Behind the Counter at a local Japanese Poisonous Puffer Fish Fugu Restaurant

[@PaolofromTOKYO]

tokyozebra.com/btc - Watch all my Japan Behind the Counter videos here tokyozebra.com/merch Help support the channel and get my Tokyo Merch Get 10% off with my link on Squarespace - squarespace.com/paolofromtokyo

[@lfckaran]

@@ZeroFoxitrot if you’re taking a trip you’ll be fine, you dont have to worry about work culture or unfriendly Japanese as most are welcoming and the few that are wont be directly rude.

[@plushcanvas8652]

Day in life of Fisherman 🤌

[@desultorilypanacea]

How about a video about declining birth rate in Japan? How the government refuses to really give reforms that will encourage child birth. Like free daycare, triple money government gives to parents monthly, etc.

[@gv5207]

❤your content & buying your merch

[@plushcanvas8652]

@@desultorilypanacea 💀

[@NickPR87]

I like how the business being family run gives them a better chance to all take a vacation together when the fish is out of season, especially two whole months! I wish more restaurants were afforded the opportunity to have better work-life balance like they do. Awesome content as always!

[@GameFuMaster]

yeah, 2 months, meanwhile the average worker in Japan would struggle to take 2 weeks lol

[@lordblazer]

@@GameFuMaster goes to show you, building a business builds a legacy and opens up a better quality of life for your family.

[@takoflame4948]

@@lordblazer too bad in the USA these companies dying out

[@s125ish]

@@GameFuMaster why are Japanese all about work?

[@DemstarAus]

I think that would be more possible with a limited menu that focuses on one or two seasonal ingredients. When the ingredient is good, and you're passionate about it, business would boom. Nature tells you when to rest rather than trying to keep supplies up artificially year-round.

[@RandomUserX99]

3 gens! That's telling me that this shop makes good money and has very high level of support and recognition. Japan has this utmost respect to artisans, from chefs to carpenters, that's unmatched in the world. In other countries you could just be a common laborer, but in Japan people will easily call you sensei for the quality of work you offer. Just look at the level of respect the fish vendor has for the granpa chef, even after 30 years.

[@KymHammond]

Great comment.

[@yelhsanosnhoj6602]

Yet a Japanese politician disrespected Floyd Mayweather for easily beating a young talent from the region in fair competition. No sensei there for sportsmen it seems.

[@Youallsuckbigkahunas]

With how lazy the younger generation has gotten, quality will go down.

[@KymHammond]

@@Youallsuckbigkahunas that’s not even an opinion, it’s a prejudice - quality is driven by market not artisans. Blame market to sell cheap. In food industry quality is how a restaurant survives. Many young people are rediscovering the old traditional Japan- I see on KZbin, anyway.

[@RandomUserX99]

@@Youallsuckbigkahunas speak for your own lazy country. Not in Japan. If quality goes down in this shop, people will die lol

[@ggibby0909]

I loved the silent response of the chef when asked “What happens if you eat this?”. Caught me off guard!

[@akuhappy3246]

Fugu is deathly

[@iamlinda100]

@@akuhappy3246 not if they remove all the poisonous parts, which they do.

[@akuhappy3246]

@@iamlinda100 yes, i mean that is why the chef makes the gesture

[@clayusmcvet2242]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@blu-rae864]

“what happens if you eat the poisonous part of the fish?” 😐

[@taitanomo24]

Don't be fooled by how it doesnt look like those really fancy restaurants, this family is very well known and respected (and rich lol) here. Very humble tho. Everything from there is so simple but amaziing🤤

[@bassyey]

Yeah, I could tell by them having vacation for 2 months. According to the video, their grandson usually takes overseas trips. These screams high earning to me. They have a lot of gains and margins in this business.

[@POkegreis]

And they deserve everything of it by providing food prepared with so much passion. =) I wish it was like this in other parts of the world. I'm a Chef and the appreciation for the food you prepare is really, really low compared to the one you receive in Japan. And, although they have a loooong vacation compared to other japanese companies...They still work hard. =) @@bassyey

[@gerrekurquidez3044]

They're smart. You buy everything with that wealth, very simple and functional necessities. As long as they are not notorious rich assholes, they can set a good example (if not farther).

[@TheLinKrust]

I love that the fugu has all these incredible defense mechanisms (poisonous; spikes; raspy skin) and Japanese people found a way not only to deal with them but to elevate them! Wow!

[@sayantanmazumdar3]

Still tastes like fleshy paper.

[@Pathfinding-earth]

@@sayantanmazumdar3 you eaten it? is it good or just a regular fish taste?

[@bebisibeb]

@@Pathfinding-earth I've had it; it is really light in flavour, kind of like a chewier version of snapper when served raw but becomes juicy and bouncy when fried.

[@sayantanmazumdar3]

@@Pathfinding-earth Tasteless, rubbery, and epically underwhelming for the price( depends on the chef who made the shashimi). The one I tried in the hotpot was nice, but I think it has to do more with the other contents of the hotpot.

[@akuhappy3246]

@@sayantanmazumdar3 why peoples likes to eat it?

[@ChelseaReee]

Oh my heart nearly burst when Wolfy did the finger thing right on cue at the end! Such a sweet addition to the video

[@mommamia9948]

Yes! This was so cute! It was the cherry on top to a great video 💜

[@AliceLynn]

Starts with a family and ends with a family! I loved seeing Maiko and Wolfy, a sweet way to wrap the video up. It's so important to remove the fear and mysticism from culture and showcase how beautiful and safe it really is. I was nervous at the start would totally try Fugu now. Thank you.

[@truth4004]

Unless you're the puffer.

[@dixoncider8372]

I am glad you added the timestamp for when the filet processes ends. On behalf of anyone who gets queasy seeing that part, thank you!

[@misoramen2912]

Man, Paolo, I just love the vibe your videos give off. There's something uplifting and relaxing about the content you produce, and you pay genuine respect to the parts of Japan you make videos on. You just keep being awesome, man. ❤

[@zealotbr]

Awesome! ❤

[@IVCMusic]

the amount of love and details you put into every video is what makes you truely successful, love watching these series. it makes me miss japan everytime :) thank you

[@KymHammond]

I love the VO clarity and the way it then seamlessly integrates back with the recorded audio track as if both are recorded at the same time. It gives his videos a great signature and quite a craft skill.

[@cayleenasworldi3647]

Oh my God I’m so glad I caught one of your videos early. You are literally one of the best KZbinrs and I love watching your videos on Japan.

[@PaolofromTOKYO]

Thank you so much!!

[@JadenYukifan28]

@@PaolofromTOKYO If I ever go to Japan, I am not going to try Fugu, even though it looks tempting, I'm picky as to what I like to try.

[@bigbro05]

So nice to see Paolo's own family going for a super delicious Fugu dinner. That was very considerate to give a few seconds to those who would like to skip the Fugu prep section which was very cool to watch by the way. 3 generations working together to build the business that is just beautiful to see. 2 months annual summer vacation in Japan sounds like a dream job.

[@Phantom-xc1kc]

It’s so awesome to look at what happens behind the counter at these family own/run restaurants

[@danielschaublin]

I'm starting to love the quantity of these behind-the-scenes videos you put together these days. It's always nice to see how these Japanese business owners are so happy working in something they love for decades and hearing they their customers love what they serve, such as this chef making good puffer fish dishes, him and his workers knowing how to remove the dangerous parts from the fish, how to cook it, etc. Plus, you know a chef is good if the customers enjoy eating the food every time they visit it and become regular customers that visit once a week, month, etc. Finally, it was a nice surprise seeing your family at the end of the video and helping you enjoy the food that chef serves, especially seeing your son looking at the fish in the fish tank for the first time near the end of the video. I look forward to see more of these behind-the-scenes videos in the future. I wish other countries had this sense of praise with business owners enjoying what they do and customers who are happy to visit like the indie business owners you showcase around Tokyo.

[@joyfullyminimal7185]

Didn't even know about fugu, but I was pleasantly surprised to hear it is blowfish. What a special shop, and dedication to their craft. I love that the family is carrying this tradition. ❤️ I hope the elder customer's children may also learn to support them 🙏

[@theseph28]

Didn't know about fugu? What have you been living under a rock?

[@dorist7280]

The Japanese family invited me to a Fugu restaurant when I was in Japan. I heard about it, and I was a curiosity to eat Fugu. In the end, I chickened out🥺. After watching the Paolo video, I want to try it at this Fugu restaurant. Restaurants are always clean and neat in Japan. People are polite and friendly. In this video, Paolo's family arrives. They are such an adorable family🥰.

[@joshkerr]

I like the sarcasm when the dad doesn't know what type of programming his daughter does. Honestly Paolo, your content is superb. Keep up the good work!

[@sammiller6631]

The programmer is the son's wife, not daughter.

[@Hyde1Soten]

Out of this entire video there's a lot more interesting things to say.

[@vasiovasio]

It is about his wife and yes I think it is funny! :)

[@zennoodle]

When I went to Tsukiji fish market right before they closed, there had been like 6-7 generations of families running all the stalls. Looks like it holds true with this restaurant too.What a treat to see something like this.

[@Danny01474]

Seeing your family join you in these videos always makes me so happy for some reason. Thanks for another quality video.

[@mickeyjardine]

The cherry on top is always how Wolfy does the 'In the next one' pose! He's so adorable and getting so big!! So happy for everything you guys are accomplishing and proud of what this channel has turned into ❤️

[@Samilovescandy]

Why I enjoy your videos is you show the deeper side of Japan. How Japan thrive… what workers do, store owners etc. I love these video’s. You make me value Japan more…. Hopefully I can visit Japan soon. Ps I loveeeeee wolfie

[@gudvibes276]

12:20 *Paolo explaining the process in removing and disposing the venomous parts of the fugu* Paolo: “So what happens when you eat this?” The worker: *gestures a cross prayer

[@whensunkissedf]

It’s a dream to visit all the restaurants featured by Paolo! This channel is amazing! One of the best YT channel based in Japan! Creative, entertaining and educational!

[@earlcatolin5702]

The pufferfish on the thumbnail: 👁️👄👁️

[@eddie30]

I can’t wait to visit Japan again. Fugu is still one of the things on my checklist to experience in Japan. Thanks for providing some idea on how its served.

[@vimhalelkin5443]

Japan is a well-organized country. I would love to take a trip to this country someday. Lots of Love from India 🇮🇳

[@DarkHairedCurlyOne]

I feel the exact same way! I wish we could have that in the states....sadly to many selfish ppl...

[@Jim-hk1el]

@@DarkHairedCurlyOne it’s because they’re a very conservative county, built on shame and honor. They’re about modesty, USA is obsessed with drag queens and chopping kids genetically off.

[@GIChiyo]

That was awesome that they let you into the market, practically no one is allowed in there to see real fish trading anymore I saw it before Tsukiji closed / they moved the actual market, and it was so cool Awesome video once again Paolo! Edit: typo

[@PekebunMager]

So common people cant just buy there??

[@emti29]

it took some convincing perhaps

[@akuhappy3246]

Why is that they closed it now?

[@GIChiyo]

@@akuhappy3246They closed it because tourists were getting int he way of business You can still go there but they are not actively doing business in Tsukiji anymore because of it

[@GIChiyo]

@@PekebunMager No, usually it's only open to fishermen and restaurateurs, a direct fresh market

[@qopiqq3629]

I love how complete the video was, seeing the fish market at the start, preparing the fish and everything in between was very interesting

[@Just1Me9235]

Wolfy with the "in the next one" point at the end is always SO CUTE. Thanks for the video.

[@oOsillyrabbitOo]

9:35 hearing Paolo say “no cap” threw me off guard I had to make sure I heard him right

[@katecragg4251]

Paolo it seems like you're dubbing over your questions with English, can we someday get a video of you asking the questions in Japanese?? I've been learning it for awhile now, and I think that'd be so nice to hear you speak it as well!

[@aspect795]

Honestly a great series. Very insteresting seeing these family owned buisnesses and they always seem so nice and genuine.

[@ryuuji5814]

2 behind the counter videos in a row! Loving these vids. Keep it up 👍

[@robthebuilder9894]

It was nice to watch the video and see fugu being prepared! Also it was great to see the people who prepare the food, the diners, and your family at the end. Thank you for the video! 😊

[@henryt9281]

Paolo's videos just keep getting better and better.

[@shufflecats3339]

Thank you for the warning on the fish filet, Paolo! I was preparing myself to have to skip through but the timestamp was very appreciated :)

[@astroboy3507]

Great vid PAOLO and I really RESPECT them chefs getting all the poision out properly!!!! 👌🏻🙌🏻

[@jollygoodgordon5580]

They seem like such a lovely family and the restaurant vibes is so cozy ❤

[@nish221100]

My grandmother used to make fugu hotpot. Definitely a special event meal. BTW. your Japanese subtitles are great also!

[@andreapoindexter1793]

Hi Paolo, My husband and I have been watching your videos for years now, and we really love them. Hopefully, one day we could travel to Japan. Im disabled and we were wondering if you could do a "day in the life of a wheelchair user" ♿️ From everything we've seen in your videos buildings seem small and cramped, not quite big enough for a wheelchair and most times there's a lot a staircases. So, we would like to see places that are ✨️ accessible ✨️ how the disabled folks get around. Transportation. If there's any accommodations. Hopefully, it's not too much to ask ☺️☺️☺️ Thank you for all the great videos

[@Big_Jacob32]

Paolo you keep on shocking & amazing everyone with your videos thank you 🙏🏻

[@vwbeetleboy68]

Good video as always. We tried Fugu in Oita last year and it was good, but I wouldn't say it was something I'd need to try again. Just did it more for the westerner's interest in consuming it when in Japan. We had the five traditional presentations and I found the sashimi followed by the hot pot the most enjoyable. As I understand it, 'Tiger Pufferfish' is the most expensive and poisonous. There are other types of Fugu sold which aren't poisonous and are a lot cheaper, so make sure you are asking for the proper Tiger Pufferfish if you ever come to Japan to try it.

[@realmccoy3482]

Paolo does it again. Great entertainment and information as always. Plus, a bonus family dinner ending. Thank you guys! I'll catch you guys in the next one!

[@lillianlouie4284]

Fascinating! The shot of the fugu being held as it puffs up is spectacular! Blessings to this 3 gens shop. Thank you for another great video Paolo!

[@silkvelvet2616]

I am now confident to try fugu if I ever get to Japan. Thankyou Paolo. Seeing how it is prepared and presented, I have so much more confidence now, even though, before, I 'Knew' that one needed a license to serve fugu.

[@ivanwill]

Honestly, the sheer skill involved. Impressive. Thanks for sharing. it certainly gives those of us not local, an inside view...

[@Socrates21stCentury]

Great topic and video! I really enjoyed that you can sample the food and report back (God willing) on the dishes once prepared !!!

[@shadow3165]

Just wanted to point out the guy driving at 1:54 giving us a nod

[@uaena182]

xD

[@zapata877]

Hey Paolo, thank you for your perfect timing video! My husband and I will travel to Japan in 10 days: I speak some basic Japanese and I've already been in Japan, but the first time for him and he was absolutely insisting on tasting fugu there. But we were desperate about a good place. Your video came right at that point😄 I guess I will not understand everything once there, but we'll give a try. Arigatou!

[@studioghibliconnoisseur4379]

Paolo, Maiko and Wolfie at the end are absolutely adorable !!

[@monicadob6152]

I love your channel and the Japanese culture. They so respectful and polite. The food looks delicious and tastes too. Your son is cute and sweetheart.

[@Mister.Unknown]

My man I am obsessed with you videos but the "no cap"s and the "true that"s are killing me :s

[@safiramaya]

paolo's videos are what we called by quality over quantity.. great video

[@timong6101]

@PaolofromTOKYO Thanks to you, I visited and ate at this restaurant today. It was fantastic! I felt comfortable there knowing I wasn't going to get accidentally poisoned from the Fugu because it was properly and expertly cut and fillet by a 43 year experienced licensed Fugu chef. I finally got to eat Fugu now thanks to this video! Much appreciated! From now on every time I want to eat Fugu in Tokyo, I will always visit this place going forward! The staff was very happy when I mentioned that your YT video was the reason why I visited the place!

[@timong6101]

@iridium8341 I only met him briefly and I never saw his hands

[@1hbhDTL]

These videos keep getting better and better. Nice to see the family at one of the spots.

[@ComboMuster]

Japanese have such a unique culture which fortunately it has inspired the entire world! This video left my mouth salivating! ty so much!

[@tysone2790]

WOLFY IS KILLING MEEEE AHHH!! and THANK YOU FOR DOING THIS ONE! I've been waiting to see the infamous puffer fish restaurant and am even more excited to hopefully try it one day thanks to this video! Can't wait to see more!

[@Leviwosc]

I like this family a lot and I have the feeling that they are genuine, they seem relaxed. I think it must be a great restaurant.

[@MrAlan1828]

I love your content!, its very relaxingand humourous. You say English, they say Japanese quick n simple. The best of all your contents is mostly the everyday Japanese living culture!

[@akuhappy3246]

He speak japanesse with them. But in the editing result he dubbed his voice talking in English to make it easier and less translated for international viewer

[@faceonnailsdonehairdid]

I absolutely love your channel- had to watch everything back up until 4 years ago, you have really good content. Had no idea, you were just a two person operation with Maiko, keep up the good work.

[@technoshaman001]

another awesome video, what a beautiful family! courageous business! I hope the family continues this for many more generations

[@lynngascon8799]

The videos are always informative, helpful and entertaining. I have to give this one to Wolfy at the end. Right in queue. So cute. .

[@emmelineye6697]

You always bring us into such unique establishments!! I definitely want to try this! Thank you❤

[@Djjazzyjaz3363]

This is my new favorite segment. I love it!!

[@abigailponikarovsky3514]

Love your videos been watching since 200k! Keep up the great work Paolo you make the best videos!!!!

[@thesilentangel8299]

The chef doing the cross and prayer after being asked “What happens if you eat that” (referring to the poison organs) was just 😂😂😂.

[@LatuVT]

Man I really want to visit this shop! It looks so delicious and you can tell they put a lot of love and care into their preparation. If I go to Japan I definitely want to eat here!

[@CooldownsYT]

Thank you for the video! I loved it that your family joined you at the end to have a dinner together at this restaurant. That must be a blessing!

[@samurye6186]

Very interesting episode, pretty cool how much work goes into the process to make it safe to eat. If people are willing to put that much time into preparation it must taste delicious! I'll have to try it when I'm in Japan.

[@jennybutler9643]

Love watching your videos. Very behind the scenes and educational. Where else would we see stuff like this.

[@markingyourhearts7711]

I love how Paolo warns when there's gonna be gore, most people don't❤

[@atheisthumanist1964]

I've been enjoying your videos for a while now and really love them! I come from a restaurant background, and have always advocated for people to experience the entire process their food takes before they enjoy it in a restaurant, or made at home. For me, especially regarding animal protein, there's far too much disconnect. The majority of people just buy what's at their local grocers (in N. America anyway) and don't really think about how it's raised and processed. I'll happily eat less animal protein that's higher quality and raised naturally. I think that's why I enjoy the videos so much, it shows the entire process.

[@Yezserjp25]

16:15 "Can I Eat Now?" HAHAHAHA I think Paolo should only ask 1 or 2 questions or ask the questions after they eat. This is only a suggestions 😅

[@RockoSocko645]

I'm traveling to Japan in late February to Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. I hope to visit this gem when I'm in Tokyo. Thank you for sharing this family's restaurant.

[@ChauNyan]

Loving the Behind the Counter videos. By far my favorite!

[@tommytomas-fr3sh]

it is amazing to see a restaurant that has a regular guest that has been eating there for the past 30 years! its just show how the food and the hospitality of the restaurant are more than excellent. I don't think they need to tell the restaurant staff what they are going to order. they just call, and by the voice alone they know who is the guest, the time they will come, and what food and drink they will order. that's what happens to my regular Chinese hot pot restaurant in Nanjing when I was studying there.

[@BaileySantaMonica]

Thank you, Paolo for creating this video. I have always been fascinated about fugu and the chefs that prepare it. This family is amazing!

[@StoneUSA]

I LOVE how many words and phrases have been appropriated from English. Yet I hate how it got there. In all I think it's a bitter enjoyment and simply appreciate the ability to communicate.

[@Juju-Ox]

I love seeing these family own businesses.

[@인도외교관]

Please continue your amazing a day in life series with other unexplored professions like a day in life of Architect, Professor at University, foreign national, government officer ( bureaucrats), social services worker ( NGO ) etc

[@deucemcallister13]

Dude, I love this channel. Happy to see you and your family together in this one!

[@ryanrydes6372]

My partner and I really loves your videos Pao, it's is super energizing especially after a long hours of work, I really love the Japan's culture, mostly the car, food and many more. Ingat kabayan!

[@mellisatenri8504]

Fugu always interest me ever since I came across about it in manga. At first I didn't know it was poisonous since the manga didn't talk about the poison. And then I found about it on the tv shows. But what a coincidence.. the thing is this week I was assigning my p6 students to draw fugu for the art class. We also discuss about the fish. One of my students said he plans to travel to Japan with his family and he might try to eat it. A very great video thank for the enrichment about the fugu knowledge 🙂

[@akuhappy3246]

Lots of peoples internationally know fugu poisonous from manga indeed

[@nomanaleft8124]

can't get enough of these behind the counter videos.

[@rebeccachia]

I knew about Fugu from other KZbinrs , but never an experience behind the counter. Its so cool! I'll add this to my list when I visit Japan ^_^

[@pathomthatthongchim6005]

Thank you for made this and other videos. I love it! I am foreigner,who lives in Japan now but many things i don't understand. And after see your video,i do understand more and i love it. Please keep on doing this! Thank you

[@jaydugger3291]

I ate fugu on my first business trip to Japan. Well worth the experience. As for the cost, it wasn't so bad. It didn't exceed the per diem allowance guidelines of my employer.

[@RayMak]

I’m so hungry watching this

[@lobodraco]

Great video! Fresh... 16:35 You know you are eating fresh fugu when the sashimi still wiggles in your plate 😝

[@csvega]

It's just salt😅 it causes raw meat to spasm

[@AResurrectedWreck]

@@csvega Thank you! I came to the comments wondering if anyone knew why the food was still twitching 😂

[@sheena3873]

I really appreciated that Fugu fillet warning haha

[@tomrowe2181]

Just opened KZbin to see what I can watch with my coffee this hot Saturday morning in Aus and this beauty is here to greet me 😅 Thanks for being such a great creator Paolo!

[@GeorgeWayneMwangi]

Thank you so much for always showcasing Japan in such an enticing manner. I am Kenyan and now I know what I will eat on my first visit to Japan😃😃

[@iPuzzlePirate]

Are you reading my mind?! I have been watching your channel for months now, maybe over a year. Yesterday, for the very first time ever, I looked up on KZbin how chefs cut Fugu. And your video I see now was posted 19 hours ago. Amazing!

[@Devil.0356]

Aww the baby did it too! This was a well done video! They are very skilled and I have always wondered how much of the fugu was edible vs poison. It is very fascinating to see and they really are artisans with the blades.

[@seangdraws]

1:15 "so this is your mother son" and 5:48 this is " your mother son's daughter"

[@msteongmusic]

😵‍💫Yomado - san 🤓

[@seangdraws]

so funny

[@ThorgalsWalhalla]

that system with the sings and poisonous parts is really clever. i like that they use it and dont just arrogantly think they don t need it to be quicker.

[@HellOnFourLegs]

I came like oh poor fish but then I was all in with how interesting it was, the live preparation wasn't that traumatic, it was rather educational, still not like I'll ever be crazy enough to try to do it myself lol

[@lunarakz]

when i see new video from Paolo, i stop everything i do, and enjoying watching every video carefully😊😊😊

[@stevecalderon2350]

12:30 my favorite part 😂