March is Women's History Month, a time to honor women's contributions, resilience, and achievements. But March has always had another special meaning for me.
Growing up in Japan, March 3rd meant celebrating Hina Matsuri, or "Girl's Day." Families across the Country display tiered arrangements of elegant Hina dolls, symbolizing their wishes for the health and happiness of their daughters.
The tradition dates back to the Heian period (794–1185), when people believed in transferring bad luck to dolls, which were then set adrift in rivers—a ritual known as Hina Nagashi (Doll Floating).
Over centuries, the festival evolved into an elaborate Edo-period (1603–1868) custom influenced by the imperial court. It became an official celebration in 1687.
I have many fond memories of Hina Matsuri, including eating sushi, drinking Ama-Zake (a sweet, non-alcoholic fermented rice drink), and helping my family set up our Hina dolls. Even though I don't celebrate it the same way anymore, the feeling of honoring women's health and happiness still stays with me.
Coincidentally, March is also Women's History Month, so this is a great time to recognize the influential women's contributions, the challenges we faced (and still face), and also the perspective from the culinary standpoint.
Celebrating Women Who Changed the World
Throughout history, women have demonstrated remarkable resilience, fighting against the odds to break barriers in education, politics, and even the culinary world. Their stories are powerful reminders that progress is rarely easy but always worth fighting for.
Murasaki Shikibu (c. 978 – c. 1014) – The World's First Novelist
Murasaki Shikibu, a Japanese court lady in the Heian period, wrote "The Tale of Genji," often considered the world's first novel. At a time when women were largely excluded from education, she used her intelligence and storytelling ability to shape literary history.
As a young girl, I wasn't eager to read classical literature, but I came across "Asaki Yume Mishi," a beautifully illustrated manga adaptation of "The Tale of Genji." Like so many other girls my age, I devoured it.
It made learning history fun, and I still marvel at how closely the manga followed the original text.
Who would have thought that a court lady from the 10th century would still inspire readers today?
Frida Kahlo (1907–1954) – The Unapologetic Artist
Mexican painter Frida Kahlo turned personal pain into art, creating raw and surrealist self-portraits that defied gender norms. Despite enduring lifelong health struggles, she became a global symbol of resilience and artistic revolution.
When we lived in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, I couldn't help but smile whenever I saw Frida's self-portraits in local cafés or street vendors' paintings on the Malecón.
She was everywhere—not just as an artist but as a national icon. Her bold embrace of her identity, suffering, and defiance against societal expectations made her unforgettable.
Someday, I hope Aric and I can visit La Casa Azul's museum in Coyoacán, Mexico City.
Olympe de Gouges (1748–1793) – A Voice for Women's Rights
A French playwright and social reformer, Olympe de Gouges wrote The Declaration of the Rights of Woman and of the Female Citizen in response to The French Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the [Male] Citizen.
She demanded gender equality, fought for the rights of orphaned children and unmarried mothers, and spoke out against slavery. For her boldness, she was executed by guillotine during the French Revolution.
Ironically, as I write this, we're still fighting for women's rights in many parts of the world. This makes me wonder:—How much has really changed?
The Ongoing Struggle: Acknowledging Women's Rights and Representation
"If These Walls Could Talk"
I vividly remember the 1996 film "If These Walls Could Talk." The movie tells the stories of three women from different decades—1952, 1974, and 1996—who face difficult decisions regarding reproductive rights.
The story was heart-wrenching, and I knew it happened in reality, not just in a movie.
It's a stark reminder of how far we've come and how many of the same battles still rage on.
Whether in healthcare, the workplace, or the home, women continue to navigate obstacles that attempt to limit their choices and freedoms.
That struggle extends beyond politics and personal rights—it exists in nearly every industry, including the culinary world.
Women in the Kitchen: Breaking Barriers
My Professional Kitchen Experience
Women have long been the heart of home kitchens, nourishing families and preserving culinary traditions. Yet, in professional kitchens, it's been a different story. Historically, restaurant kitchens were (and in many ways still are) male-dominated.
I know this firsthand.
Back in 1995, I worked at a family-owned Italian restaurant when I asked my bosses, Mary and Greg, if I could move from serving to the kitchen.
At the time, I didn't fully realize that professional kitchens were overwhelmingly male-dominated—I just wanted to learn what Aric was experiencing in his culinary career.
When the restaurant was sold to new owners, everything changed. Suddenly, I was in the kitchen where the head chef yelled at the (all-female) servers, and my workload became more technical—things I had no training for. He never yelled at me (thank goodness), but the fear of it always lingered.
My biggest challenge came later when I was the only female line cook in a professional kitchen. I had to prove myself by working hard and keeping up with speed, technique, and work ethic. It took time to earn the same respect my male colleagues gave each other, but once I did, I was in.
Still, things are changing.
Today, I see an increasing number of successful female chefs breaking through barriers and redefining the culinary world, and I couldn't be prouder.
Culinary Trailblazers: Julia Child & Marge
Julia Child – A Late Bloomer Who Changed the Culinary World
Julia Child didn't start the professional culinary world until her late 30s when she entered the male-dominated French cuisine. I can only imagine she must have faced countless obstacles but became a beloved figure who revolutionized home cooking.
In the 2009 movie, "Julie & Julia," I remember one scene when Julia Child was the tallest woman in the culinary school, surrounded by male chefs. Julia couldn't cut onions fast enough. Her competitiveness kicked in, and she was determined. She went home and repeatedly practiced cutting tons of onions. (Julia's portrayal in the movie was comical, but in reality, she must have gone through a lot of hardship.)
The next scene showed her smiling at her victory. Julia beat all the male chefs by slicing the onions the fastest.
You know, it wasn't about onions.
She proved she belonged in the professional kitchen. She showed the world that passion, perseverance, and (of course) a bit of butter could change everything.
Marge – who taught us the most important ingredient in cooking
One of my greatest inspirations wasn't a famous chef.
It was my mother-in-law, Marge.
Marge never trained in Michelin-starred restaurants, but she understood food in a way that cooking books couldn't teach.
Food was her love language—a way to nurture, connect, and heal—the most critical cooking ingredient.
The first year I moved to Colorado, she took me holiday shopping while a turkey roasted in the oven. I had no idea you could leave the house while something was cooking! Her sense of humor and laughter were contagious, and whenever she cooked for us, I felt warmth from the food and her heart.
Aric told me that Marge always put extra effort into her kids. Aric was a picky eater when he was a kid. Marge would leave mushrooms and tomatoes out of the dishes just for him. Her daughter gets sick when she eats meat. Marge would make a special vegetarian dish just for her. She would make a different cake for each of her kids' birthdays. And this story makes me think of this poem (author unknown: I found it on one of the Social Media, and I looked for the author but couldn't find it. If you know who wrote this poem, please let me know! )
No, Marge wasn't a stay-at-home mom. She worked full-time, cared for the household, and still fed her four kids the best homemade meals she could.
Aric carries her lessons with him to this day. How he cooks for us— and our clients— directly reflects what he learned from her since he was a kid.
We admire Marge so much and wish she was still with us...
Many of her dishes, which still remind us of her, appear on our table. One of them was "Hot Beef & Rice."
Marge used to make this SUPER quick and easy but delicious meal when she was in a pinch. And that's what Aric does when we were in a pinch nowadays. (Want a recipe? Sign up for our Email Newsletter!)
Celebrating Women's History Month
Whether they are literary pioneers, fearless artists, revolutionary leaders, or the quiet heroes in our own families, women have shaped history in every way imaginable.
This month, let's celebrate them all—the trailblazers, caregivers, fighters, and those who nourish us, both body and soul.
Who are the women who have inspired you?
I'd love to hear your stories, leave your comment below!
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