Behind the Counter at a Japanese Yakitori Shop of a 72 year old Master

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Hidden Secret Food Spot location in Tokyo Nakameguro. This local Japanese Yakitori Chicken Skewer Restaurant gained a reputation among locals for its high quality, freshness and authenticity. Just a 3 minute walk from Tokyo’s nakameguro station, I’m taking you behind the counter of this hidden gem and into the heart of one of my favorite yakitori shops. The yakitori shop is run by a 72-year old master, that’s been around for almost 30 years serving freshly grilled chicken skewers. Starting at 18, years of hard work, dedication and passion for his craft allowed him to build 6 successful yakitori shops while also endearing his customers to a point where they don’t call him master, but rather “the Legend”. The shop uses a special ‘Date-dori chicken’ which is delivered fresh every single day directly from a farm in the southern part of Japan’s Tohoku region. The chickens are raised near pristine waters and natural surroundings and are known for their exceptional quality, taste, soft and juicy texture with an elegant umami flavor. In Japan, it’s typical to have counter seats like this where the yakitori is grilled in the center by the chef. It may be quite intimidating to those who’ve never experienced it before, but it’s actually a great way to order as you can see what everyone else is eating which allows customers to point at the various foods to the chef that they might want to try for themself. Inomata san says that there’s often a chain reaction when someone orders a chicken skewer and the people around see it and end up ordering the same item.
Toriyoshi Yakitori (Nakameguro)
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I'm from TOKYO JAPAN, I've been living here for a long time. I'll be your Tokyo Travel Guide, taking you to the spots I love as well as showing you what to do all around Japan and maybe sometimes overseas. I'm also into Tech so you'll see a few videos about my drone and other cool toys I discover. In short, the channel is all about what I Love, Japan, Food, Travel, Tech and most likely coming FROM-TOKYO, my home.
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[@PaolofromTOKYO]

tokyozebra.com/btc - Watch more of my Japan Behind the Counter videos here tokyozebra.com/merch Help support the channel and get my Tokyo Merch Use my code PAOLO to get $15 off your first Bokksu Japanese snack box! partner.bokksu.com/paolo

[@ropro9817]

Damn, Inomata-san might be 72 but he's got a very youthful pep in his step!

[@typerightseesight]

I didn't know they made an aspirin with antacid. perfect for restaurant. hahaha

[@edwardfletcher7790]

Another great video ! Really loved that jazz background music 👍😆

[@kristinen6617]

I would love to see the Toyota plant? Is that far from you?

[@bazzakrak]

I have to ask Paolo, since I have been wondering for some time now. Have any of the businesses you have shown of in your videos come back to you and said they could see a rise in customers, both domestic and from abroad? And have those new customers pointed out they specific came to their stores because of your videos?

[@honestnerd]

This man is 72 years old, just became a dad and works 24 days per month. All while looking 15 years younger. Gotta love japanese people. Thanks for sharing Paolo, really enjoyed this one!

[@hortehighwind8651]

Japanese sure are built different 😮

[@valkyone]

he'll likely never see his kid grow into an adult, is literally being overworked til death in the restaurant industry which is notorious for high stress and low profit, what exactly is there to love? If anything beyond the glitzy production value it's heartbreaking and shows how dysfunctional Japanese society is.

[@honestnerd]

@@valkyone Those are his choices. Also, Japan being the country with highest life expectancy, doubt he won't see his kid grow into an adult ;)

[@DeeKay68]

@@valkyoneoh really. Glad we have an expert here. Thanks. 👍🏼

[@ChickensAndGardening]

@@valkyone He's not "being overworked". He's the boss and chooses to work. He enjoys the work, he likes talking to the customers, he walks or bikes to work and has an incredible positive outlook. I find him inspiring. Too bad you see only the negatives.

[@limitedmobro7708]

8:04 Paolo asked about the food he likes, then he replied with a whole lesson on life. True legend.

[@SaarphireTTV]

Caught me off guard, ngl! Instant motivation, lmao

[@sarvi2348]

I think he says "All might"😂

[@schmal833]

Motivation

[@kaydeekelly5852]

What a fit 72 year old man.😮😮😊

[@user-op8fg3ny3j]

Reminds me of my 80 year old pops who still loves to work

[@alexgravenor]

Benefits of living in a walkable place

[@Turnpost2552]

Benefits of not making excuses.

[@EinkOLED]

50 years old in japanese years.

[@codeninja100]

Asian dont raisin!!

[@GaIiIeoMateo]

The production value of these videos is so great, Paolo. Keep it up these videos are incredible.

[@PaolofromTOKYO]

Glad you like them!

[@The_Real_Kal-El]

@@PaolofromTOKYOthe videos are well done but if you add in a nice rack focus shot every now and then. It would make the videos even better IMO.

[@edwardcullen3251]

​@@PaolofromTOKYOwhy do you laugh while talking in your voice overs? It's REALLY annoying

[@DerekDavis213]

Paolo should offer his videos in 1440p or 4k resolution, in 2023. 4k televisions are everywhere, and cheap too. That would boost the production value.

[@Shinybutu]

​@@edwardcullen3251how about you stfu and enjoy the content

[@diningwithderek]

Always love these episodes... it's really interesting to see how these families run their shop for so many years!

[@hermin]

My saturday morning is never complete, without watching videos from Paolo and his family. :)

[@iiblxrr3d155]

9:41 I found this guy so funny in this video, bro's Tonjiru sure must have tasted really good 15:02 the baby is soo cute with her *touch*

[@nerd26373]

This yakitori shop sure looks incredible. People should be more like this old man: very hard working, dedicated, and committed to every single he does on a daily basis. We wish him nothing but absolute success all the way. Bless him.

[@Snuzzlekin]

And why exactly should we be like this old man....I'd prefer working a bit and enjoying life more then he does where working has taken over his life completely. He even got a child at age 71. Not sure i would find that responsible.

[@Gigi-zr6hp]

​​@@Snuzzlekinyeah because you have a rotten American mindset, go back to arguing to whether the democrats or republicans are better on political channels dude is an owner of his own shop not just someone who relies on pension

[@mudpill7509]

People should be whatever they want to be.

[@Hellochilous]

Paolo, your videos and content are a comfort and joy for me always, I love this series and of course your family content. The love and passion you put into it all really is so evident and I hope you are well and continue creating with love. I hope this encourages you and your beautiful family!

[@PaolofromTOKYO]

I appreciate that!

[@_innerpeacekeeper]

Paolo, I'm going through tough times, and have been feeling down. But watching your videos, with their upbeat and joyful vibes has really helped to cheer me up a bit. Thank you for your hard work and excellent content.

[@PaolofromTOKYO]

Stay Positive!

[@BuGzLeGz]

There are so many KZbinrs who film the restaurant in Japan. But only Paolo makes me feel like I'm experiencing it like I was there. Really love your work. Keep it going!

[@Mayimbeoo7]

I love how all Japanese shops take years to master their craft. I never thought charcoaling chicken parts could be so complex. It's looks amazingly delicious. It's a testament to the owner/master.

[@speakingtonobody7950]

The master of the Yakitori shop really does earn his title of legend. Having a kid after 70 is insane.

[@lulu_0763]

i know right? that's insane lol

[@A_Balanced_Breakfast]

In fairness, his wife looks about 30 years younger than him.

[@yami2227]

@@A_Balanced_Breakfast - male infertility is still a thing, after 40 it declines rapidly

[@A_Balanced_Breakfast]

@@yami2227 Lower male fertility after age 45 is expected. Obviously a 24-year-old man is more fertile than a 54-year-old man. Women literally have a menopause, after which they are literally incapable of bearing a child. There is a MASSIVE difference there.

[@user-er4ly6lp6b]

​@@lulu_0763❤

[@Jordan-inJapan]

Awesome content as usual Paolo. And restaurants run by these old masters are great, aren’t they? Just down the street from where I work, there’s a “yaki-karee” (baked curry) place. The guy who runs it is apparently in his 90s. It’s a bit hard to understand what he’s saying sometimes, but his food is pretty amazing.

[@musicmonkey602]

Sounds pretty tasty. If it’s in the Tokyo area, I’d definitely check it out.

[@southcoastinventors6583]

I never heard dope used so many times in a positive way before

[@Jordan-inJapan]

@@southcoastinventors6583 😂

[@Jordan-inJapan]

@@musicmonkey602 sorry, not even close. The curry place is in central Mie-prefecture. I’d like to say I’ll video blog it for you, but as I said, the proprietor is a bit hard to understand. 😆

[@kenbozu1]

When Paolo was speaking to one of the workers/helpers and he asked where he lived and he mentioned Wakayama prefecture, my grandfather on my dad's side of the family is from Wakayama prefecture. My grandfather was a merchant seaman in his early years, then when he came to Hawaii, my father said he worked as a fisherman that used to catch Aku or yellowfin tuna.

[@Melobits]

Having a daughter at 71 is crazy

[@ayakotami3318]

72 years old, looks to be in his 50s, fit, and does practically everything. Plus a sweetheart too. This chef is amazing! He, in way, reminds me of my Step Grandpa and older Aunt. My Step Grandpa was fit and healthy till the final few weeks of his life. He died at 94 and my Aunt is in her mid 90s too and doing well still minus trouble walking.

[@bingobongo1615]

My FIL is 62 and looks 15 years younger than this chef… dont think he looks particularly young for a 72yo Japanese… He seems definitely very fit though

[@CaribouOrange]

That sporty guy with the cucumber thingies is ATTRACTIVE. Okidoki

[@mingming925]

fr tho 👀

[@GoBuddieGo]

I really admire the young staff member that wants to open a shop up in his hometown but is also dedicated to honing his skills that he's willing to stick it out for a set amount of years first.

[@philiq18]

I'm always amazed at the work ethic. Almost unmatched. Another great feature, Paolo. The owner seems like a truly humble man. Reflected in his team as well.

[@carsilk2492]

It's nice to see old guys and young guys working together. I've been cooking for a long time and you don't always see that. It's good because it makes the job feel like people want to stick around, and the craft is worth learning. Another nice one, man!

[@MischeifMakerz]

This owner is honestly an inspiration. I hope my dad, and one day myself stays healthy like him. He is 61 but is still working. But 72 is just amazing. He really did not give up on life.

[@lilyanyan]

I always thought yakitori was kinda pricey but looking behind the scenes, they put so much effort (as well as other restaurants/foods of course), it made me appreciate everything they do to provide us the best cuisine. I can't wait to go to Japan again~!

[@REELmultigaming]

I am visiting Japan in less than 48 hours. I try my best visiting this place as it seems totally awesome!

[@Max-unswayed]

Enjoy your stay 🎉

[@beepboop4833]

Have fun

[@babyoopsie]

I've been watching these videos for a while now and I appreciate the hard work you put into them. I always get hungry watching these "behind the counter" series.

[@PaolofromTOKYO]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@tomawen5916]

The owner has "good genes". Hearty, vibrant and smart. Thinks on his feet and runs a successful business. 72 is the new 50! Great video! The food looks delicious!

[@ktoi138]

Omg 72 year old with a 2 year old seesh. Good for him. Handsome older gentleman.

[@jessellekeithedulsa362]

First time to watch Paolo's video after "minutes" of posting it! Wooow, sooo happy!!! Thanks Paolo! 🥰 Your videos are my "comfort videos" (lol just like comfort food) and my stress reliever. Thank you for these amazing vids! Regards to Maiko and Wolfy! ❤️❤️❤️

[@ridwan3709]

Yakitoriiii. What i love from japanese food is their table is soo clean and neat with cozy vibes.

[@ruby8372]

His entire restaurant is absolutely spotless, all his stainless steel looks brand new it’s so clean 😮

[@mwarnakulasuriya]

every morning I wake up and make my breakfast, sit down in front of my computer and put on one of the behind the counter or A day in life videos . whenever a new episode come out I am always so glad and happy . Thank you for your hard work Paolo just wanted to say how much I appreciate these kind of videos. not only I feel like I m there but also this help me to have an idea of places I will be visiting in Japan in the future. keep up the great work !!!

[@jackxiao9702]

I like how most of the shops don’t need the extra business but just enjoy’s Paolo’s videos and want to be a part of it.

[@GamingFoodie]

"In life, it's easy to reject things, but it's important to continue to try new things." Legend indeed.

[@loulou3676]

"It's delicious. Who made this? I did!" I love that guy's energy

[@TheOtherChef]

@PaolofromTOKYO I visited this yakitori restaurant in September 2023. I mentioned that I saw this video and decided to come here! Amazing experience! Arigato! I saw the master but he was busy.

[@MakeSushi1]

Yakitori never disappoints 🍗

[@Frutnoob]

Every single week Paolo and Maiko come with another banger. It's crazy how consistent they are

[@rldabomb33]

Japan is the best in culinary… From ramen to yakitori to sushi to yakiniku… such an art..

[@Cristhyavi]

The Behind the counter series is def one of my favorites to watch on KZbin ! Thank you for the craft that you do as well Paolo. 😊

[@beepbapboop126]

this man needs an episode on chef's table. you've done a great job showing his personality and the passion he has for his craft but his story goes so much deeper. I wish I could experience it.

[@Anaesify]

Thank you Paulo for working so hard to bring us these videos! I just loved the old master and hearing him talk about his craft!

[@sherbear_]

Some of the best content available on KZbin and even just in general. High quality production value, authentic, unique. Congrats Paolo and Maiko.

[@piplup10203854]

This really does have to be the best series on KZbin, they're honestly so much fun and it makes me think of other cultures and how it would be so cool to see them presented in this fashion. I also really love the quiet Japanese village restoration videos of people's shops, homes, etc those are amazing too.

[@lowrains7837]

This is my favorite series on KZbin! I always get excited when you release a new video like this ☺️🙌🏼

[@HaoToDraw69]

Love the video, the staff and the customers are so polite and willing to answer questions

[@mtbelly1972]

Absolutely love these. So interesting finding out about all the different places. Thank you for making these videos.

[@dylandog1289]

I plan on having a monitor just playing Paolo fromTOKYO in my office 24/7. Its so cheery and positive.

[@LaRosaHjort]

Omg, this looks so amazing! I love seeing these videos about different restaurants and the people who run them :)

[@cameronrhodes1101]

Thank you so much, it's always so interesting to see these behind the scenes type of situations. That certain restaurants in Japan, it is so interesting.

[@Yakitoriguy]

Thanks Paolo for sharing with your community Yakitori behind the scenes! Many have not heard about it, and those who have may simply think it's just grilled chicken on sticks, but as you shared there's so much work and knowledge that goes into each bite made by the Yakitori craftsmans! Cheers🍻

[@indigoangel9477]

Another great video Paulo. The quality is unmatched. And…You meet the most interesting people! Love it.👍

[@justinmcintosh6554]

The work ethic is humbling! Love Japan!

[@Souly995]

Thank you so much Paolo for always providing us with these high quailty videos. These videos always bring joy to me and teaches me alot about japaense cultures and how dedicated and hard working they are . I have learned alot. I wish you nothing but the best to you and to your family and my god bless you and bless your soul . Cant wait for more eps . All the best !!

[@nicolewilson4058]

I always enjoy the Behind the Counter videos. Paolo always comes up with some good restaurants to try out. I would definitely like to try the yakitori. It looks delicious! Nice video.

[@Sugiarto.andika]

I love the dedication. Thanks Paolo. What a great video! Keep it up!

[@wisecanadianwoman]

I always enjoy watching your videos Paolo thanks for creating such interesting and well produced segments!

[@IanAbellana]

Love this series!

[@Berrymommy]

As always, I enjoy watching your vlogs. This quite touched my heart as this is unbelievably amazing knowing about 72year old master. Thank you for sharing this.

[@rg20322]

This guy is absolutely next level running this restaurant, mentoring, and just flat out cool. He is someone to aspire to be and just the attitude, and perseverance. What a great motivational video as always Paolo! Love this channel.

[@nelsonandsenkaspanner6888]

Paolo, your videos are always a pleasure to watch.

[@christopherharris6005]

Awesome video as always Paolo. The places you visit always have the most amazing people and the most delicious food.

[@Nabee_H]

This man is the true embodiment of what we need here in Canada (and the US). WALKABLE cities with biking infrastructure and good transit systems 😭 Everyday i wish oh Canada can be like Japan in this sense

[@Koganai96]

Really loves those Behind the Counter content. Pls Paulo give us more of these. They’re so interesting

[@melinda6591]

Behind the counter and a day in the life series are the best thing on KZbin love these videos so much it's just so comforting and relaxing to watch Japan is such a beautiful and clean country

[@CaribouOrange]

Yes, it's top quality

[@Mister6]

Probably your best series. Thanks for posting

[@yosoypatrick]

Really great video Paolo, you managed to show great appreciation to the legend's craft and built up a great rapport with the other staff members and customers to give us a glimpse of a wonderful place, that I now must visit!

[@user-iw9sr8cx4w]

💜After a really hectic week, this was just so inspiring! Thanks for the hard work in making these vlogs!

[@zaidkidwai7831]

What a guy, amazing.

[@AnnaDominiqueSantos]

Paolo! I like watching your videos right before I go to work. Seeing these people enjoy and give their all makes me feel motivated to do my best at work!

[@k59vodoanhoanganh18]

love this seriessss

[@BadaBadger]

Oh wow! He looks great for 72!

[@ZalyQQ]

you have my favourite series in japan right now paolo! it's like a slice of life anime but for regular japanese people

[@ostirus]

these videos are always so wholesome

[@matthew5553]

Amazing video Paolo, love these behind the counter vids!

[@michelleg.4587]

I love yakitori, since I was a child in Japan☺️

[@samwrought5650]

So much attention to detail and dedication and love, respects!

[@destinynoel2490]

Great timing I've been binge watching all your videos!! 😂❤

[@ToranosukeEdo]

It's always inspiring to watch Japanese masters at work in their craft. That yakitori looks unbelievably oishii 🥲🤤

[@thnrrtr]

Thank you for making videos like this Paolo 😊

[@JapanatGroundLevel]

Fantastic video, Paolo, and a fascinating insight into a world that few get to see. Great work as usual!

[@moomoo3689]

I absolutely love Yakitori, so this episode was great!! A lovely video as always!!

[@shemng871]

Another great video Paolo ! The Yakitori looks amazing, love how they use every part of the chicken 🍗

[@dylanbhunnoo7061]

Amazing stuff! Thanks, Paolo!

[@Macho_Fantastico]

This series is quickly becoming my favourite. The kid at the end was just adorable.

[@mikaellarsson7932]

Great clip, Paolo. More diversity in this shop than normally in Tokyo. I lived for many years in Fukuoka, wow, so many different yakitoris there. Love ginko nuts and veggies too. Could easily eat in this place 3 times a week with cabbage, vinegar and chili powder and edamame beans and my personal bottle of shochu on a shelf. Nukazuke is also so nice, I make my own here in Romania now, it is like having a very quiet pet :-)) Looking forward to more clips, arigato!

[@agscb1998]

What a great way to end a Friday night, love you Paolo!

[@tonya8695]

Love these episodes. Thank you for sharing these wonderful places and people. I can’t to finally take a trip there.

[@kathyme2882]

The amount of preparation and dedication is inspiring.😮

[@hunterhayes8028]

I love this series of yours so much gud work paolo

[@user-mm9cw8oo7n]

みんな本気でカッコいい！！！ 三茶to中目、、レジェンドさんやっぱすごいです😲！

[@MeettheTings]

Thanks Paolo! Because of you our whole family had such a good time visiting the places you mentioned!

[@atilamatamoros7499]

Definitely one of my top 5 favorites. The interaction between all the people and thyself is remarkable. Congratulations

[@SPIKEAdventure]

The people you meet at these locations are amazing.

[@onetime5640]

Thank you for another beautiful video ! I wish I lived in JAPAN. . 🌺

[@Xengaa]

The owner's daughter is soo adorable! 🥰

[@ps5gaymer]

I love this channel so much. Japan is my number one country I want to visit. But these videos are the closest I’m getting right now

[@hollyhummel9774]

Yeah, love a new Behind the Counter video😊😊. That baby is so cute and the yakitori looks so delicious.

[@pohau80]

Paolo, you definitely found you calling with these day in a life and behind the scene videos. Another excellent work.

[@sam-the-developer8753]

i am always excited when i get a reminder of these videos lol 😁

[@Nebresto]

I wonder if he found Paolo through youtube instead of Paolo contacting him. I think he's the first person to call him "Paolo-san" in one of these videos, and since he was watching KZbin on the break he just might be a viewer himself

[@thehighone4621]

I'm really craving with these kinds of videos... Keep Going Paolo!!