NAYUME RIISE TAKAHASHI

Commercial Pilot (Captain), and Le Cordon Bleu Grand Meny Chef

"Be the best of whatever you do in life, and be kind to one another"

It is not every day that one meets a lady who is both a Commercial Pilot (Captain), and a Grand Diplôme Chef from the College of Culinary Arts, Le Cordon Bleu Paris! Both are very demanding, expensive careers, requiring years of study, dedication and training. 

So, who would not be mesmerized when meeting Nayume -Filipina-Japanese, who is exactly that?

Roots & Wings Mag is proud to introduce Captain Nayume who shares her story and experiences with us. Many young women searching for a career path may find inspiration in her story.

Whether wearing her Pilot Captain hat or Grand Chef hat, Nayume, a remarkable woman and mother to three grown-up daughters, exudes beauty, professionalism, and quiet discipline.

Nayume is a Captain for Norwegian Air and  Emirates Airlines. When not in the skies, Nayume is a passionate Le Cordon Bleu Paris Grand Meny chef!

RW. Please tell us about your background. We understand you are Filipino/Japanese? 

Nayume candidly tells us her story: My mother is a Filipina, from Cebu. My biological father was Japanese. He and my mum were separated before I was born. I grew up carrying my stepdad Alex's surname, Mozo. He gave me all the love and support as a true father as I was growing up. We keep in touch with our Filipino family and visit the Philippines every year. 

RW. Your path to becoming a commercial pilot? Who or what inspired you?

I studied to be a commercial pilot in the US. After I graduated, I became a commercial pilot for Singapore Airlines. I have three children who I need to take care of, aside from my demanding work. My husband advised me to transfer to a culinary program. Becoming a chef was most suitable for my situation, so I pursued this, and it has shaped who I am today!

Being a pilot can be very enjoyable, as the view never gets old! Even taking off and landing is exciting and satisfying! You get to visit different countries and cities, and one of our greatest achievements is keeping our passengers safe and sound as we land.

Women as Pilots?

Yes, women are capable of being pilots. Being a pilot is not about physical strength, it is about knowledge, training, discipline, situational awareness, and the ability to keep calm under pressure.

Becoming a pilot, especially a commercial pilot, requires training, self-discipline, time and financial investment. It is like becoming a doctor or an engineer. It is a long professional journey, not a quick course. You need to gain flying experience through licenses such as a Private Pilot License and a Commercial Pilot License, and build up enough skills and flight hours to safely operate an aircraft.

As a pilot, I worked five days on and four days off.

Becoming a Chef.

I graduated from Le Cordon Bleu Paris - SITTATT, (Skills, Instruction, Training, Testing and Management). Studying Culinary Arts at Le Cordon Bleu Paris is considered a very intensive, professional-style training experience, rather than a typical classroom course. The program focuses heavily on classical French culinary techniques to prepare students for a real kitchen career.

Right after I finished my course, I worked as Sous Chef for Their Majesties, the King and Queen, at the Norwegian Royal Palace. It was one of the best work experiences of my life, because it shaped me into a better person.

I worked as a Chef and owned a restaurant, but I later sold it to prioritize my family.

What I love about being a chef is that I can share happiness with others through my food. I feel so grateful for that.

As of today, I work two jobs, as a pilot and I also work as a chef!

RW. How is your family, life goals?

I have three beautiful grown-up daughters. I am separated from their father. We visit our relatives in the Philippines every year. I am happy with my life now, together with my children. They are my happiness and inspiration. 

My life goal now is simply to share my blessings with others, especially my family. I hope I can inspire others through my story. I want to be a source of hope, to show that no matter what circumstances you face, you can overcome them with passion and dedication!

RW. Any message to the Filipino youth?

My message is not only to the youth, but to all my countrymen — Euro-Pinoys and everyone alike: Be the best of whatever you do in life. Always keep your feet on the ground and be kind to one another. Kindness is one of the most important qualities we can have - it allows us to connect deeply with others.

RW. Thank you, Captain Nayume for sharing and inspiring our R&WMags readers! Hats off!