Privia: A Quiet Presence That Brings Rhythm to Everyday Creativity

In the quiet, green-lined streets of Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin, pastry chef Thomas Yoshida lives with his family. While commuting to his workplace in central Potsdamer Platz, he pours his energy each day into crafting desserts as head patissier.

“This area is perfect for raising kids. There are so many parks and green spaces,” he says. “On weekends, we go out as a family—sometimes to the park, sometimes to a museum. Berlin is a city steeped in culture and history, and that gives everyday life a certain kind of inspiration.”

Amid such a lifestyle, what Thomas values most is balance, especially emotional balance. His work requires deep concentration, so he intentionally creates time to unwind. Music, he says, is one of the most effective ways to reset.

“Just having quiet music in the background can change the whole atmosphere. It calms your mind and makes room for creativity.”

The shifting seasons, natural landscapes, and gentle melodies—all of these daily sensations find their way into Thomas’s desserts. From the colour palette and composition to texture and finish, every element is crafted with care so as not to disturb the natural beauty that inspires it.

“I think cakes can ‘taste’ good just by how they look. That’s why I try not to over-stylise them. I always look to nature for hints.”

From a young age, Thomas was captivated by baking. What started as a childhood passion eventually became a profession—and to this day, he continues to explore new ways of expressing his ideal world through desserts. And within that daily journey, there is one quiet presence that plays a special role: the sound of Privia.

“With Privia at home, music naturally becomes a part of our daily life. I’ll play it with the kids, or just touch the keys when I want to shift my mood a little. It blends into the space like a piece of furniture—no need to prepare anything special.”

As someone deeply attuned to composition and texture, Thomas finds a kind of kinship in how Privia feels and sounds.

“The tactile comfort really matters to me. The softness of the tone, the responsiveness of the keys, the way it resonates in the room—it all feels so natural. That’s what makes you want to keep playing.”

A devoted jazz fan, Thomas dreams of one day visiting jazz bars across Mississippi. For him, Privia is a kind of small stage—one that connects his daily life with his musical aspirations.

“Music is a way to express your emotions and thoughts directly through sound. It’s a lot like cooking in that way—both are about translating feeling into form. And when there’s music in the house, it brings more richness to our family time, and even to how I face my work.”