Japanese Cooking and Sushi Making Classes in London | Sozai

Akemi Yokoyama

(343 reviews)

Akemi Yokoyama is a highly respected Japanese food specialist, chef, presenter, writer, and educator based in London. Her deep knowledge of Japanese food provenance stems from her father’s influence, having grown up foraging and fishing across the island of Hokkaido during her childhood.

As Principal of Sozai Cooking School, she leads acclaimed Japanese cookery classes, earning praise from UK national media. Her expertise has also been featured on major TV and radio programs, including Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, CBBC’s Saturday Mash-Up, and BBC Radio 4’s Front Row. Most recently, she appeared on Channel 5's Faking It as a panel judge to spot the fake sushi chef.

In addition to teaching, she is a sought-after private chef, known for creating authentic and refined Japanese dining experiences.

A passionate advocate for Japanese food culture, Akemi frequently collaborates with Japanese government-related organisations and projects to promote washoku and sake across the UK and Europe. Her culinary expertise extends to Japanese fermentation, crafting a variety of miso at home and exploring traditional preservation techniques.

With a unique ability to blend historical knowledge, technical skill, and engaging storytelling, Akemi is a dynamic force in the world of Japanese cuisine, ensuring its traditions continue to thrive on an international stage.

Member of Japanese Culinary Academy, UK
Certified miso sommelier, Japan
Certified koji making instructor, The Koji Academy, Japan
International Wine Challenge Sake Judge
British Sake Association Culinary Committee

Upcoming lessons

1 hour Off-Site Sushi-Making Class / Date & Time of your choice
Only 1 left
1 hour Off-Site Sushi-Making Class / Date & Time of your choice
01 Sep 2025 (Mon)
18:00 60 minutes
£685 per person

*Price indicated per person is "a private class for 9 people"

Bring...

2 hours Off-Site Sushi-Making Class / Date & Time of your choice
Only 1 left
2 hours Off-Site Sushi-Making Class / Date & Time of your choice
01 Sep 2025 (Mon)
18:00 120 minutes
£670 per person

*Price indicated per person is a private class for 6 people


Bring the...

Roll & Roll Sushi Class
Roll & Roll Sushi Class
07 Sep 2025 (Sun)
11:00 150 minutes
£95 per person

**If you make the sushi for the first time or want to get the basics right,...

Black Cod, Tempura and Japanese Home Cooking
Black Cod, Tempura and Japanese Home Cooking
07 Sep 2025 (Sun)
15:00 180 minutes
£135 per person

If you want to learn the Japanese home cooking, this class is for you.
...


by Bailey Shipp
Tan Tan Noodle - Ramen Level 1 (Suitable for VEGAN)
23 Aug 2025
Mr

We really enjoyed our ramen making class with Akemi. It ended up being a private session which was great! Akemi gave us an interesting culinary history of ramen across Japan, guided us through all the preparation and cooking steps of making ramen, and overall was just incredibly friendly and encouraging! We’ve taken a lot away from the session, both as tips for cooking and for devices/utensils we want to buy for our own kitchen!

We’d really recommend taking a class with Sozai and will definitely consider booking onto another session in the future.

Thank you, Akemi!

by Emily
Roll & Roll Sushi Class
09 Aug 2025
A wonderful experience

We had a fantastic time learning to make sushi - the class was really fun and relaxed. I'm not a very good or confident cook but I found the whole experience very enjoyable and satisfying! Would definitely recommend.

by chris r
Roll & Roll Sushi Class
01 Jul 2025
Sushi Lesson

Had a great time.

Excellent teacher and team.

Relaxed environment.

Definitely recommend.