Experience Authentic Japanese Cooking
Bringing the depth of authentic Japanese flavour to your kitchen – affordably, simply, deliciously.
Cultural Appreciation
Catering to All Levels
Hands-on Learning
Focus on Health
Focus on Health
Explore the art of Japanese cuisine with our classes
Flexible Monthly Course
Pick the menu you love – month by month
Kids Favourite Japanese Course
Fun Japanese Cooking for Little Chefs
Explore the art of Japanese cuisine with our classes
Impactful Metrics of Our Culinary Journey
Discover how our cooking classes inspire and transform lives.
Learn traditional recipes and techniques.
Embrace a healthier cooking lifestyle.
Hone your culinary skills with expert guidance.
Greeting from isfor WA
Hello and welcome!
I’m Aiko, your cooking guide for this journey into the world of seasonal Japanese home cooking — right here in the UK.
Born and raised in Japan, I now live in Oxford with my family, where I’ve spent the past several years teaching Japanese home-style cooking to friends, neighbours, and students from all walks of life. My mission is simple: to help more people experience the joy of nourishing, seasonal meals — without needing to fly to Japan or hunt down rare ingredients.
Through this monthly subscription, I’ll be sharing with you the essence of “ichiju-sansai” — the traditional Japanese way of eating one soup and three dishes. It’s a beautiful balance of flavours, nutrition, and mindfulness. Don’t worry — I’ve adapted each recipe so you can easily find the ingredients at your local UK supermarket, and each step is clearly explained through videos and cultural notes. Each recipe comes with easy-to-follow instructions and video on demand.
Whether you’re completely new to Japanese food or simply want to reconnect with it in a meaningful, seasonal way — this course is for you.
Let’s cook together, enjoy simple but deeply satisfying meals, and bring a little more warmth and balance into your kitchen.
Looking forward to cooking with you soon!
Warm regards,
Aiko
Specialized in cooking for 15 years
isfor WA is a Japanese cookery school based in Oxford. We believe in the power of harmony. Just like the meaning of 和 “WA” in Japanese, we strive to bring together the essence of Japanese cuisine and culture, and share it with you. Our mission is to support your journey in exploring the world of Japanese food culture and to help you create authentic and delicious dishes in the comfort of your own home. Join us on this culinary journey and discover the art of Japanese culture.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, our cookery school is designed to make Japanese cooking accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Each recipe comes with easy-to-follow instructions and video on demand. No more guessing or wondering how to use those ingredients you’ve seen in Asian shops before. Let us support your enjoyment of Japanese foods and culture.
The Story Behind Our Name: isfor WA
The name “isfor WA” comes from the simple idea that “is for” means “something exists for a purpose.” and “WA” is a Japanese concept meaning “harmony” and “connection” and also refers to “Japanese culture”.The inspiration came from a picture my daughter drew when she was still very young. She titled it: “Ice cream is for eating.”
I thought — of course! That’s exactly what ice cream is for.And just like that, it clicked.
isfor WA exists to share the essence of Japanese cuisine and culture — with warmth, respect, and joy.With easy-to-follow recipes and on-demand step videos, you can make delicious Japanese meals at home — using ingredients available right here in the UK.
Unlock the Secrets of Japanese Cooking Today!
Discover the art of Japanese cooking with our expert guidance.