WHO WE ARE
Our goal at Issei is to create beautiful, healthy, and delicious foods that bring happiness, honor our heritage, and garner a community. We aim to enhance diversity and inclusion in the food sector, building bridges across cultures through food.
we are
MISSION-DRIVEN.
INNOVATION FORWARD.
MINORITY & WOMAN-OWNED.
MEET OUR FOUNDER, Mika Shino
As a child moving to the U.S. and later working in various countries, such as with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Mika's curiosity for global food cultures led her to explore her own heritage. She wanted to instill the same spark for life through food in her children and cultivate pride of their Asian roots and its culinary traditions. She envisioned creating healthier foods, starting with Issei Mochi Gummies.
More about Mika:
- Attended Le Cordon Bleu Cooking School in Paris
- Published a cookbook, “Smart Bites for Baby” (Perseus Press, 2011)
- B.A. in Philosophy from NYU
- Master’s and PhD in Philosophy from University of Paris I: Panthéon-Sorbonne
- MSc in Philosophy from The London School of Economics
- A painter, a music producer, and an avid cook, she firmly believes in the cross-section of the arts – how they are all linked and foster a depth of appreciation of all that is beautiful in life.
- Resides in Washington D.C with her husband and two boys
our values
Integrity
Together with top food scientists, we conducted hundreds of trials to create a delicious snack. Made with the best and cleanest ingredients, you can feel good about treating yourself and your loved ones to Issei Mochi Gummies.
Purpose
We value inclusion and diversity in all facets of life, from the foods we eat, the traditions they honor, and the stories we share. We are proud to share our Asian heritage and make the snack aisle more inclusive and diverse.
Love
We make our Issei Mochi Gummies with love and intention, hoping that each bite will give you and your families joy.
Thank you for being part of our mission to make life sweeter, inclusive, and kinder to our planet.