Your Guide to Easy, Healthy Japanese Cooking

Welcome to Chef JA Cooks! Do you want to try Japanese home cooking but find it a bit intimidating? Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a complete beginner, I’m here to make it simple and fun. Join me on this delicious journey into Japanese cuisine!


What You Can Expect from Chef JA Cooks

At Chef JA Cooks, you’ll discover easy and healthy Japanese recipes, mostly vegetarian, that are simple to recreate at home. The dishes emphasize minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques, making cooking enjoyable for you.

Easy-to-Follow Recipes

Each recipe is designed with clear instructions to make cooking a breeze, even for beginners.

Minimal Ingredients

Most recipes use fewer than 10 ingredients, with just the right balance of seasonings for authentic flavor.

Authentic Japanese Flavors

Enjoy the true taste of Japan, along with insights into our food culture and traditions.

Vegetarian-Friendly

My focus is on vegetarian and vegan recipes, perfect for those looking for plant-based Japanese dishes.

“That was so good, it instantly made my day better”

“Really refreshing and delicious! Fun for the kids to help prepare, too”

“Very well explained and easy. The taste was delicious!” 

About Juri

Mom. Wife. Founder of Chef JA Cooks.

I’m the creator and photographer behind this site. As a mom of two with decades of cooking experience, I’m passionate about creating wholesome, nourishing meals that bring joy to my family’s table.

Growing up around my grandparents’ restaurant sparked my love for food. In my 30s, I delved into vegan, vegetarian, raw, and macrobiotic diets, which ultimately inspired me to start this blog. While I’m not exclusively vegan, I’ve been a pescatarian for over a decade and deeply enjoy plant-based eating.

Juri wearing denim kimono and holding bento box.
  • Certifications: I’m a certified food education instructor, green smoothie master, food hygiene expert, and I also hold a Koji Certification.
  • What I Enjoy: I love starting my mornings with a walk, aiming for 10,000 steps a day. Flamenco dance has been a passion of mine for almost 20 years! I also enjoy exploring kimono culture and Japanese traditions—lifelong interests that continue to inspire me.
  • My Favorite Foods: Natto and kabocha are my absolute favorites!

Watch Chef JA Cooks Cooking Show!

I started my cooking show on YouTube in 2023! Each episode highlights a specific ingredient or dish, complete with step-by-step instructions, tips, and guides. Join me, and let’s learn Japanese cooking together!

Vegetarian ebook cover.
over 80 easy recipes

From Japan with Flavor: Vegetarian

Learn how to cook authentic Japanese, plant-based meals for yourself and your loved ones!

Your Questions Answered

Do you have a cookbook? I love your Recipes!


I don’t have a physical cookbook yet (will be available in 2025!), but I do have eBooks available now! You can find them on our shop page: the Vegetarian ebook, Onigiri eBook, the Daikon Recipe eBook, and the Kabocha Recipe eBook. Just click the link to learn more!

How can I get in touch with you?

Feel free to message me from the Contact page or find me on YouTubePinterest, Instagram, or Facebook! If you enjoy watching videos, I post new cooking videos on YouTube every week, so don’t forget to subscribe to my channel!

Why do you have advertisements on your website?


I completely understand that ads can sometimes be bothersome, but they play a crucial role in supporting Chef JA Cooks. These ads help cover essential blog expenses and keep the site running smoothly. Your understanding and support are greatly appreciated!

Can I use your photos or recipes on my site?


Thanks for asking! You are welcome to share one of my photos with credit and a link back to the full recipe on my website.

Juri taking pictures at home.

Thank you for visiting Chef JA Cooks!


I hope my recipes inspire you to create something delicious and nourishing in your kitchen. Let’s stay connected! If you’d like, join my newsletter for the latest recipes and updates!

Juri taking picture with kimono.

Explore Our Delicious Homemade Recipes

Discover our easy Japanese recipes featuring hearty onigiri, cozy miso soup, and simple yet flavorful tofu dishes. Most of the recipes contain less than 10 ingredients!

2 salmon onigiri rice balls on a white plate.
onigiri
vegetarian miso ramen served in a ramen bowl.
Noodles
sauteed Japanese eggplant served on a plate.
Veggies
Tofu nuggets with ketchup.
Tofu
NItamago served on a bowl.
Egg
Salmon roll served on a plate.
sushi
Tofu miso soup.
miso soup
a slice of matcha castella on a plate with a folk
Sweets