​Food traditions—in the form of traditional recipes, culinary techniques, and farming practices—is an invaluable part of cultural heritage that reflects geographies, communities, and personal bonds that are passed on from generation to generation. But when change is integral to surviving the times, what is passed down and what is newly acquired?

​Takram invites you to join Kotaro Watanabe (Director, Takram) in conversation with Yuki Aima (Director, d&department) and Yemi Amu (Founder, Oko Farms) to discuss the rich history, preservation, and stories behind regional food cultures found in New York and Japan.

​Event Overview

​“Transcultural Tastemakers” is a conversation series by Takram that explores intersections and interrelations of different cultures through dialogue and conversation, with a shared goal of fostering a more integrated, harmonious world. This is a semi-private event, and you are welcome to bring a plus one.

​Program Schedule

​Talk begins at 7:00pm (Doors open at 6:30pm), followed by an evening of community networking and small bites. Enjoy exclusive dishes blending unique Japanese elements with Oko Farms’ farm-to-table condiments. The highlight of the menu, a one-of-a-kind sandwich, is crafted by Hisashi Murakami (Director, Taku Sando).

​Speakers

​Kotaro Watanabe

​Director, Takram
Professor of Santokuan, Japan Association of the Tea Ceremony

​Takram is a global innovation studio based in Tokyo, New York, London, and Shanghai. We partner with change-making people and brands to bring transformative products, services, and ideas to life. With our roots in Tokyo, we work across industries, disciplines, and geographies, by combining design, technology, and business expertise to produce new and impactful work.

​Yuki Aima

​Director, D&DEPARTMENT

​D&DEPARTMENT is a regional specialties store and research community that discovers, promotes, and aims to preserve “long-lived, local designs”. In conjunction with local communities throughout Japan, it serves as a base for various design projects and community development activities.

​Yemi Amu

​Founder & Director, Oko Farms

​Oko Farms’ mission is to promote aquaponics as an ecological farming method that mitigates the impact of climate change and increases food security for urban residents while demystifying aquaponics through awareness and education.