Kiki Kudo

Born in Yokohama, Japan, Kiki Kudo began her career in the 1990s as a writer, publishing novels and books on art criticism. 
After moving to New York City in 2011, her creative practice expanded to include food and sound.

As a chef, she is known for her intuitive approach to Japanese home cooking—rooted in seasonal ingredients, fermented flavors, 
and a playful, cross-cultural sensibility. 
She launched Chiso NYC in 2014, offering vegan bento jars sold at Dimes Deli and the New Museum, and has since hosted pop-up dinners throughout the city. 
Today she works as a private chef and caterer, creating thoughtful, nourishing meals for a range of clients and events,  including galleries across NYC. 
In 2023 she published her first cookbook, I’m Cooking for You, a collection of vegan recipes for friends,  with fashion brand Perks and Mini. 
The book was translated into Japanese and released by K&B Publishing in 2024. 
Her latest project, Chiso Hot Koji Oil, continues her exploration of fermentation and everyday kitchen magic.

Kudo is also an experimental electronic music producer and DJ, with releases on US and EU labels and live appearances at clubs and parties throughout New York, 
including the Warm Up series at MoMA PS1 (2016 , 2023). 
She now lives in Los Angeles with her husband, a visual artist and musician Brian Close .
Her work across food, music, 
and writing is grounded in sensory experience, care, and pop—a distinctly subcultural spirit.