- Introduction: Who is Moe?
- Becoming a Maiko: A Dream Realized
- Marriage and the Struggles of Change
- Starting a New Chapter with YouTube
- The Birth of UMAMI SAUCE
- Future Plans: Taking UMAMI SAUCE on the Road
- Closing Note
Introduction: Who is Moe?
Could you introduce yourself?
Hi, I’m Moe, also known as Kimono Mom. I’m a mother of one, and I share Japanese home cooking and bits of my life with people around the world through YouTube and social media.
Where were you born?
I was born in Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto.
What was your family like?
I grew up with my grandparents, parents, and two brothers. Being the only girl in the family, I was quite competitive. I didn’t like being told to “act like a girl” or “come home early,” while my brothers had more freedom. I guess that shaped my personality a lot.
Becoming a Maiko: A Dream Realized
How did you decide to become a maiko?
It wasn’t something I dreamed about as a kid. In high school, I was given an assignment to research different professions. My grandfather had connections with artisans in Kyoto, and I interviewed some maiko and geiko. Meeting them opened my eyes, and I thought, “Wow, I want to try this too.”
What was it like to become a maiko?
It was my first time living away from my parents, and it was so tough. I had to learn everything—manners, traditions, and how to assist senior maiko. I often cried after being scolded, but those lessons were so valuable.
Why did you decide to leave the maiko world?
I left when I got married at 21. It was the right time to move on to the next chapter of my life.
Marriage and the Struggles of Change
How did your life change after marriage?
At first, it was exciting. I traveled abroad for the first time, and everything felt new. But over time, I started to feel confined. I was always cooking and taking care of the house. I felt like I had lost who I was. Eventually, my husband and I realized we had different values, and we decided to part ways.
How did you rebuild your life after the divorce?
I stayed in Tokyo and worked hard to become independent. Without any formal qualifications, it was tough to find work, but I relied on connections and took whatever jobs I could. It was challenging, but those struggles made me stronger.
Starting a New Chapter with YouTube
What inspired you to start YouTube?
After I gave birth to my daughter, Su-chan, I went through a tough time. I was overwhelmed, sleep-deprived, and I think I even experienced postpartum depression. I felt isolated and wanted to reconnect with the world.
One day, I watched a video by Paolo from Tokyo, and I realized, “Maybe I can do this too.” YouTube seemed like a way to connect with people while staying home with my daughter.
What kind of content did you start with?
I started with what I knew—wearing kimono and cooking Japanese meals. I didn’t have any experience with video production, so I just used my blogging camera and smartphone. Slowly, I learned and improved.
The Birth of UMAMI SAUCE
What inspired you to create UMAMI SAUCE?
As my audience grew, I got a lot of comments saying, “I can’t find Japanese ingredients where I live,” or “I’m vegan, so I can’t use traditional dashi.” That’s when I thought, “What if I create a sauce that anyone can use?”
How long did it take to develop?
It took three years, but I finally launched it last year. It’s my proudest achievement because it brings the flavors of Japanese cooking to people all over the world.
Future Plans: Taking UMAMI SAUCE on the Road
What’s next for UMAMI SAUCE?
My family and I are planning a road trip across the U.S. in an RV. We want to meet people, share the sauce with them, and hear their thoughts. It’s a big challenge, but I’m so excited about it.
Closing Note
Currently, Moe, her husband, and their daughter Su-chan are traveling across the United States in an RV, introducing UMAMI SAUCE to local communities. This journey is not just about promoting a product—it’s about sharing Japanese culture and creating meaningful connections.
As Moe continues to inspire people with her story and her work, we can’t wait to see what’s next for Kimono Mom. Be sure to follow her journey and support her mission!
