Kimiko Barber was born in Kobe, Japan, and arrived in Britain in 1972. After over 10 years in investment banking in both London and Tokyo, a chance visit to Books for Cooks, a mecca for foodies in Notting Hill, inspired her to change her career and focus on cooking and entertaining. She teaches Japanese and Asian fusion cooking at various cooking schools. Her first book, Sushi Taste and Technique, won a bronze award in the best food book category at Jacob’s Creek World Food Media Awards. She is also an enthusiastic organic kitchen gardener.