Founder and CEO of Issei, Mika Shino.

Mika Shino is a writer, director, producer, strategist and entrepreneur.

Mika’s an expert in culture, diplomacy, art, and business. She spearheaded UNESCO programs globally and launched World Philosophy Day and International Jazz Day, both adopted as UN Days.

Her career spans tech firms, directing UNESCO International Jazz Day, advising Quincy Jones’ Qwest TV, and producing art projects.

Now, as CEO of Issei, her food innovation company, she introduced Issei Mochi Gummies exclusively at Whole Foods, representing the heritage of first-gen Japanese immigrants.

Mika shared about:

• Her narrative shifts to her time at the United Nations (UN), where she worked with various cultures and philosophers, utilizing philosophy as a tool for discussions and bridge-building between people.
• Her turning point came when she became a parent and noticed the limited availability of nutritious snack choices for kids. This prompted her to develop mochi gummies as a substitute for typical unhealthy snacks.
• Mika’s journey from her artistic upbringing to her career at the UN shaped her passion for food and philosophy, culminating in her entrepreneurial pursuit of creating healthier snack alternatives with her mochi gummies.