Harumi Kurihara's cooking, lifestyle books and magazines have made the charismatic former housewife a phenomenon in her native Japan and she has sold more than 20 million copies worldwide. She currently has more than 60 shops and cafes in Japan that sell her homeware, cookware and clothing ranges.

Her success is rooted in her effortless, down-to-earth and unpretentious approach to stylish living and eating, which follows a philosophy of elegance and simplicity. Harumi's own inspiration derives from her traditional upbringing in a big family in central Japan.

Later, as a full-time housewife and mother, married to Reiji Kurihara, a former TV anchorman, she found her talent to create delicious, simple to prepare, fashionable meals, without great expense. This skill, combined with her eye for simple, beautiful and practical home decoration has made her the most celebrated lifestyle authority in Japan.