Megumi Kawase

Megumi Kawase, co-founder and Managing Director of The Red Food Inc., is an emerging industry leader with goals and vision that crosses borders and bridges cultures. Born in Japan and raised in the U.S., Megumi brings a bilingual and bicultural perspective to her work in the specialty food industry, with a deep understanding of both markets and a passion for expanding how Japanese food is experienced in America. 

Through her platform, Umami Insider, Megumi supports Japanese makers entering the U.S. market while helping American buyers and consumers discover regional Japanese pantry goods beyond familiar categories. Her experience spans marketing, sales, product development, and logistics, allowing her to guide products from origin to shelf with cultural integrity and commercial clarity. 

Megumi also serves as an industry educator and frequent speaker, fostering meaningful connections between producers, retailers, and consumers, while championing authenticity, craftsmanship, and accessibility. Her work continues to broaden the definition of specialty food while making Japanese cooking at home more approachable, bridging cultures, communities, and generations through food.