went to japan early this year. cant wait to go back there again! im a great fan of Glay!! i just love Japan! =)
    just wanna tell u that ur site has been officially bookmarked indefinitely! always looking forward to all ur posts!

    Posted by viona | 8 November 2007 #

  • Hi Keiko,
    I couldn’t resist to write you even with my poor english…A friend of mine sent me your site’s adress,and every day I’m trying to read a little bit of it. Thanks for your generous photos and recipies, they are more than inspiring!
    I live in France but all my family lives in Brazil, so if you still have the dream to travel to south America…
    Keep inspiring us
    Obrigada

    Daniela Kodaira

    Posted by Daniela Kodaira | 19 November 2007 #

  • Hi keiko i have been a fan of your blog from a long time ago, i live in mexico and i see some of your precious desserts without a recipe, could i ask for them recipes to be sent to my email adress??, i would even pay for them, please let me know thanks

    Posted by Marissa A | 22 November 2007 #

  • Hi Keiko,

    I am a big traveller too, easier to tell where I haven’t been . I always check my emails when I travel unless it’s in Tibet or so. I was wondering why you leave your readers, admirers and pals without even a tiny email message.

    Also if you put your picture in your profile it would be nice to know whom we admire and are talking to. I am sure many people would like to see your profile with your picture especially if you introduce yourself in your own blog…. Check out Enchante site for example. She has fantastique photos: food, people, nature, etc and wonderful profile about herself and her life.

    I am sorry if my comment sounds different, though I suppose some people would agree with me .

    With good wishes , Jada

    Posted by jada cohen | 28 December 2007 #

  • Hi there, sincere apologies for taking so long to get back to you, thank you so much for all your kind notes.

    Crvena – Maya sends you a big thank you :)

    Stephanie – nord ljus means northern lights in Swedish :) I’ll try to post the recipe when I can!

    Asuka – I started with a Minolta A2, then Canon 350D and I recently got a 5D.

    Minny – I use textpattern (http://www.textpattern.com/) as template, but I designed the site myself. As for making round corners, try searching on Google with ‘round corners photoshop’ – there are lots of sites that can explain it better than me! I used photoshop but most editing software should have that kind of feature.

    Ellen – I hope your tomatoes are growing OK now :) As for blog template, I use textpattern (http://www.textpattern.com/) but I did the design myself. I think you can easily find a plug-in that lets you have thumbnails etc. Please let me know when you start your own site (or maybe you have already while I was neglecting this space for so long!), I’d love to visit. Send hugs to Miu Miu.

    Anne – you have strong ties to East Anglia :) Glad you have a Japanese friend here, I’m sure she loves good food too…

    Ann – I use the 50mm f/1.8 all the time, I can’t think of any other lens that gives good images for the money :) If you’re taking only one lens with you you may consider a zoom lens obviously – I recently got a Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 and it seems a pretty good value for the money.

    Daniela – I still have a dream to visit South America (and it’s growing!), will let you know when I finally head for Brazil :)

    Marissa – I always note where the recipes come from so please buy the book if you are interested – you should be able to get most books from Amazon US.

    Jada – thank you for your comment, I know I’m not very good at getting back to people! As for putting my image in my profile, not that I don’t like the idea, I’m just not keen on having my pictures taken!

    Posted by keiko | 21 January 2008 #

  • Hi Keiko.

    Wow! That’s all I can say is WOW! Your pictures are awe inspiring. I will be popping back to enjoy more of your blog.

    What an excellent site!

    Posted by Donald | 24 January 2008 #

  • Hi Keiko,

    Found your site by accident and am amazed by it. The photos, the site name and design, the recipes – they’re all fantastic. Do you usually take a recipe and add your own touch to it? I would appreciate if you could email me so I could run some ideas with you.

    Thank you so much!

    Posted by Laura | 3 March 2008 #

  • Hi,

    I stumbled over your site accidently and I have to say I’m very impressed. I shall be checking back regulary for inspiration. I’m just starting out in photography and really admire your talent!

    Posted by Claire | 4 March 2008 #

  • keiko, just like to say i really admire your work, it’s amazing! thanks for sharing these amazing shots – also, i absolutely adore your cat. black cats are beautiful xx

    Posted by diva | 14 March 2008 #

  • Hi Keiko,
    I couldn’t describe my feeling when I found your website. I was so happy and greedily clicking every single photo, reading every single story…... Oh Keiko, It is so beautiful and so inspiring, I love every single post and all the story behind it. I love love love your photographs, they are so beautiful. Because of you, I will take photography class!!!!! I even dream about going to pastry school ( I must be mad!!!!!). Would you mind to share what camera do you use for all of your beautiful photo?
    Keiko, thank you so much for sharing all of your beautiful creation and I always…. always … always…looking forward for your beautiful new post!

    Posted by elra | 10 June 2008 #

  • Hello,
    I’ve already seen this written before, but I have to say that you have beautiful beautiful photos and I will continue to read your blog.

    Posted by Christina | 14 June 2008 #

  • Hi! Keiko

    i love your pictures very much

    it’s very beautiful

    Thank you for your picture sharing

    Bye!

    Posted by payoon | 15 June 2008 #

  • Hi there, thank you so much for all your kind notes and I’m sorry I didn’t get back sooner.

    Diva – big thank you from my cat :) He is actually dark grey.

    Elra – Your pastries are gorgeous! I use a Canon 5D now (350D before that) with 60mm/90mm macro lenses for food shots.

    Posted by keiko | 1 July 2008 #

  • Hey Keiko,

    Love your pictures and food. I’m very impressed with your shallow DOF in the food photos. I have to ask, what is your everyday living? Does it tie into culinary arts, writing, graphics? I’m just amazed at your high level of skill in both photography and cuisine, I just wondered if there was a vocational tie-in that helped you pursue these things.

    Thanks! I’m telling all my friends about this site.

    Posted by Katharine | 14 July 2008 #

  • hiya keiko.

    is canon your camera of choice? i have friends at olympus who can get me a deal .. but i want the BEST camera for food photography and i’m not sure if olympus has it.

    thanks in advance. your food art rules.

    Posted by jill | 4 August 2008 #

  • hi keiko this is probably the very first time i come across your blog and i have to say that it is te best thus far im from south africa and well internet here is not as widespread as it may be overseas! anyway im a trainee chef and doin my first year i find myself more and more attracted by pastry because it appeals to the artist in me that i yearn to be ( i can not draw even to save my life!) i hope you can be able to share some philosophies with me that have taken you from just an apprentice to the master artist that you are now. anyway thatnks for the great blog, i have to go to work now i’ll be back soon to readup on your blog! have a lovely day

    Posted by nkululeko | 27 August 2008 #

  • Keiko san,
    I just stumbled across your blog and I found it very interesting- both on its merits and also because of circumstances. I am an American, living in Japan, married to Keiko (a Japanese national) and I went to King Edward VI Upper School for Sixth Form many years ago. It truly is a small world! All the best, Barney

    Posted by Barney Helman | 29 August 2008 #

  • Hi Keiko,

    I love you site, especially the pictures they are really beautiful! thank you for the pleasure!

    Good luck and I look forward to reading more about your travels!

    Posted by gregory schaad jackson | 2 October 2008 #

  • Keiko san hajimemashite.

    I came across your site while searching for ‘mastic’. I’m totally blown over! Though I live in Bonn, Germany now, I lived in Tokyo for many years and briefly in Akita — your photos of Japan made me so natsukashii. I also used to live in Warwickshire, and found that it was so much easier to find exotic food items (like prepared hummus, e.g.) in supermarkets in the UK, than here in Bonn. I love reading about, making, and eating all kinds of food, but when I’ve had a surfeit, I always long for the subtlety of a really good hiya yakko. Like you I also fell in love with Spanish and Portuguese food on a visit to Barcelona and Lisbon recently — especially with their fish and seafood dishes.

    Your passion for food and art is such a great inspiration!

    Domo arigato and yoroshiku,

    Jeanne

    Posted by Jeanne | 26 October 2008 #

  • Hi all, thank you so much for your kind notes and I’m sorry it took so long to get back to you.

    Katherine – I used to be a piano tuner but I now work as a photographer as well as being a keen home cook :) I never imagined I would be taking pictures professionally and I know I have loads to learn still, but I love what I do and I feel really lucky that this blog has let me discover so many wonderful things and meet amazing people…

    Jill – yes mine is Canon but any digital SLR will take great pictures, your enthusiasm is much more important than the camera :) I would suggest to choose one you like the feel of – try as many as you can at shops and follow your instinct!

    Nkululeko – I feel honoured by your kind words! I’m totally self-taught and I think I just love what I do… :)

    Barney – it is indeed a small world! Hope you enjoy living in Japan, and please say hi to your Keiko-san!

    Gregory – thank you so much, I will try to post more regularly…

    Jeanne-san – although I lived in Tokyo for a long time I’m originally from Iwate so I feel tottemo natsukashii hearing that you lived in Akita – I love Kiritanpo :) I totally agree with you about missing good Yakko – I LOVE tofu and I would eat everyday if I could! It’s great you loved the food in Spain and Portugal, I really love their simplicity focusing on the very best ingredients.

    Posted by keiko | 28 October 2008 #

  • What a great blog!

    What types of lenses do you use? Macro? Telephoto?

    Keep it up and good luck!

    Posted by eat | 7 November 2008 #

  • Hi Keiko
    I’ve enjoyed reading your blogs, it’s always good to meet other foodies! You can tune my piano anytime!

    Posted by lesley | 6 December 2008 #

  • Hello Keiko,
    I just found your blog today and love it. I was reading some of the past posts and what people have sent you. You have a great eye, and food photography is just so much fun. I shoot in NY, and love it. My wife and i are coming to London in Feb, and would love some suggestions. Have a great day William.

    Posted by William Brinson | 28 December 2008 #

  • I absolutely adore your blog. Your photos are fabulous – I’m just starting out in photography and am totally inspired by you. I’d love some photography tips from you – you have a great eye.

    Posted by Marcia | 14 January 2009 #

  • Hi Keiko,

    Wow! I absolutely love your blog and art. Thanks for sharing your incredible creations (recipes, photos and thoughts); they are truly beautiful and inspirational. Looking forward to seeing all your new ideas in 2009.

    All the best,
    Sabrina

    Posted by Sabrina | 18 January 2009 #

  • Hello Keiko,

    I found your journal through kitsh-en’s journal. I like your photography a lot! It’s always great that I can meet good art and it inspires me.:) Thank you for sharing them and I’m looking forward to more!

    Posted by yuka | 20 February 2009 #

  • I just started getting into the Food Blog world and have been going through all the big name Food Blogs and I have to say that your blog truly reaches another level. I especially appreciate the level of the photography.

    Great Job and I am looking forward to reading this blog on a weekly basis

    Posted by Daveed | 8 March 2009 #

  • Hello Keiko,
    My name is Mariela Viader. I’m from Guatemala, Central America. I came across this blog about you and your desire to visit Central America. If you ever do go, please let me know, i would love to tell you of all the amazing places to visit in Guatemala.
    I love and miss my country. The colors are just beautiful and so are the people.
    Anyway, i live in Napa Valley with my husband Alan and I am a chef myself at a winery. If you ever visit the Valley don’t hesitate to get a hold of me. I would love to show you this beautiful valley. Summer is great to come just cause the farmers market starts around June. But every season is beautiful here. We have mustard growing all across the Valley now. And the wines are not too shabby.
    I love looking at your great pictures and fabulous recipes. Keep it up, it is always interesting.

    Posted by Mariela Viader | 19 March 2009 #

  • just wanted to let you know I’ve included your blog in my artful food blog search engine.

    Posted by Josh Cronemeyer | 30 March 2009 #

  • Hello Keiko

    Your blog is so enjoyable.Your photos are fabulous.I’m new to photography and you inspire me to keep practicing.

    I hope you keep the world intrigued for a while yet.

    All the best,
    Helen

    Posted by Helen | 26 April 2009 #

  • Hi all – sincere apologies for not getting back to you sooner, thank you so much for all your kind notes.

    Eat – I use a 90mm macro for most food shots.

    William – I’m so sorry I didn’t reply your question before your visit, but I hope you had a lovely time nonetheless!

    Marcia – I think enjoying taking pictures is the most important thing :)

    Mariela – thank you, I’ll let you know when I visit Napa or Guatemala – I can just imagine how beautiful both place are…

    Posted by keiko | 27 April 2009 #

  • Hi Keiko

    I think your blog is fantastic and so so charming. Love the pictures. It makes like seem such a fairytale. :)

    I’m inspired.

    Posted by Melissa | 12 May 2009 #

  • Hi Keiko,

    I love your photography skills so much! The desserts captured are just so tempting! Keep up the good work.

    Definitely inspiring and am inspired! =)

    Posted by Nurvia | 14 May 2009 #

  • Hi Keiko-san,
    i like your blog. You have so great pictures!
    Makes me hungry. :-)
    Have a nice day, Caroline

    Posted by Caroline | 1 June 2009 #

  • Hello Keiko,

    As a beginner to the world of blogging, your blog looks just amazing to me. I’m especially impressed with your wonderful photos here. I wish I could take good pictures like you some day.

    Btw, I’m Korean in the UK.

    Posted by Hye-Young | 10 June 2009 #

  • Hi Keiko,

    My friend introduced me to your blog two years ago, and I continue to enjoy your beautiful photography (as many others have!) and your inspired recipes – there’s always some surprising combination or unexpected twist that makes each recipe truly unique (and delicious!)

    I also love your blog’s layout, with all of the thumbnails down the left side… if you use a wordpress theme, could you tell me which one you use?

    Thanks!
    Kathleen

    Posted by Kathleen | 25 June 2009 #

  • Hi all – thank you so much for your kind notes.

    Hye-Young – I love Korean food, maybe you can give me some addresses for good Korean restaurants in the UK…? :)

    Kathleen – I use a program called Textpattern (http://textpattern.com/), it’s not a template as such but lets you manage the content and set up your own template.

    Posted by keiko | 6 July 2009 #

  • Hi Keiko,

    Hajimemashite! I love your blog and lovely pictures. I just moved back to the US after 8 years in Tokyo. With me, I brought my cat Lucy — she is a “nora neko” from the streets of Tokyo. I am glad to hear that you are a cat lover as well.

    I miss the amazing food of Tokyo….nothing can compare to the cooking from Japan.

    Keep up the great work.

    mata yoroshiku onegaishimasu.

    Abby

    Posted by abby Pratt | 2 August 2009 #

  • Hi Abby – thank you so much for your kind note. I hope Lucy is adapting well – send her lots of love! My cat is Nora Neko too, he came from a shelter. I really hope someday they can all find a good home. I miss the food in Japan too – glad you enjoyed living there.

    Posted by keiko | 14 August 2009 #

  • love just about everything…the garden looks so beautiful…..just love it….

    Posted by koi | 9 September 2009 #

  • Hi Keiko!

    I’d love to meet you when I go to London next year. I been reading your blog for years but lately I wasn’t able to follow. Good thing I am catching up. Your blog is a fusion of English & Japanese style. I really like your food, photos and stories as well.

    Keep it up :)
    hugs,
    joanie xxx

    Posted by The Artist Chef | 11 September 2009 #

  • Hi Keiko,
    Love you blog! I’m somewhat new to food blogging.
    Would it be ok for me to add your blog to my page?
    Mine is totally under construction…
    June

    Posted by June | 29 December 2009 #

  • Beautiful weblog. I’m really enjoying it.

    I have posted about it in my own (about music and food).

    Keep on doing such a great job!!!

    Posted by josh | 30 December 2009 #

  • Wow, I cannot believe I have just discovered your blog. Everything about it is amazing and brilliant from your writing, your works of art and your photographs. Even better is that you just started doing this 4 years ago? gushing I am truly a big fan of yours :)

    Posted by Lin | 19 February 2010 #

  • My fiance (American) and I want to move to japan and learn japanese pastry arts. She is a graduate of Johnson and Wales University and she is wondering how to get a job in the pastry shops/hotels

    Please email me if you have any insight.

    Also, I am trying to find the Hidemi Sugino book “The Dessert Book” here in the United States, I cannot seem to find a way to purchase it.

    Lucas Farrow

    Posted by Lucas Farrow | 26 February 2010 #

  • Hi Lucas, my daughter has just purchased this book and she got it through Amazon Japan, it has recipes in both English and Japanese

    Posted by Lindy | 11 April 2010 #

  • What a wonderful blog! I’m glad I discovered your blog although I’m not sure why I hadn’t earlier!

    Posted by Jenny | 11 April 2010 #

  • dear Keiko,

    i bookmarked your fab food blog,
    a year ago and lost it.

    i’ve been picking my brains trying to
    remember your blogname and searching
    endlessly in flicker but to no avail….

    then, lo and behold. as a birthday
    present, a friend forwarded to me
    bunch of food photos as b-day card
    and there it was your blogname and
    blog link….it was the best birthday
    present i had so far. i celebrated
    it by opening a bottle of luscious
    shiraz while perusing your gorgeous
    site.

    your photos and outlook in life gives
    me inspiration to look at life in a
    different light with a promise to live
    today to the fullest….

    june franco in shanghai

    Posted by june franco | 11 June 2010 #

  • Hi! Can I just say how impressed I am with your talent, inspired by your photos, encouraged by your creativity, and excited I stumbled upon your blog I’m a pastry chef at a great cafe’ here in Nashville TN and am excited to hopefully glean from your ideas/creations and get some suggestions for other great resources as well. I love the Hidemi Sugino you have featured and recreated. Wish I could get a copy of the cookbooks in English!! Anyway, thanks for sharing your gifts. So what are you currently doing as a job anyway?! Thanks!
    Tawny

    Posted by Tawny | 27 September 2010 #

  • Nice to meet you Keiko, even I’m late few years, but I just discovered your blog through cafe fernando’s blog. I find your pictures so beautiful and the recipes great.

    Posted by Fragolina | 13 December 2010 #

  • hi keiko,

    Just found your blog. Love it. Keep up the awesome work :)

    Posted by Julie | 13 January 2011 #

  • Hi Keiko

    Your blog is the most amazing one i have ever come across. As a budding blogger, your site is truly something I want mine to become one day in the future! Your photography is stunning and to know that you made those delicious desserts? You’re so incredibly talented.

    You’re a true inspiration and your work is professional and amazing. You should be so proud of yourself!!

    Keep up the wonderful work and please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have suggestions on how to better my site!!

    Posted by Tiffany | 5 February 2011 #

  • Oh my wow! LOVE your photos and everything else… A fab inspiration indeed, IF only I had 1/4 of your photography talent :)

    Stumbled upon your blog btw.

    Cheers!

    Posted by elaineganmaclaine | 20 February 2011 #

  • Hi, Do you have any Swedish connection at all? Cause Nordljus means Northern Light. Why is your blog named that?

    Posted by Alexandra | 13 May 2011 #

  • Beautiful photographs and inspirational recipes.

    Posted by Edwina | 16 July 2011 #

  • hi there i love your photos, special hi to Maya i love cats! i have 2 named Canela and Cuirita ( i live in Uruguay in South America). I´m starting a food blog pass by if you are interested in Latin recipes.

    Posted by Verónica Cake | 5 January 2012 #

  • Hello Keiko! Just discovered your photos today, simply beautiful! Please keep posting.

    Posted by Claude | 13 June 2012 #

  • Hello Keiko. What a shame to only find you blog now! It’s fantastic. Lovely pics!
    I live in Brazil and if, after all these years you are still interested on coming visiting. be my guest!
    Love,
    Patricia

    Posted by Patricia | 31 August 2012 #

  • Hello Heiko, I’m glad I discovered your blog, lovely pictures and great recipes ! Congratulations and thanks for sharing all this with us !

    Posted by Chef Mignonnette | 16 September 2012 #

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