Akiko Katayama is a food writer based in New York City, and a director of the non-profit organization The New York Japanese Culinary Academy which promotes a deeper understanding of Japanese cuisine in the US.   
 
She has worked as culinary advisor to the Japanese government and consulted for companies in the food & beverage industry.  She also has served as judge on Food Network’s Iron Chef America multiple times.
 
She holds an MBA from New York University Stern School of Business, an MSc from London School of Economics & Political Science and a Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Advanced Certificate with Distinction.

See Akiko's recommendations for dining in Japan at https://heritageradionetwork.org/where-to-dine-in-japan/.