About & Philosophy
Tomonese is an Australian-born Japanese cultural experience brand, creating connection through the shared experience of cooking and eating.
Born in Australia · Rooted in Japan · Shared with the world
Discover our story
About Tomonese
Food is more than something that satisfies hunger. When people cook together, laugh, talk and gather around the same table, genuine connection forms naturally.
Tomonese brings together Japanese food, practical wellbeing and cultural understanding. We create places where people feel energised, confident and connected — and where Japanese food becomes a gateway to a more harmonious world.
Our business philosophy
Spreading harmony and happiness throughout the world.
The meaning of the Kuyō crest
The nine-star crest began as part of Tomo’s own family story. Within Tomonese, its meaning has grown into something that can be shared by everyone.
Seen from above, the nine circles become people gathered around a table, sharing one meal. Seen more widely, the centre becomes the Earth, with people of different backgrounds, places and cultures connected around it.
Our roots remain at the centre, while food creates a circle in which everyone belongs.
The spirit of wa
The Japanese word wa can mean Japan, harmony and peaceful connection. For Tomonese, it represents harmony between ingredients, mind and body, people and communities, and different cultures and ways of life.
Food crosses borders and communicates beyond language. Cooking, eating and smiling together may seem like small acts, yet they can strengthen families, communities and international understanding.
03 Mission
We respect the foundations of Japanese cuisine while adapting ingredients, methods and teaching to Australian lifestyles and local conditions.
04 Vision
Our vision is to become a globally recognised Japanese experience brand, beginning on the Sunshine Coast and connecting communities across Australia, Japan, New Zealand and beyond.
Our purpose is larger than teaching recipes. It is to help people care for themselves, strengthen relationships and appreciate cultural difference.
What guides us
Joyful, lively experiences that people remember and want to repeat.
Food as a natural language between ages, professions, communities and cultures.
Japanese culinary wisdom and evidence-informed learning made practical.
Seasonality, gratitude, hospitality, fermentation, dashi and respect for ingredients.
Balance between flavour, mind and body, people, nature and community.
Lived experience, sincere teaching, continuous study and human connection.
Moving from receiving knowledge to confidently creating and sharing.
One philosophy · Three expressions
Every part of Tomonese begins with experience and leads toward greater confidence, connection and understanding.
Japanese Food Experiences
Public and private classes, in-home and Airbnb experiences, corporate team building, private chef events, festivals, World Gyoza projects and travelling classes across Australia and New Zealand.
Japanese Wellness
The 4 Step Wellness Digestive Journey connects Japanese culinary wisdom with orthomolecular nutrition education through hands-on cooking, conversation and everyday choices.
Japanese Culture & Travel
Taste of Japan is envisioned as more than sightseeing: regional cooking, producers and chefs, fermentation and sake, local communities, Hokkaido, cultural exchange, Aikido and Japanese traditions.
Beyond the room
Tomonese will extend beyond location, venue capacity and event dates through thoughtful educational content and collaboration.
The road ahead
Trusted public, private, corporate and wellness experiences within our local community.
Travelling classes, collaborations and repeatable programs connecting more communities.
Taste of Japan, online learning, publishing and cultural experiences that share harmony globally.
Founder & guide
Japanese cooking instructor, entertainment-style chef and orthomolecular nutrition advisor based on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
Tomohiro “Tomo” Akutsu creates welcoming spaces where people enjoy participating, become more confident and connect with one another.
Tomo began Aikido at the age of eight and holds the rank of Renshi Sixth Dan in Takemusu Aikido. Cooking, nutrition and Aikido meet in one principle at the centre of his work: do not force; understand, harmonise and help each person express their natural ability.
His calling reaches beyond the conventional role of chef. Through food, he seeks to be an educator, cultural bridge and thinker who speaks about happiness, health, human connection and peace.
“One dish can create one smile. One table can create a new connection.”
Our promise
I had a wonderful time.
I realised I could make this myself.
I connected with someone new.
I want to learn more about Japan.
I began thinking differently about food and wellbeing.
I feel lighter, happier or more energised.
Begin a conversation
Explore a Tomonese experience for yourself, your family, your team or your community.