Umami Global Consulting
About Us
An expert consulting team focused on washoku (Japanese cuisine) excellence
Founders
Dean Wangwright
Founder,
Dean developed his expertise through years of experience in culinary training and restaurant management in Japan and China, and over the past fifteen years has advised numerous dining establishments on concept development, menu design, and operational strategy. Combining cultural insight, Japanese and Chinese language fluency, and hands-on experience, he helps brands create authentic and sustainable Japanese dining experiences worldwide.
As founder of Umami Global Consulting, Dean leads the company’s business development, concept creation, and strategic growth initiatives.
Lin Wang
Fouder, Director of International Developmt
After receiving MBA from Simon School of Business, Rochester, NY, Mr. Wang focused on international recruitment in education and corporate strategy development. He has also extensive experience in corporate finance and marketing.
"Getting things done, yesterday." Lin's motto
Our team of advisors
Yuki Konishi, Executive Advisor
Based in Sapporo, Yuki Konishi is a food writer and industry advisor specializing in Hokkaido’s culinary sector. She interviews local producers, artisans, and chefs, translating their expertise and stories into insights that inform business strategy. In addition to writing, she provides consulting services, including product development, brand positioning, and advisory support, helping companies enhance the value, recognition, and market appeal of Hokkaido’s food culture.
Tomoaki Shimazu, Chef
Tomoaki Shimazu, the owner of Hakata Bunpuku, joined IPPUDO (Chikara no Gen Company) in 2000. Over a decade, he oversaw the brand’s North American operations and contributed to the opening of new IPPUDO locations in South Korea, Hong Kong, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
After 22 years with IPPUDO—including his early part-time days—he decided to move on and pursue his own vision. In December 2021, he opened Hakata Bunpuku in Kasuga City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
Takashi Habuka, Marketing
Habuka opened a restaurant and a bakery in Beijing, China, also working as a restaurant consultant and JSA certified sommelier
Hiro Nohara, Marketing
Nohara began working in the restaurant industry at the age of 18, gaining hands-on experience in hospitality management. Later, he launched his career as a food consultant and has since provided guidance to over 100 restaurants across Japan. Renowned for his exceptional track record in transforming underperforming establishments into thriving businesses, he is recognized as one of the leading consultants in the industry.
Hayato Okamoto, Designer
After graduating from university, Okamoto moved to the United Kingdom and worked in London as an event planner, participating in major fashion events such as the Paris and London Collections.
After returning to Japan, he joined a video production company and began his career as a video director. Following experience as an assistant director, he eventually became an independent film director.
Mike, Photographer
Mike began doing photography professionally in China many years ago with an internship at Ben McMillan’s Beijing Photospace assisting at shoots for major brands and magazines like Harper’s Bazaar. After that he shot independently for years both commercially.