Behind the Counter at a local Japanese Sushi Restaurant

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This is behind the counter of a sushi restaurant in Japan that first created the kappa maki sushi, aka cucumber roll. Yahata Zushi opened its doors more than150 years ago and to this day still commands a strong following for its ultra high quality sushi at reasonable prices so I wanted to share this Tokyo hidden secret gem with all of you. This 6th generation family owned sushi restaurant is located in Tokyo's Waseda area and we follow a day in the life of these sushi chefs preparing their shop from the morning. The shop goes to extra lengths to use a chemical-free organic Koshihikari rice sourced directory from their grandparents’ farm in Ibaraki prefecture. It’s not often that a Sushi shop will produce their own rice, but this family places great emphasis on continuing the traditions of their ancestors. They courageously navigated their business through a 150 years of history, enduring both ups and downs. One of the significant challenges was during the war, when sushi was banned altogether by the Japanese government as food supplies were scarce. However, in the post war area, despite the trying time, Yasui san’s father, the 4th generation, invented the now-beloved kappa maki sushi, cucumber rolls as an alternative to fish, which would ultimately spread in popularity throughout the world.
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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 paolofromtokyohotsauce.com - Get my Paolo fromTOKYO Premium Kaminari Hot Sauce Use my code PAOLO to get $15 off your first Bokksu Japanese snack box! partner.bokksu.com/paolo

[@harshakalluri4455]

Are the bokksu treats vegetarian( no fish no meat or eggs

[@Demonaro]

Hi Paolo i am visiting tokyo in sep, i wish to visit this shop, is ordering in english gonna be an issue?

[@kaweramNZL]

8

[@GariusMarius]

@@Demonaro Learn several helpful Japanese words and restaurant phrases. Sumimasen, Arigatou Gosaimasu, Gochiso sama deshita, Kore, and become familiarized with using Google Translate or other translation apps.

[@Demonaro]

@@GariusMarius not really the answer i was looking for but thank you.

[@Big-boned_Pikachu]

Paolo I wish more people made videos like yours. Showing off what real jobs are like is not only interesting, but valuable for people searching for a path. I wish there were these kinds of videos when I was in highschool!

[@journosketch]

@maruiacancerc keep upload.........one video can not count...........after you upload 2000 videos then lets talk again if not very successfull

[@jojorockzzz1211]

What are you working as now

[@PuPuChangg]

Oh shut up already! Every comment section on KZbin has one of you losers in it. JUST SHUT UP!

[@sammiller6631]

@@journosketch why "after you upload 2000 vides"? your English is not very successful

[@goukenslay7555]

instead of making those shitty shorts

[@EliLogic]

The fact that the grandfather the 4th generation created a new style of sushi that has expanded to the entire known world is a achievement that will never be forgotten.

[@Terahnee]

Right? I was like "wait wait wait wait wait.... it's a small sushi place but the ancestor invented Kappa Maki???!!!"

[@amusician644]

@@Terahnee Im not really surprised since an undertaker invented rotary dials and phone numbers due to a phone operator not doing her job properly. Alot of small people invent things that quickly become wide spread and we dont even know about them!

[@sterlingodeaghaidh5086]

@@amusician644 Also, sideview mirrors, answering machines, and folding chairs believe it or not. The phone thing is debated as there were several patents from the time.

[@slykhajiit2]

And they just brushed upon it like nothing. Other people would name they place after something like that. "The home of..."

[@ben-taobeneton3945]

Yo! That Chef looks so sincere and honest. I can tell he's full of positivity. I think I haven't seen such a person in a long time. I just want to go the restaurant because of his smile. ☺ P.s I think he spoke English near at the table 11:44 🤔 If so, much respect.

[@naga3070]

Aren´t they all in his behind the counter series? I enjoyed every single one of these.

[@emilycanfield2634]

I think he was speaking english the entire time while explaining to the guests. It's hard to tell but maybe they were non-japanese? His English is also excellent!

[@ben-taobeneton3945]

@@emilycanfield2634 yeah, from what I heard it sounded quite good.

[@joewarrior619]

That’s actually great news for me haha. I’m planning a Japan trip this fall and I want to visit a sushi restaurant and this one looks good. I was wondering if the owner speaks English and you just confirmed it. Thanks I definitely want to try that omakase dinner!

[@ben-taobeneton3945]

W@@joewarrior619

[@Orochi327]

Another banger from one of the hardest working dudes on KZbin. Thanks for everything you do to educate us, Paolo.

[@yc_030]

Nah the d riding is crazy

[@rain1fy]

@@yc_030 He's simply giving him the respect he deserves, since when is that d riding

[@sammiller6631]

@@yc_030 Nah, you're just obsessed with d riding. respect is different.

[@MrBejkovec]

Hardest working? Lol. More like barely working. All of the 'Day in the life' videos are the same. Same commentary, same editing style. Spends a few hours in the restaurant, few days editing - at which point it's just a muscle memory. Done, mediocre fans satisfied.

[@Orochi327]

oof. this is why i usually dont comment on youtube lol peace and love to you all.

[@chongccs1]

feels good waking up in a Saturday morning to paolo's video

[@PaolofromTOKYO]

Morning!

[@tudorpoiana]

Or going to sleep after watching it... 3 am over here!

[@PhelixPun]

Morning guys! Totally agree! A hungry morning tho

[@dropin409]

​@@PaolofromTOKYO Japanesd & Korean people are extream health conscious. Still they take soy sauce with sushi, sashimi, kimbap to damge kidneys & heart. Do not they know soy sauce contains so much sodium to damqge kidneys?

[@sergioruiz733]

As a fellow chef, this idea of interacting with the customers and being entertaining cannot be undersold, its extremely important for us in the back of house to interact with the clientele and see them trying our dishes we put our souls into. Id wish I could work for a man like this for a year, his demeanor alone is inspiring.

[@dianes5889]

I always make sure to ask the server to thank the chef, as someone who cooks or myself since teenage, I fully appreciate how much work and passion the chef puts into a beautiful dinner

[@yami2227]

Seeing soo many jobs and what the people working do can open up soo many possibilities for young people. Paolo is the reason I got hired for my current job in Japan, a salesperson for a food wholesales company that also promotes food culture with events and such. I remember Paolo doing "a day in the life of x" for something similar and it helped a lot to know the ins and outs of the job during the interview process and application.

[@lollettealipe9363]

It’s so awesome that many businesses in Japan are generational, insuring that traditions are passed on. It shows a lot of pride in their culture and in their value of Family. Thank you for sharing these videos. Hope you can feature more of these. Thank you Paolo.

[@genehenson8851]

The owner looks like such a nice guy. He always had a huge smile even in the background shots.

[@AnotherTwinkie]

Thanks for showcasing such a unique shop with such a decorated history! All of your day in the life and behind the counter videos are so well produced and thoughtfully showcase their subject. You're one of the most underrated creators on the platform Paolo. On a side note, I recently received your hot sauce and it's phenomenal! It's definitely got a kick but the umami flavor goes with everything I put it on! I would love to see more collaborations in the future.

[@PaolofromTOKYO]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MistyMountain476]

I have been following your videos for a while and really appreciate how you document the culture and provide interesting facts about Japan. Love it!

[@DiarrheaMusketeer]

They seem like such nice decent people who love their craft. Thank you Paolo, another fantastic production.

[@bowlofspiders]

I love how this is a no-fluff way to show outsiders like me the traditional ways of Japan. It's awesome learning about different cultures!

[@andykamehameha3576]

Your videos provide me with so much peace. I was in Japan back in March and it was such a beautiful experience. Everything was perfect, I’m taking Japanese clases to be able to communicate better and show respect while visiting. Next year we will be visiting for one whole month! ❤ can’t wait to visit some of these amazing places ❤🎉

[@kahnadah]

I was having such a rotten day. Nothing was going right, I got yelled at for something that wasn't my fault and I lost a $20 bill. >.< This video made things feel just a bit better. Thanks Paolo!

[@Turnpost2552]

Take it one day at a time.

[@matthough744]

Keep Sharing that Amazing content. For those of us that haven't had the chance to experience Japan... this is the closest were getting for now!

[@MakeSushi1]

I love watching this kinda thing 🍣

[@saraB94]

It's really interesting seeing how much love and hard work this family puts into the shop and there job.

[@AMacProOwner]

11:38 Getting told he’s boring must have been a tough period. It makes me proud he stuck through and now gets to be the highlight of the visit instead! ❤

[@rexcolt2628]

I love your videos they help give perspective on life in japan

[@myemailiscool]

One thing I appreciate about these Japanese restaurants is that interacting with the chef and the chef getting to know the customers is a large part of the experience. Wish we had more of that culture in US restaurants.

[@yinsun_chew]

You can stop saying you hope we like this video because we 💯 like every video you make. For me it’s a 💯 like rate for “Day in the life” & “Behind the counter” series. Thank you for keeping it going ❤❤❤

[@Aria-cd6dq]

The fact that we get free videos on KZbin by Pablo is truly a gift 👏👏👏

[@steegal6929]

I'll be sharing this one with my son. He loves cucumber sushi. Love the behind the counter series, keep up the good work.

[@MFDOOMSDAa]

Paolo smile never fails to cheer me up. Definetly the happiest man in Japan. Keep up the good work. Editing, sound and production top tier as usual. 👍

[@KpopChick_ttv]

I really love these videos. Paolo does a good job getting across the sense of what is actually happening in these places. It has been so fun watching his family grow and develop over these years as well. One video I'd like to see him (You) do is "Behind the scenes at a popular Yatai." I think it could allow so many more people to discover this awesome tradition in Japanese street food. Keep up the great videos my friend!

[@MrLexthelord]

Love Yasui San’a positivity and his smile. A great way to brighten his customer’s day (besides the delicious sushi of course). Keep up the good work, can’t wait to visit the shop on my next trip to Japan! ☺️

[@ainaknowles7708]

I love your videos on restaurants. Ive learnt so much about Japanese cuisine and mostly how much heart and dedication they put into their work. I have to admit i dont eat raw fish sushi but this video just inspires me to want to go Japan one day and eat them in a shop like this. Bucket list! 😊

[@GariusMarius]

Traveling to Tokyo during September. I will definitely add this wonderful restaurant to my itinerary! Thanks, Paolo!

[@benjaminjozefdeleon9762]

Just realizing how many Japanese small businesses are benefiting from this particular series of your channel. It is great content for you, great marketing for the store, and great reference material for those to travel to Japan. Win-win-win! :)

[@lruss5050]

It’s great to see the work close up! These restaurants are so busy, and we learn a lot watching everybody! Thank you, Paolo!❤

[@UnluckyJellyfish]

Love your positivity as always, I hope the best for you and your family. And you're constantly working hard, getting up early in the morning and making connections to bring amazing videos.

[@cliftonsargent1572]

I still can’t figure out why I get excited when you make a new video about normal people making food…but you make it super interesting and entertaining. I love your hot sauce!!!!

[@TeddGCM]

As I understand, when you allow the chef or request the chef serve his choice of items, it is a big compliment that shows trust and appreciation for his skill.

[@piplup10203854]

4:35 That is honestly my favorite part of these restaurant videos, seeing everyone be on time and courteous and friendly when bringing ingredients just helps the cycle, everyone doing their part. It's not easy but it makes a great environment when you know you can rely on fresh ingredients being brought to your restaurant and offering the best quality you can to your customers and guest. It's an important balance to maintain. I'd rather pay more if I knew that the process took care of more people in the process. 6:36 Exactly, that is the kind of relationship that should be a standard.

[@cromsche]

The incredible thing about Tokyo is, that there are these great food places every where and usually not far from a public transport station.

[@johnthornton3620]

Love these 'behind the counter' videos! Much more interesting than what Netflix and mainstream tend to churn out. Thank you for producing amazing content! 🙏🏻

[@Shisuriko]

When i travel one day to Japan my problem gonna be how many restaurants i can check out before leaving again. All of these always look so insanely good :D

[@HenriettesHealingStories]

Whenever I am in doubt about my own passions in life your videos seem to appear and light a light inside of me that helps me remember everything that brings me joy. The passion and positivity that shines from you and the lovely people in your videos are so contagious. Thank you Paulo. Much love from Denmark🍣🔥

[@sugagusto6175]

everytime I watch paolo’s video, I will feel very calm and relax.. paolo’s voice always nice to hear and made me feel warm..

[@khipo6912]

お鮨の食べ方を説明する時の大将の口調が本当に優しくて人柄が滲み出ていますね。この人の握る鮨は魂がこもっててさぞ美味しいんでしょうね。板前のかがみですね。

[@RedEye3]

Niccce, Paolo's editing has really ratcheted up a notch. I remember his old vids were very bland, straightforward. Now they are very professional. I really like the translation interactions. Well done!

[@japanesebreakfastpreparati8232]

私は日本人だけど凄く勉強になりました😊

[@sophiaisabelle01]

We will always support you and this channel. My well wishes to you and your family.

[@DoJoStan]

Love these consistent uploads Paolo, can't wait to visit Japan again soon.

[@amul337]

Man these videos make my weekend, any week i dont see a video, it makes me feel something is missing. Thanks Paolo for such great content.

[@rvierra7235]

In the 80's when I started eating Sushi and Sashimi (in SoCal), all Sushi Bars were very traditional like this one. Nice, neat, no b.s. frills and great Sushi. Today, good luck finding a high quaity traditional Sushi Bar. They do exist, but far and few between.

[@AussieAngeS]

I really love these videos of yours, they are so interesting to watch. I love the way you narrate them also. That sushi looks sos delicious, the quality of food there in Japan is exceptional.

[@thecarlob_007]

Paolo Pro-Tip for interviews: ask personal but non-intrusive questions to break the ice and establish rapport like hobbies, etc. Also doesn’t hurt when you have a mischievous donkey-grin that Paolo has 😂😂😂.

[@cereflame]

I love this episode and the sushi master and all the employees seem so very nice

[@stefanristicmovies]

paolo i know you get hundreds of comments like this everytime you upload one of these videos but these are some of my favourite videos on youtube, there's nothing as wholesome and inspirational than getting a peek into the lives of such hardworking and passionate people

[@henrychew235]

Wonderful as usual, you always allow them to tell their stories. Perhaps next up could be a tonkatsu restaurant!

[@imanikamal]

I'm so grateful I can watch behind the counter situation closely like this, thanks a lot Paolo-san

[@tahito1187]

Nice! Always wondered what would be behind the counter of a Sushi resturant!

[@minarik01]

Paolo, i love how i can hear your "smile" while you speak so happily about all your subjects in your videos.

[@roselightmoon]

What an amazing place, to imagine that it has been running through 6 generations and even survived through the war. Would love to visit, thank you for sharing another amazing behind the scenes video.

[@briancarson9418]

It is my dream to one day visit Japan and see all of these wonderful spots you have showed us! This one is defiantly at the top of the list! Thank you!

[@SinisterMD]

I want to travel to Japan JUST to visit sushi shops. Ones like this make me yearn to travel. Great video. Thanks for sharing Paolo.

[@paulseoighemcgee5772]

Paolo , you're in a league of your own for excellent content ; So well shot and edited , interesting and paced , well done !

[@cypher686]

I love these videos. It lets me see that people can be happy and that gives me hope that my life may turn around one day

[@buyungferdiansyah5309]

This is a very tiring week for me, thanks for the video. It's relaxing and entertaining at the same time 🙏😊

[@amdreanarie]

Love how i feel their love/warmth 🥰 would love to try their sushi one day!

[@kevinW826]

Love your videos Paolo and the history behind these small shops and the bigger ones. It’s a good comparison of how places are run in different countries. Keep it up.

[@christopherharris6005]

Awesome video as always Paolo.

[@lin_win7777]

I love sushi ❤ Watching this video gave me so much more appreciation to sushi🍣 And the right way to eat it 😂 One day I definitely will visit this shop in Japan 🇯🇵

[@federicoruau7840]

This has been one of my favorites in this series🤤

[@BabelynMalate]

I love this video Paolo. I learned a lot about sushi. I used just to eat sushi but learning more how it is made and its story, let me appreciate the food more.

[@davidbishop4015]

Thanks Paolo, for sharing another great behind the counter video. You would be a great tour guide for someone visiting Japan. Stay safe.

[@tomrowe2181]

Paolo this was fantastic! Would you ever consider regularly asking the owners how they feel conversing in english or whether they are excited to have tourists visit? Im sure it would make a whole lot of people more comfortable knowing that a language barrier wouldnt dull the experience! 😅

[@mhoneyy]

YES!! I'm earlier than usual, thank you for another behind the counter!! Literally planning my Japan trip with your videos as advice/recommendations!

[@maranathashalom9402]

Bro I feel like Dave the Diver totally prepared me for these guys job!!!!

[@balabalakrishnan6872]

U bring Japan in real from ur videos ❤

[@PalmTreeDayDreams]

Thanks Paolo for another amazing video! I'd love to see a day in the life of a Japanese veterinarian!!

[@cjc6649]

great esipode.. always very inspiring on how dedicated the Japanese are toward their craft

[@EllienVitan]

I did purchase a box of Bokksu one time, ate all in a day and the tea inside was absolutley stunning. MORE!! :D

[@StoneUSA]

My main problem with Bokksu is they don't last. I'm paying $30+ a month for an afternoon treat. Great but I have other options. :/

[@DaleSheehy]

I would love to have sushi in Japan. On another topic, our order of your hot sauce arrived! We love it!

[@yehabon]

Wow that looks splendid. I like how they keep the traditional going generation after generation. I want some cold noodles now too.

[@SoSme]

i will watch anything paolo makes with his energy and style of editing.

[@RileyFreeman8]

I loved this video, thanks Paolo. I've been planning my first trip to Japan and I want to try small generationally run places like this.

[@TheEmptyHoliness]

I just saw a video about “Japanese Fake Food Samples” and it was so cool. I was thinking it would be a great subject for you channel and had to come say something!

[@teekierudite5108]

This was such a nice video and all the workers look so happy. Food of course looks amazing, absolutely love sushi!

[@layoutkimsstudio2341]

true happiness is when the son and father is together. There is nothing more beautiful than having to see your parents get old and u get to accompany them.

[@AlainaPaul-w4v]

I love watching this kinda thing . feels good waking up in a Saturday morning to paolo's video.

[@arttrain5934]

I to struggle with social awkwardness And understand the strength it takes to come out of your shell To be more extroverted😢 A man that continues his 150 years of tradition 👏

[@12jygga]

Definitely on my visit list when I visit Japan again next year in April.

[@mrobanyaki7294]

Love your content! Please do a episode of day in the life of a foreign English teacher in Japan because there is many of them in Japan

[@taylorgay1641]

Thank you so much Paolo, Maiko, and Wolfy!

[@lorenavarea]

I'm having dinner and still hungry because this sushi looks extremely delicious 😋

[@xanjosantos7915]

Loving this series! More fire as usual from Paolo. Astig! :)

[@Dixiwonderlandyoutube]

We always make a big breakfast every Saturday morning and watching your videos

[@JAPANTRAVEL-cc7mz]

When you think of Edomae sushi, you think of conger eel! Tuna also looks very tasty! I would like to enjoy sushi from a long-established sushi restaurant!

[@marilynturcotte5304]

Love these behind-the-counter videos. It really shows what goes into making the food. I am surprised at the calm atmosphere of the kitchen when many customers are, as where in North America, it's chaos!! What does 'SDG" stand for? I have never heard of it, so I would like to know its meaning. Also, can you explain the restaurants that use a ticket system? I am still trying to figure them out.

[@shirokumakogyo]

SDGs = the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for the year 2030, a global movement supported by companies and governments worldwide. Restaurants using ticket machine are usually smaller places (ramen shops, etc.) that deploy them to avoid having to have a dedicated cash register and staff to handle payment. It's just more efficient for the restaurant and the customer, who chooses and pays for the food first, then just hands their ticket(s) to the staff. Especially useful post-Covid when so many restaurants are short of staff and concerned about handling cash.

[@Deezhan]

It stands for pushing marxism and authoritarianism through the back door. It's a bunch of elites trying to legislate to us "peasants" how we should live our lives, like enforcing gender quotas (goal 5) and pushing on us their climate religion. While we are forced to eat bits of paper while sucking on paper straws to save the planet, the "priests" of the religion (Klaus Schwab, Bill Gates, George Soros, John Kerry, etc.) all own several private jets and yachts each.

[@michaelh4227]

Kind of heartwarming to see such young people take over an older restaurant like this.

[@Frost_Trow]

Absolutely makes my day every time there is a new video. Hope it never ends

[@Hybinette]

When I see them carefully cutting the fish, I think about that episode of the Simpsons when Homer yells "I want a fugu!" :D

[@danieldichterheineman]

Lots of love from Sweden, every video you make is like watching an educational feelgood-show. Keep it up!

[@SkatKat]

Cheese from France! That's such a sweet relationship with a customer!

[@I_am_Lauren]

Restaurant staff are the hardest working people!

[@Wralis]

love these videos. the staff really open up to you. great stuff.