On New Year’s Eve, Osaka Instagrammer Chinami Sakamoto (@chinamisakamoto) was busy preparing “osechi-ryori,” traditional Japanese dishes featuring ingredients that have symbolic meanings to bring good luck for the new year. “There are so many things about Japanese food culture that I’m proud to share with the world,” says Chinami. “Like the seasonal and regional diversity, the way we use the ingredients to the fullest and the gentle cooking of food that sinks deeply into every fiber of your being.” Chinami says that for her, cooking is a form of self-expression that evolved naturally into her pursuit of food photography, which she shares on Instagram. “Through my food photos, I hope to tell the joy of cooking.” Photo by @chinamisakamoto