A day in a Japanese senbei factory (Kyoto)

I've been wanting to interview Japanese snack makers and shokunin (craftsmen) for a long time and it's finally happening! Thanks to Sakuraco, I was able to get special permission to film a Japanese senbei maker. Sakuraco box through this link: team.sakura.co/junskitchen-SC... and use special code "HANAMI '' and get extra bonus items in your Sakuraco box every month🌸 For those of you who support this channel on my Patreon, this video is not charged and thank you so much for your support!!
Seki Seika Confectionary (関製菓本舗): sekiseika.com/
Shop: 〒603-8333 Kyoto, Kita Ward, Taishogun Higashitakatsukasacho, 135 関製菓本舗
=^・ｪ・^= Cat Merch! crowdmade.com/collections/jun...
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KING Japanese Sharpening Stone 1000/6000 (amzn.to/2uokk32)
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[@JunsKitchen]

I've been wanting to interview Japanese snack makers and shokunin (craftsmen) for a long time and it's finally happening! Thanks to Sakuraco, I was able to get special permission to film a Japanese senbei maker. Sakuraco box through this link: team.sakura.co/junskitchen-SC2303 and use special code "HANAMI '' and get extra bonus items in your Sakuraco box every month🌸 For those of you who support this channel on my Patreon, this video is not charged and thank you so much for your support!! Sekiseika Shop: 〒603-8333 Kyoto, Kita Ward, Taishogun Higashitakatsukasacho, 135 関製菓本舗

[@Diraije]

Sounds cool! I love your vids 😊

[@marcusa3177]

Hi Jun, hope you can pass along this idea to Sakuraco: would a Sakuraco-based tour for visitors make sense? Basically a tour version of the booklet that comes with each box, but now bound by location instead of season or theme e.g. tour all Kyoto-based Sakuraco manufacturers, etc etc. I firmly believe that seeing in person all the hard work these traditional manufacturers put in their products makes you appreciate them and their products more, and these manufacturers deserve all the respect. And each tour will end with tea time somewhere where participants can enjoy even more Sakuraco products. Might be pricey and inconvenient especially if the manufacturer isn't ready for a shop tour but hey, who knows the idea might work eh?

[@Kirmeins]

@@marcusa3177 Sounds like it would disrupt the workflow too much if it's a regular occurance. And if its a one time or rare thing it's probably not worth the effort that goes into planning and advertising. And workers may still feel disturbed by a bunch of tourists looking over their shoulder and cramming into already tight work spaces. It isn't like a beer or wine factory were basically only one or two workers walk by to check valves. I guess, we'll just have to be happy with this exceptional footage Jun just presented us. :)

[@DreamyDuskywing]

I could really feel your joy and amazement through this video. You are the perfect person to be allowed this special tour. I bet that all of the craftspeople could tell your genuine interest in their work. It is so special to see craftspeople doing work with the same techniques passed down over centuries. I also really loved to see that Poki is passionate about sakura season! 😂

[@lillyroman978]

Hi Jun! I've been watching your videos for a long time and let me tell you, I love this type of content. As a child I always watched How its Made and as an adult I've come to appreciate the manufacturers who make amazing things. Its really special that you made this for everyone to see! I can't wait to see more ❤

[@cellotherebirdies]

Jun is the physical embodiment of the saying “like a kid in a candy store”

[@LordDragox412]

"Like -Charlie- Jun in the -chocolate- senbei factory"

[@smutz131]

shounen in the senbei shop

[@its_not_it_apostrophe_s]

That's exactly what I was going to comment!

[@nileredsexperiment834]

Like a Japanese dude in a Senbei Factory.

[@conniezheng567]

From being sponsored by Sakuraco, to making their snacks yourself to compare, and now interviewing those behind the scenes who create these delicious treats 😍 everything has come full circle 🥰

[@jesanne]

Getting to see how they mass produce the snacks while also keeping the traditional feel is amazing

[@AnanasZombie]

Jun: Okay, you can have a tiny lic-- Poki: C H O M P

[@bigbear4120]

The Jun and Poki tea time at the end was adorable

[@scfeng6883]

Turns out Poki is a fan of Sakura flavors!

[@AndieStardustDraws]

It was so cute i wanted to cry , poki just wanted to be a part of snacc time!!!!

[@Hug_Junkie]

Jun: "have a tiny tiny lick." Poki: NOM

[@marlapear3439]

The way poki ate his entire finger had me cracking up! He’s such a character!

[@cypriennezed5640]

"You came all the way from Fukuoka?" YES because this is fascinating-- Jun, thank you for filming this factory and its dedicated workers, so people around the world can learn and enjoy!

[@JacobZimmerman0]

“I’m very honored to see a real shokunin and his hands in person.” You can tell Jun really admires these folks. So glad we got to see this 🙇‍♂️

[@autumnbanshee5676]

I hope this video boosts their business so they can afford all the Sakura leaves they want and continue making those beautiful snacks so much longer

[@piperbird7193]

I've only seen 'how it's made' videos for the US, where they just dump ingredients into a large machine and the product eventually comes out. I love to see the care and talent it takes to make these items. I think I would feel guilty to eat such hard work!

[@MsKassandraKotaku]

There are really cool artisan places in the states that don’t do it that way. Artisan chocolate is so cool to see made in the factories and most local artisan places do tours! Don’t miss out on the US artisan food just because so much is now mass produced!

[@bobcharlie2337]

There are tons of hand-made snacks in the US. Mostly, these companies would rent industrial kitchens similar to what you see in this video. And prepare the foods by hand. Then they ship it to markets and grocery stores and what- nots. That practice helps to keep costs low so the companies can focus on the ingredients.

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

​@@naussicaa44 Yes, I was also thinking of Lofty Pursuits when they showed the candy making!

[@solitarelee6200]

@@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley Same, isn't fascinating how identical the process is? Even breaking the candy apart reminded me so much of western "drop" candies!

[@zxtudio]

Try watching Hercules Candy video they a lovely family making chocolate for years.

[@ThuNguyen-kb2zj]

I’m really impressed by their combination between traditional handmade methods with machine and how they always want to link their ancestors methods ^^ Really want to visit Japan one day ^^

[@JCXP123]

I remember playing Cooking Mama on the DS as a kid and there was a senbei recipe. The stamping process reminded me of all the times I couldn't stamp the senbei perfectly in the middle 😅 These people are really admirable for making these beautiful snacks 👏👏👏

[@bookworm598]

Oh man that brings back memories lol I remember struggling with the exact same thing

[@Ashley-xu1lk]

It would be fun to see if the stamp guy can pass the Cooking Mama stamping stage!

[@onespiceybbw]

It makes me emotional to see people being so polite and respectful to each other.

[@miateacher123]

I was in such a bad mood, just feeling not so great, and Jun's loveliness, and the way everyone he met was so kind and receptive to him... it just lifted me up. I always come to this channel when I need calming, peace, and to feel the goodness of people.

[@bluedowee]

totally in the same position as you right now, hope you feel better today =)

[@merilahna]

just casually being invited to a bbq party of someone who was a complete stranger before this 😂 of course, what else would we expect from jun

[@dawnho7744]

Now I know why senbeis are so expensive, particularly those in lovely gift-boxes. This video is an eye-opener.

[@shiniro8259]

OMG Poki eating Jun's entire pinky made me burst 😂

[@importaku]

Very enjoyable video, love seeing artisan makers of all kinds. LOL poor Poki he wanted to devour those snacks so badly for a second thought Jun was about to lose a finger.

[@finecallmejane]

This was SO, SO COOL! The fact that they gave you permission to go and film was amazing. And everything looks so good.

[@amaranthabowl2708]

I laughed so hard with Poki's interactions with Jun 😂 He seems like such a mamas boy around Rachel Also the senbei factory was really amazing, the amount of care and thought put into each senbei, from the design, to the manufacturing itself was so amazing to see. And the treats looked so delicious, my eyed were glued to the screen and my mouth watering haha

[@dameneko]

Ever since I was a kid, I was always fascinated by the "snow" decoration on certain types of senbei.. It was cool to see how fancy senbei are born.

[@IschysSyrra]

I really got the feeling that you connected with some of these people and it made the video even more beautiful. Thank you, this was lovely and educational.

[@peppap1ggle664]

honestly great job on finding more opportunities for collaboration like this it's so refreshing to see how much effort goes into iconic snacks especially during this pretty sakura season

[@guythatlovespotato]

this vid made me happy for some reason that i cannot explain. i hope their business continue for 100 more years.

[@smeraldoremi]

it’s nice to see things stand still with a continuous legacy in a world where things change and fade so quickly, so I get what you mean!

[@xona2239]

Almost half an hour of Jun’s content. Talk about a good way to start the day!

[@Refrayne]

jun is so adorable in this video. i love seeing his excitement.

[@hmwj]

wow, i have gained so much respect for snack makers! i never thought too much about the process, but seeing how much effort and dedication they put into their work is so admirable. it's really great to see people who are passionate about their work, even if it's not necessarily the most luxurious or cushy job. props to them for working at it for decades, and for you, jun, to dedicate your own time and energy to showcasing this for us! such a fascinating experience :)

[@Tiger351]

It's really awesome that Sakuraco and the Seki family were able to make this happen for you, you seem just as excited to be there filming and speaking to everyone as the audience is to watch the video.

[@two_wheel_zen]

Wow Jun, this is one of the most beautiful videos I've watched in a long time. I love the way you captured the gratitude of the workers for their heritage, the skill, work ethic and attention to detail of the shokunin, and the kindness of everyone you interacted with. There seemed to be a sense of calm and "presence" that pervaded this video; everyone content with their part in the making of the wonderful treats. A little insight into the Japanese psyche and way of viewing the world.

[@liquidlychee]

It's beautiful to see local businesses being supported or spotlighted by Jun and Sakuraco! Fantastic content, Jun!

[@luckyloser555]

I like how sakuraco is not just an ad, but a part of your life. Makes it worth watching and brings good feelings. Thank you for your wholesomeness!

[@_MJ_x]

What a lovely opportunity! It’s really cool to see the people and the process behind these famous snacks! It takes so much effort and craftsmenship! And to see how ppl have perfected these processes over the centuries is really cool! Also love the questions you asked! Really really cool video! :3

[@Tarutar]

In this video you can see some cultural differences between Japanese and westerns, Jun is extremely polite with the owners and all the shokunin employees while westerns when they do this type of videos they are not as much. Not that it’s a bad thing, it’s just interesting to see. It’s a really fun video, I hope I can visit this store someday!

[@auntielaura5]

I agree! It was very interesting to see Japanese people interacting with each other.

[@MintyUnicorns]

This was delightful!!! I love watching videos about how things are made. You can really tell that they put so much heart into their snacks. Thank you for taking us behind the scenes!! Also at 23:38, RIP your finger lmaoooo

[@chrissolace]

Their work and dedication is awe inspiring! I’m glad Sakuraco partners with local snack makers like them ❤️

[@jennthehuman1491]

This was amazing!! I loved learning about these traditional snacks and watching how they are made. Please let Seki Seika Confectionary know how excited, amazed, and thankful we all are.

[@Snowymae]

The attention to detail they show in their products is amazing. It’s also wonderful that they are continuing traditional values and ways

[@1stAshaMan]

"Have a tiny bit" *Eats entire finger* This is why we love you Poki

[@Diraije]

The way that candy folds is just so mesmerising🤩

[@Lara-vo6rp]

I love their dedication to their craft and skill its so cool and unique!

[@kennaelpis]

Wow! I'm so happy to see Japanese culture through such a respectful lens. You did amazing Jun! This year I am leader on Tribal Journeys and it will be the first time my tribe participates. Everyone else abandoned the project today but I am still pulling through and I want to see our canoe out there no matter what! Our ancestors fought hard for us to have what we have now and I can ask neighbouring nations to help us.

[@NikiruSan]

This is the only channel I wait for impatiently to upload videos. Thanks for the amazing content Jun, I'm a huge fan.✌️

[@wawathefox]

i fall deeper in love with this channel and Japan every time I watch one of these videos I swear

[@calzos]

Poki is so funny 🤣🤣 "I just want a little nibble!" *proceeds to bite entire finger* LOL

[@monteverde6666]

Incredibly informative and entertaining. To think these people have been doing this for CENTURIES. They are about to reach their 200 year anniversary, that type of longevity can be so hard to imagine.

[@spacekat8249]

The visite of the factory was so inspiring and interesting, it really give life to the Sakurako products. Kyoto has always been a dream town to visit even now where I'm 50, I think I could appreciate it more than ever. A huge thanks from Southern France 😘

[@Larien009]

I hope you do more videos like this. I've become so used to commercially processed food that I did not expect so much of it to be made by hand! Hearing their stories and seeing how much care they put into their work makes me appreciate these snacks more. Thank you Jun for showing us.

[@solitarelee6200]

Fascinating to see how the candy making process specifically mirrors how hand-pulled candy is made here in the states! Given how long the foods have been in both places (Japan, Europe), it implies that they both discovered separately how to do the same exact thing! This is beyond fascinating to me.

[@abbyl4621]

This was really cool to see. Sakuraco always has short informational articles in their box but to see the snacks I've eaten being made is different. I imagine being in the factory is a whole other experience

[@solitaireclub]

This whole thing was so interesting and everyone seemed lovely but I just can't get over Poki at the end 😂

[@saraheaster8414]

Poki almost took Jun’s finger off 😂 I expected nothing less honestly

[@louisemtoc]

What an honor! Thank you all for this film!

[@alyson8990]

Thank you for sharing such a fascinating culinary/cultural experience in Kyoto. 🌸💖

[@CHEFPKR]

The gift of a Jun video is always a treat. I just got my Sakuraco box in a few days ago. Going to sit down and eat while I watch.

[@JunsKitchen]

Hi CHEFPK! Thank you for the warm comment! ☺️ I was literally doing the same while watching yours earlier. lol

[@CHEFPKR]

@@JunsKitchen now please teach my cats to not eat my snacks.

[@cecilian5591]

There was a negative amount of hesitation in Poki the moment Jun offered his pinky for him to taste. I too, wish to become someone with that little hesitation in life.

[@homeis8478]

The technique to scratch the edges with a stick... to make it perfectly round! Oh my... 💕

[@ashleycook300]

Also, Yusuke and his team are so incredibly generous! It was amazing seeing the hard work and dedication they put into each and every single snack! When I visit Kyoto I will definitely be purchasing snacks from them and appreciateing the hard work that went into each and every single one!

[@sheilam4964]

I don't care for sweets or candy. I still have sweet gifts from years ago but this video, even though it is about sweets and candy, was better than the beautiful items they make. The beauty of their sweets, their kindness, generosity and respect made this a very special video. Thank you to them and thank you to you, Jun, for this very special video.

[@FishForThought]

this is just so wholesome, what a neat look into the Japanese snack-making process

[@JunsKitchen]

Thank you for watching and the comment!🙂

[@deceptionstrikes]

The way they make the Japanese snack candy, the progress behind it for the machine or how they still do some of it by hand, is just fascinating to hear them explain it, the snacks look really good.

[@Niriixa]

Absolutely loved this!! The thought and care put into the sweets, the beautiful designs, the dedication of the workers and Jun's eagerness to learn and see were all wonderful 😊

[@tildessmoo]

This is a huge step for you! I remember back when you and Rachel only had the one channel, and you were interviewing candymakers at the local festival and talking about how you wanted to introduce the world to shokunin, but that it's hard to get most of them to agree to be filmed, and now here you are with a major sponsor connecting you to the shokunin who want to show their process to the world!

[@choochalah]

Wow! What a complete treat to see behind the scenes of this hard working team and the history of this company. I really enjoyed this!!!!

[@CharlesBrokaw]

Watched this with my wife and next thing I know we’re buying a year subscription to the box. Seeing the work that goes into the products is amazing and humbling. We used your code. Thanks Jun!

[@Naodnkedhdj]

I know these people are just so proud of making something that so many people love, all while keep their family's traditions alive and well! What a message to keep all the old molds as well!

[@Naodnkedhdj]

and the mention of their ancestors so much and the level of appreciation they have is amazing

[@bigworldsmallperson]

I lived in Kyoto for about half a year as a student, and this made me so nostalgic. I hope I get to go back there someday soon. And the snack-making process is so fascinating! Wonderful video as always. I look forward to seeing more like this.

[@ogremark5]

Thanks for sharing Jun. It's awesome to see how you and Rachel have developed as film makers over the years. Thank you for your interesting, informative and gentle visit to the senbei bakery.

[@123popup]

Such a beautiful video! Everyone there works so hard and does it so joyfully. I love how there is respect for craftsmanship and those that are masters of that craft. Thank you Jun for filming them and letting us see and respect all the hard work that goes into these candies.

[@Raven_Leblanc]

Amazing! Thanks for sharing the local food culture with the world, it's really interesting to see. I also love how polite everybody seems. It's kinda refreshing to see, ngl.

[@bluexwings]

This is INCREDIBLE! I loved watching this video! Your excitement is palpable, and their passion for their craft is wonderful. I really admire the love for the tradition of the company. (I also want to try their senbei at the locations printed on them! That looks so fun! 😊)

[@Aggrobiscuit]

Hard to watch this without smiling the whole time. Thanks for all you do Jun.

[@valarya]

What an incredible culture. Thanks for taking us behind the scenes. 🙏

[@yeevita]

Wow. Loved the factory tour. Also loved the senbei sights tour! Thanks, Jun! And thanks to Poki for his great chomp!

[@rebeccacuthbertson1271]

What an absolutely incredible opportunity. Thank you Jun for taking us with you!

[@giulia__]

Incredible how far you've come! Thank you for this video, it's really interesting to learn more about Japanese food culture :)

[@draakonikihv]

Thank you for taking us along on the journey - it was super interesting. Yusuke Seki seems to be a really great person.

[@nekokets4832]

I love these type of videos where we can see the process of the snack being made! It's a great part of why I love rewatching Jun's Kitchen videos. Congratulations on been granted this opportunity and thank you so much for sharing it with us! I just finished the video and honestly I was a little wary of the subscription box but after listening to their whole story and history I'm very curious about the rest, I'm definitely asking for a box so we can hopefully experience their snacks. I hope you are granted more opportunities like these where we can learn about all these traditions with the hard workers themselves. ❤

[@tobelieve627]

The good honest hard working people and their immaculate work products are just so beautiful and touching. I have tears. Thank you for showing us, Jun!

[@mybellyisapinata]

This is one of those unexpected videos that somehow manages to restore my faith in humanity. Thank you for the gift Jun, and everyone at Seki Seika 🙏

[@feyfeline]

It's so nice and engaging to watch because Jun is also so excited and genuinely curious. No making jokes for the sake of it, or trying to be fake you know? All the interactions seem like wholesome natural moments! Especially the school trip one, because I always wondered about that too!

[@papaquonis]

Well that was just about the most wholesome factory tour I've ever seen. I will absolutely be watching, if you get to make more of these. And what beautiful products they make there, I would love to try them if I ever get the chance.

[@cpworange]

This is such an amazing video and it was truly inspiring to watch! Thank you Jun! Hope for more similar videos to come in the future:)

[@popsock1]

This was so interesting! I really appreciated the insights into the process of making these snacks but more so the craftsmanship, history and traditions. Glad you got this opportunity Jun and well done on the beautiful footage! Also I burst out laughing at this bit: Jun to Poki: Ok you can have a li….gaaah! That’s not how you lick!! Poki: chomp chomp 😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@yaminogame7805]

Jun's excitement was the most fun to watch honestly of the whole video.

[@harvestmoon_autumnsky]

How wonderful to see people so skilled. Thanks Jun. And thank you for the Poki cameo where he is playing the part of the shark.

[@Nyarlah]

This is fantastic content Jun. Please make many more of those, you perfectly present the craft and the people. Motto !

[@markielpilos]

Thank you to Seki Seika for the tour! It's amazing to see how much effort goes into these lovely snacks.

[@agresticumbra]

He's not from Kyoto, but the world woke up to the news of Ryuichi Sakomoto's death. To see a local confection factory, and visit the local shrine, has been a gift. Apologies for not knowing it in Nihongo, but one of Maestro Sakamoto's favorite quotes is Ars longa, vita brevis. Art is long, life is short. Thank you, Jun.

[@solitarelee6200]

Jun's excitement is so contagious

[@karenyunika9569]

i hope this will be a series! sakuraco, please make this happen!

[@cynthiacarson1892]

Yes! Please make this a series 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@TheMangoMussolini]

This was a very beautiful and well-done video, Jun. So very informative and interesting. I'm sure the kitties are a bit upset that you didn't take them with you, but no doubt you'll prepare a special meal for them and all will be forgiven. Really looking forward to more of your shokunin vids!

[@samssyrandall5408]

This whole video was just beautiful. Beautiful people, beautiful artistry, beautiful landscapes, beautiful filming and beautiful interactions.

[@p3p3ron]

This was such a *treat* to watch! Thank you so much for going above and beyond with your content as always - I love how you perfectly show the culture and craftsmanship. It's obvious you truly appreciate it and are interested in what you're filming, it's awesome that your interview dreams are coming to fruition! Looking forward to more behind the scenes snack adventures - and maybe some senbei BBQ footage, haha.

[@amac6421]

Thank you so much for this video, I’m a pastry chef and I would absolutely love to work for a company like this! Last Thanksgiving I hand painted a fall scene on a cake, it took me hours and my husband said it was the most beautiful cake he’d ever seen. I was so proud. I took it over to my family’s house and my mom said, oh this is so nice, you should have just bought a cake though. I hardly ate I was so hurt. I feel like Americans don’t appreciate passion and care when it comes to crafts like this. One day I will visit Japan, try these cookies, and appreciate every moment put into it. ❤️🌸

[@kuraikaoru]

This is fascinating. I would have never imagined that these snacks would be so meticulously crafted. Huge respect to these craftspeople, wow! Thanks for sharing!

[@Kara-nj1ez]

What a beautiful video! So much knowledge and appreciation. You can tell the staff became more and more comfortable with Jun, and his enthusiasm made the trip all the more amazing. So special that he showed the shrine and fire. I'll be ordering Sakurako now!

[@YTsucks300]

Jun getting accosted by Poki for Sakura snacks is the cutest thing.

[@WingedClaymore4]

Their dedication to their craft is incredibly admirable. I hope their business continues for years to come! Thank you for sharing this, it was absolutely fascinating 🤩

[@squidl.r.5878]

That was an awesome learning process~ I love how authentic and real the snacks are. Most snacks become so artificial over time because of demand, but I love seeing that they really haven't changed ♡

[@xenithfreelancer]

The more I watch videos about Japan the more my heart aches to be there. Also Poki is a constant "I. E A T." vibe and I'm here for it.