Harumi Kurihara facts for kids

Harumi Kurihara (栗原 はるみ, Kurihara Harumi, born March 5, 1947) is a very famous Japanese chef and TV star. She is often called the "Martha Stewart of Japan" because she is so popular. For over twenty years, Harumi Kurihara has been a household name in Japan. She hosts many TV shows and writes popular cookbooks. She also has her own line of cooking tools and a chain of stores. Her cooking business is called Yutori no Kukan, which means "a space to relax".

Who is Harumi Kurihara?

Harumi Kurihara was born in Shimoda, a city by the sea in Japan. She never went to a special cooking school to become a chef. This is why her cooking is known for being delicious and easy to make at home. She mixes traditional Japanese flavors with ideas from Western cooking. Her recipes are also great for busy families because they don't take too much time.

Her Amazing Career

Harumi Kurihara has achieved a lot in her career. She writes Suteki Recipe, a cooking magazine that comes out four times a year. This magazine has sold over 5 million copies! She has also written more than 20 bestselling cookbooks and style magazines. Her success led to her own brand of cookware. She also owns many stores where people can buy her products. Big companies like P&G and Nissan have worked with her.

Cooking Style and Family

Harumi Kurihara is known for her "home cooking" style. She makes food that families love to eat every day. Her recipes are practical and help people make tasty meals even when they are busy. She is married to Reiji Kurihara. He used to be a TV news anchor. He was the one who first encouraged her to start her TV career. Now, he is the president of her company, Yutori no Kukan.

Award-Winning Cookbooks

Harumi's first cookbook was called Gochisōsama Ga Kikitakute!. This title means "I want to hear you say: 'I'm all finished and that was great!'". Her first big cookbook published in English was Harumi's Japanese Cooking. In 2004, this book won a special award. It was named the best cookbook of the year at the 10th Gourmand World Cookbook Awards. It was chosen from 5000 cookbooks from 67 different countries. It was also named the best world Asian cuisine book.