Celebrating Just One Cookbook’s 10th Anniversary. Get to know the team and some exciting plans for JOC in 2021!
This January 1st marks Just One Cookbook’s 10 year anniversary (yay!). This 10th-year milestone means so much to all of us from the team, and perhaps also the readers who have been with us for a very long time. So on this day, I’d like to share our visions of JOC for this and next year or two.
First, Much Gratitude
I want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to you on behalf of the JOC team. Thank you for choosing our site when you are cooking Japanese food, when you are researching your upcoming travel destinations in Japan, or when you miss Japan and read everything about its cuisine and culture.
Every day we receive messages from all over the world with your heartwarming stories about what dishes meant to you and your family, how JOC helped reconnect to your roots or bring back fond memories, and how much you learned about Japanese cuisine, especially in 2020. These stories are what fuels us to keep cooking, creating, and sharing delicious adventures with you.
To many of you who connect with us on social media — whether it’s Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest — Thank YOU. Because of you, we have an engaging and supportive community. Your participation also helps others who are new to Japanese cooking feel welcomed and inspired.
Mr. JOC and I started off this food blog 10 years ago as a hobby to help our friends cook, and we never ever imagined this website would be visited by 75 million readers over this span of time! Your support means the world to us.
What to Expect in 2021
With a new year and a new beginning for another decade milestone to achieve on my mind, I’ve listed some of the big plans and smaller plans for this coming year.
Big and exciting plans!
- Update our site with unit conversion (easy toggle), nutrition information, and more.
- Offer ad-free subscription membership. We’re currently working hard to launch this service.
- Publish JOC ebook volume 2.
Smaller yet important plans!
- Focus on easy, home-cooked dishes that are not too well-known outside of Japan.
- Add more reader-requested recipes.
- Continue with more vegan and vegetarian recipes.
- Adding more videos to our YouTube channel (maybe achieving 1 million subs this year? Am I too ambitious?).
While I work on developing solid recipes and writing the instructions on the blog, Mr. JOC is constantly working to improve the website. This brings me to the next topic.
Re-Introducing Who’s Behind Just One Cookbook
Just like all other blogs, Just One Cookbook started as a passion project of mine to translate all my recipes (written in Japanese) to English and store them all in digital format (sounds so old 👵🏻). I did get occasional help from Mr. JOC late at night or on weekends for technical issues, but it was pretty much a one-woman show.
Our first team member Kayoko joined us in the summer of 2016, and then Reese a few months later. As the workloads increased, we gradually expanded the team. Fast forward today, we have a team of 7 awesome members that I’d like to introduce today. Some of them are on part-time or project-basis, but each of them plays important roles. Now you know I’m not a superwoman doing everything by myself.
- Reese – She is our marketing manager and contributing writer. Reese also wears many hats behind the scene, and sometimes she makes sure I get up and stretch. She helps me responding to piles of emails, too!
- Kayoko – Based in Tokyo, Kayoko shares her deep knowledge about Japanese cuisine by contributing food-related articles to JOC.
- Morgan – She manages JOC’s Facebook and Instagram accounts, making sure our community a fun and safe place for delicious exchanges.
- Naomi – She’s our readers’ support. When you leave a comment on the blog, she will answer your questions. Naomi is also an amazing cook and we love trading food with each other.
- Seimi – She’s our copy editor. When she’s not busy with her master’s degree in creative writing, she helps to update our older posts.
- Richard – He makes short videos for our social media.
- Kylie – She’s our very first intern while attending college. She’s been working closely with Mr. JOC to learn various aspects of blogging.
I hope you get to know them! You can read more about our team on this page.
Just in case you’re wondering what Mr. JOC and I do all day besides walking Miso…
- Nami – I am responsible for all things recipe-related; I develop recipes, take pictures/videos of them, and write blog posts about them. Recipes on JOC is one thing that I do not delegate to anyone.
- Mr. JOC – He’s the tech, finance, and operations person behind JOC. He is also in charge of video filming and travel content, and my well-being.
Answering FAQs
Since we receive some of the same questions regularly, I want to address them here.
Q: Do you have a hardcover cookbook?
A: We appreciate your strong interest in our hardcover cookbook and I hope we can do it someday. We currently don’t have a plan as we dedicate our time to the blog and many other projects.
The good news is we’ve made our e-book printable on-demand, and you can order the print copy of our ebook here (or ebook version). We’re also releasing volume 2 of our ebook (also printable) very soon!
Q: Do you have this Japanese recipe?
A: Interestingly, many of the recipes requested are on the blog already. We have a SEARCH box on the top right corner of the website. To look for a specific recipe, just type in the name, an ingredient, or any keyword of the food you’re looking for. Chances are we may already have the recipe for it.
You can also use a Recipe Filter to narrow down your recipe search. If it still doesn’t work, use Google to find “just one cookbook (recipe/ingredients name).”
If I haven’t shared a particular recipe, we will file your request and review it.
Q: Which ingredient brands do you recommend?
A: We have a resourceful Pantry Page on Just One Cookbook where you can learn about the ingredient, the product recommendation (with picture), and usage (how we use it in the recipes).
Q: Where do you buy this kitchen tool/tableware etc from?
A: You can find many of my recommendations on favorite items such as kitchen tools, essential Japanese pantry, household items, and more on our Amazon Shop. Whenever I have a new discovery, I will update the list so you may enjoy browsing from time to time. You can find this shop link on the menu bar of our website.
Most tableware (plates, bowls, chopsticks, etc) is from Japan. Recently a big Japanese furniture/home accessory store Nitori opened a new online store called Aki Home in the U.S. where you can purchase some Japanese-style cookware/tableware.
Q: Why are most of your giveaways open for the US only?
A: I wish we could offer more international giveaways too! But since we’re based in the US, naturally we get most of the sponsorships from US-based companies. Having said that, we do occasionally run giveaways for our global readers. When I host a giveaway myself, it’s always for everyone worldwide. You just need to keep an eye out or subscribe to our newsletter so you won’t miss it!
Q: Can you remove the advertisements?
A: The advertisements are the primary source of our income in order to provide free content and support to you. However, we do make sure that the ads are not excessive and bothersome.
Your readership means everything, and it’s our goal to make sure you have the best experience while browsing our site. This year alone we’ve removed three ad units after accessing feedback from readers. It means a big cut but we want you to know that we care.
The majority of food blogs and websites have advertisements. Some may have less because they have another stream of income. But please know that we work with a reputable publishing company. If you encounter any unpleasant ad, please take a screenshot and send it to us. We always reach out to the publisher so they could have it resolved.
Say Hi or Share Your Feedback Below
Again, thank you so much for being here, whether you’re a long-term reader or are just stopping by. Feel free to leave a comment below to say hi.
Sending you lots of love and I hope 2021 brings you everything you wish for!
Warmly,
Nami & JOC Team
10 years of JOC–that’s an accomplishment to be proud of, especially with all the improvements and additions! Many of your recipes have become my consistent “go-to”s. Congratulations and thank you!
Hi Lokahara! Thank you for your kind words! Yeah, the blog is like our 3rd baby and we’re very proud of it. Thank you for continuing to use my recipes!
This is very interesting to read about the behind the scenes work and your readers appreciate it very much! ˇThankyou for your delightful presentations and great recipes! Your voice and face and lovely smile are so nice to watch so I was surprised you said many people scroll past your intros, so I always watch your introductions!
I only cook half of the things I watch you cooking but I ALWAYS read / watch every post .
Hi Diane! Thank you so much for your reading our blog posts and watching my videos! Hehe, you’re a true JOC fan, and we’re very grateful for that. Hope you will continue to enjoy my recipes. 🙂
Happy Anniversary and New Year! We (my son and I) are new readers, and really love your blog. We especially appreciate the Ingredients pages, and have learned a lot from them. Keep up the good work!
Hi Amy! Welcome to JOC and I’m glad my pantry pages are helpful. Thank you and your son for your support!
JOC no 10- nenkan omedetogozaimasu
Thank you so much for teaching me to make all my favorite Japanese recipes and also new ones. I also love the stores about Miso and your family.
Akemashite Omedeto Gozaimasu
Hi Darlene! Domo arigato!! I’m happy to hear I have recipes for your favorite Japanese food! Akemashite Omedeto Gozaimasu.
Wonderful, excited for the next 10 years, love JOC!
Hi Maggie! Aww, thank you so much for your love and support! 🙂
Congratulations on your ten year anniversary!! You guys deserve every bit of success you have! Whenever I get a recipe from here I am ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN it will be a good recipe. Some other blogs the recipes are jot sometimes good…thank you for all the knowledge and like so many other people, you’ve helped me make easy, healthy and delicious things and made it easy by the thorough and easy to follow instructions!
Hi Sandra! Thank you for your kind words. We probably have a similar taste bud for food and I’m glad you enjoy my recipes! 😉 I’m glad to hear my instructions are easy to follow. Thank you for your support!
Congrats on 10 year Anniversary!
It been awesome reading and learning to make japanese dessert on your site and on youtube. I can’t wait for what in store when you release vol#2 to your cookbook.
Hi BuuTai! Thank you so much! I truly wish I don’t get weight from testing dessert recipes; otherwise, the blog can have more desserts! 😀 Thank you for your support!
Happy 10 Years to team JOC! Wishing you a prosperous year! And many more to come. Thank you for all for the beautiful content, inspiration, travel and cultural education you share. I enjoy reading along so much!
-Blessings and good health!
Hi Rosy! Thank you for your sweet words. I’m so glad to hear you enjoy reading our blog and hope you will continue to feel that way. 🙂 Happy New Year!
Congrats on 10 years! I love your recipes & blog & the videos are so easy to follow. Thank you & may you have many more years! <3
Hi Judy! Thanks so much for your kind words!
Congratulations on 10 years of wonderful recipes! I admit that I depend on your site for all my Japanese cooking questions and favorite recipes. Thank you to you and your team!
Hi Naira! Thank you so much! I hope we’re answering your questions (sometimes messages and social media comments can be buried)… We’ll be always happy to help!
Congrats on 10 years!! Your 2021 Plans for JOC are very exciting. I have been reading and cooking from your blog for many years, and I love that you have homemade ingredient recipes since some ingredients are not available in my country. Thank you for all your hard work and great recipes, Happy New Year!
Hi Allie! Thank you very much! We’re excited about our new projects too, working hard for them currently behind the scene! 😀 Let me know if there are any ingredients that are hard to find… I know Aburaage and a few other ingredients that are hard to find… but I keep them on the list so one day I can get to it! Happy New Year!
Congrats on the 10 years!! I am so grateful for all of your recipes.
Happy New Year and congratulation on 10 years JOC. Thank you for everything you share.
Hi Meyliana! Thank you for your kind words and Happy New Year!
Hi Annie! Thank YOU for supporting JOC!
Congrats on 10 years of JOC!
I just discovered you guys last year and I have learned so much about Japanese cooking! JOC is like the Cooks Illustrated of Japanese cuisine. You have demystified so much of Japanese cooking. I recommend you to all my cooking friends.
Thanks you and Happy New Year
Jeff
Hi Jeff! Welcome to JOC! I’m so glad to hear you are cooking Japanese food at home! And thanks for recommending our site to your friends. Truly appreciate your support! Happy New Year!
Hey Nami,
Congratulations on 10 years of Just one Coobook! I’m glad to have been following the blog and even won twice in a giveaway. I remember sending a message once asking for advice on choosing a rice cooker since you talked about it in a recipe many years ago. Thank you for inspiring my cooking and for all your recipes and blog posts.
Sincerely,
Albert
Hi Albert! Thank you so much! Oh you are a very lucky person as we run a plugin to pick a winner randomly. Thank you for choosing JOC to cook Japanese food!
Congrats on 10 years!!! I would have never started cooking Japanese food regularly if it was not for Just One Cookbook! Excited for the new projects. Happy New Year.
Hi Jennifer! Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m so happy you’re cooking Japanese food at home! 🙂 Happy New Year!