Profile
Saori Fukuzaki

Story

 

I am the founder of Otofuku LLC.

 

I grew up in Yamanashi, Japan, surrounded by nature and a calm, gentle way of life. Some of my earliest memories are of sitting at the family table, watching my grandmother prepare everyday home-cooked meals. Her dishes were simple, yet always made with care. Through those meals, I learned that food has the power to bring comfort, happiness, and warmth into ordinary days.

 

Inspired by a desire to care for others, I pursued my childhood dream of becoming a nurse in Japan. Working closely with many patients taught me the importance of kindness, presence, and truly listening—lessons that continue to shape how I approach both life and food.

 

After getting married, I moved to Tokyo. While balancing my work as a nurse and raising my lovely daughter, my curiosity about food never faded. I explored countless restaurants, built lasting connections with people, and deepened my appreciation for food culture. Even during busy days, food remained a quiet anchor in my life—a moment to slow down, connect, and care for the people around me.

 

In 2020, I relocated to the United States due to my husband’s work. During the COVID-19 pandemic, opportunities to dine out became limited, and I naturally returned to home cooking. In that time, I was reminded once again of the quiet strength of food. Even simple meals, when prepared with care, could bring warmth, comfort, and meaning to everyday life.

 

These experiences came together to form Otofuku LLC. Through food inspired by my Japanese roots, I hope to bring gentle and meaningful “delicious moments” into everyday life—moments that make people smile and feel at home, wherever they are.