Hanako Okano
Rediscovering Japan, One Hidden Flavor & Story at a Time
Meet Hanako Okano
Rediscovering Japan, One Hidden Flavor & Story at a Time 🍡
Born and raised in Japan, Hanako Okano moved to Canada at 15 and spent nearly a decade abroad, with experiences spanning Canada, Kenya, Spain, and Denmark. Studying Food, Nutrition and Health at the University of British Columbia, she developed a lasting interest in how food connects people, cultures, and communities.
After returning to Japan in 2011, Hanako built a career across consulting, food and beverage, and global consumer brands, including Deloitte, Dole, Unilever, DoorDash, Wolt, and PepsiCo. Today, she works in commercial partnerships and marketing at PepsiCo, while personally exploring ways to bring Japan's lesser-known regional products and stories to a wider international audience.
What are you currently building?
A career connecting food, business, and people, alongside a personal interest in uncovering Japan's hidden gems. Outside her role at PepsiCo, Hanako enjoys discovering regional products, learning the stories behind them, and exploring how they might find audiences overseas. One of her favorite habits when traveling is visiting local supermarkets to understand what people eat, buy, and value in different cultures.
What excites you about Japan?
The opportunity to share more of Japan's regional strengths with the world.
With international tourism growing, Hanako sees a chance to introduce visitors to products, traditions, and businesses beyond the major cities. She's particularly interested in how global demand could help bring new opportunities to regional communities facing population decline.
A risk that changed your trajectory?
Moving abroad at 15 and later choosing to study and gain experience in countries such as Kenya.
Initially interested in international development and nutrition, Hanako explored how food and health could improve lives in underserved communities. Those experiences broadened her understanding of different cultures and eventually shaped her decision to pursue impact through business.
Returning to Japan also helped her rediscover an appreciation for her own roots and the value of sharing Japanese culture with others.
A habit that has had the biggest impact?
Making time for exercise and nature. Even a 30-minute gym session or time spent outdoors helps Hanako recharge, maintain her energy, and create a little space for herself amid a busy schedule.
Advice for your 20s?
Make decisions you truly believe in. Hanako believes it's important to take ownership of your choices rather than simply following what others recommend. When a decision reflects your own values and convictions, you're more likely to stay committed to it, even when things become difficult.
Favorite café in Tokyo?
SHARE GREEN, a relaxing green space perfect for enjoying an afternoon coffee and catching up with friends.
BEAVER BREAD BROTHERS, known for its delicious bread and unique bakery-by-day, bar-by-night concept, where you can also enjoy great drinks.