In the past four years, if you've stepped into Isetan Shinjuku and checked out one of its in-store displays, or visited Rakuten Ragri, the website for the organic food initiative of the Japanese retail giant, chances are you've seen Tokiko Iino's food styling designs without even realizing it.

A food presentation artist, Iino aims to tell an appetizing tale that starts with the producer and draws eaters in at first sight. And her client list extends beyond Japan — Iino also receives invitations from private and corporate clients in the United States, France and Italy to do party design, lead workshops and train employees in display design.

But Iino's goal is a larger one: to draw people together, engaging all of their senses and intellect at the table so diners get to know each other, as well as the food and place.