Behind the Counter at a local Japanese Udon Noodle Restaurant

[@PaolofromTOKYO]

tokyozebra.com/tz Check out what happens behind the scenes in my life on my other channel Tokyo Zebra tokyozebra.com/merch Help support the channel and get my Tokyo Merch paolofrom.tokyo/discord Connect with my Japan Discord community for Japan travel questions Get 10% off with my link on Squarespace - squarespace.com/paolofromtokyo

[@ropro9817]

Daaaaaaaamn, that food looks sooooo good...

[@sindhiikrimah8669]

DAY IN THE LIFE OF YATAI OWNER PLEASE...

[@АдиляЗейнулла]

TURN ON RUSSIAN SUBTITLES!!!!!! PLEASE!!!

[@siddharth5718]

Superb please make more behind the counter

[@salsichalivre5401]

Stop recording it from down to up while u are squatting. I am no dog, man.

[@avagelion]

Such a chill and friendly owner, would love to try his food!

[@ecchiless]

darn i read "his foot" xD...... guess i could not take of my head how he make the dough xD

[@avagelion]

@@ecchiless XDD

[@jesusisking3814]

Believe it or not, this might be the most important post you'll read Everyone of us has broken God's moral law, the Ten Commandments. We have all lied, stolen, hated and lusted. And James 2:10 states that breaking one of the Commandments makes us guilty of breaking them all. Problem is, we can never outweigh our sins through good works because the Creator is perfect in Holiness, meaning His standard is far above ours. And He is also perfect in Justice, meaning not a single sin will go unpunished. And the punishment of sin is being cast into hell, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth with no end. Ever. Fortunately, God is also perfect in love, so 2000 years ago, Jesus Christ left His throne in Heaven and came to this earth as a man. He lived a perfect, sinless life and He so loved us, that He took the punishment of our sin, when He suffered horribly on the cross. Isaiah 53 tells us that his face was marred beyond recognition and that he suffered more than any man. But right before His death, Jesus said "It is finished" meaning the the debt for our sins was paid in full. But on the 3rd day, Jesus conquered death and He was resurrected. So that means now, we can go free from the wrath of God's judgment not by earning it, but rather as a free gift of grace, if you accept Jesus. But, a gift can either accepted or rejected. So if you want to accept the free gift or forgiveness, of grace, and of salvation, this is what you should do: Humbly admit to God that you have sinned against Him, and through gratitude in the sacrifice of His Son, repent (turn away) from your old sinful ways. Then, confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord, your Savior. Believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross, was buried, and was resurrected 3 days later. Roman's 10:9 and 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 says that if you do this you are saved. I'm not telling you to get religious, because Christianity is not a religion, but a relationship with God. Religion says DO, but Jesus Christ says DONE! Ephesians 2:8-9 says For it is by grace we are saved through faith, not of works, lest any man should boast. And the moment you do this, God will grant you a new heart, which does not take pleasure in sin and He will give you eternal life. Nothing on this earth even close to compares to what awaits believers. What you do with this information will determine where you will be for Eternity; meaning surrendering to Christ is the single most important decision you'll EVER make. And all of us here, believer or atheist, know that this is very true. Jesus Christ wants YOU to come to Him this very moment and I really do hope you put your faith and seek Christ because your tomorrow isn't guaranteed. You could die at any moment. Hebrews 9: 27 "It is appointed unto man once to die, but after this, the Judgment." All praise and honor to Jesus Christ, King of kings, Lord of lords.

[@ScorpionZam]

@@jesusisking3814 So true!

[@parshvapatel8484]

stop trying to spread religion everywhere

[@sothedramallama]

This man is EVERYTHING we love to see. He has passion, knowledge, and doesn’t gate-keep. I love watching people helping each other and sharing knowledge, cause in the end everyone wins.

[@DrachNyen]

B

[@itzmegz536]

It’s so wholesome how he doesn’t gatekeep his craft and willingly teaches people to start their own businesses

[@mkhanoi23]

The fact that he still makes udon by hand when a lot of other udon places use a machine is outstanding so much respect for him!

[@madhousenetwork]

he makes it using his feet

[@crustacean-zp5uj]

​@@madhousenetwork💀 still better than most indian food

[@giangra92]

@@madhousenetwork lol

[@kaydeekelly5852]

"i can not share u the recipe, as i don't really remember" 😚😚😚 hardworking people, sooo passionate about their work, nice working environment. and the food looks yummmy

[@layaksingh1238]

That was funny too, I really love his personality hahaha 😂

[@ShinwayX]

I love how the locals are so close, almost like family, everyone is into what they're doing, and I bet the food is even more amazing.

[@wpc456cpw]

Seeing the local’s sense of community in this video nearly made me cry lmao 😭

[@jagaimeow]

its always interesting to see how japanese businesses operate. they’re so organised and keep their stores clean. one of japanese aspects that i love so much!

[@Daphoid]

I like that its just normalized. I feel like over here businesses / staff do it because health codes + the business want them too, not necessarily out of pride in their work as much. Even people who love their job, cleaning is something that's a chore / the janitorial staff do - not the works. Whereas in Japan it seems like the whole experience is yours.

[@annat6758]

We just moved to Tokyo and this is our favorite local udon place!! It's honestly so delicious and a very reasonable price too!! Such a beautiful, cozy Japanese atmosphere!! Paolo we all love your videos and your filming and editing is amazing 😍 Thanks for saying hi to us on this day too ☺️

[@TheHamchoitong]

May i know the Udon shop address pls? hai domo

[@santrichuumonster]

@@TheHamchoitong Hey, if you are still looking, the address is in the description of the video, I sometimes go there to eat about once or twice a week last year but now we moved to Osaka so I haven't been there for a while.

[@AyimeAnime]

The Owner is such a friendly and cool guy, I really love his energy

[@sv8004]

This touched my heart! My grandparents had a small restaurant back home that did not make it thru covid-19 because they refused to increase their prices. It is nice to see small family businesses thriving.

[@ksk9729]

Thanks for chatting with me on this day! Can't believe you were doing this video on our fave restaurant! Keep up the good work and thanks for being a genuinely friendly guy 🌞🤗😁

[@Bombaclot46]

No way

[@zukk1838]

I was also there when he filmed

[@TianSimber1]

@@zukk1838 how old are u?

[@zukk1838]

@@TianSimber1 28

[@jeongeunpark847]

❤️❤️❤️

[@DMINATOR]

I love how they pass traditions from one master to student, keeping the knowledge and skills alive for next generations to enjoy !

[@marinatanaka]

I really enjoyed this episode. And the shop owner and staff looked friendly! Congrats Paolo, keep them coming! Cheers from Brazil.

[@nitay10]

Uma conterrânea aqui, haha!

[@carlosmatheus8379]

Mais um BR aqui que adora os vídeos do Paolo

[@chance8674]

This is one of the most cleanest restaurant I've ever seen 🥰

[@Slopigami]

So clean that its the one thing that his apprentice learned the most.

[@dastels]

"Behind the Counter" is by favourite of your video series, and I think this one is my favourite Behind the Counter. Firstly, Tempura and Udon is life. Few things are as tasty or satisfying. Secondly the chef/owner is amazing. I know where I'm eating when I eventually visit Tokyo!

[@招き猫-c3s]

うどんの切り方が均等。 凄い。 蕎麦も同じ切り方だけど、 きちんと切れるのって、 本当に凄いと思う。

[@NaoKeysVT]

Oh god. One of more lively owners we've seen! It legit feels like they're family with how they interact. I love it. Even how his kids are comfortable with staff

[@zeraa7107]

I love how they all are friendly between them, saying jokes and taking it in a funny way, ive always heard that work and bosses in japan are rude and hard to treat with. I'd like to go to this place someday!

[@ireneroth8252]

Yeah just like in America.. where everyone competes with everyone else, and hates everyone... More and more every day....

[@famousamos]

We all know about ramen but sometimes, Udon just hits it right.

[@ianbedloe3042]

So true.

[@gaalxystar1873]

As much I like ramen it's overated. Curry udon FTW

[@missplainjane3905]

Soba

[@rp-wn5or]

I can eat udon everyday but can’t do ramen esp fatty ramen everyday

[@salsichalivre5401]

Udon is ramen for true manly men

[@ammygamer]

I absolutely adore this man's vibe. Everything about him feels so heartfelt. Much happiness and success to him and his family.

[@IStoleYourCookie1]

Loved their personalities. This was a great watch and the food looked so yummy

[@mesolagic]

This "Behind the Counter" series is easily becoming my favorite series on your channel. It's just so interesting to see how Japanese people put effort and passion into their craft EVERY day. Truly amazing to see and thank you for sharing their stories Paolo!

[@SevenThirteen7]

SLAMMIN UDON!! Thanks Paolo! おいしかったです! Here's a basic cheat sheet for the menu if you don't speak/read Japanese: ざるうどん-Zaru Udon (Cold noodles, cold dipping sauce on the side) ひやひやうどん-Hiya Hiya Udon (Cold noodles, cold broth) ひやあつうどん-Hiya Atsu Udon (Cold noodles, hot broth) あつあつうどん-Atsu Atsu (Hot & Hot) Of course a few tempura: げそ天-Geso ten [Gay-soh] Squid legs ちくわ天- Chikuwa ten (Fish cake) とり天-Tori ten (Chicken) なす天-Nasu ten (Eggplant) The rest is up to you! Enjoy! See you there!

[@ireneroth8252]

Thanks!

[@jumbotrack3090]

i’ve gotta say this has to be my favorite behind the counter episode by far! everyone was so nice and friendly. the owner especially i loved his humor throughout.

[@cheryllamb7752]

I love this I was a chef for 20 years ty so much. I am.also American too. I have a Japanese family too just learning about Japen ty so much.

[@sevenpointfive5450]

That guys a legend, his enthusiasm for his craft

[@UnliRide]

Really love this apprenticeship culture in Japan. They really pull each other up.

[@littlelilacbunny]

Love this guys big heart and wishing his business and family health and prosperity 🎉🎉❤❤

[@jasminesoh]

I love how Paolo asks the important questions. Like the one to the apprentice about his marital status 😂 Joke aside, always look forward to your content, Paolo! Love from Singapore 🇸🇬

[@beetleorangejuice]

that apprentice's marital status is important indeed! 😂

[@Sacca10]

This owner is such a good soul. I really hope he reads these comments and knows how much we appreciate his lively attitude.

[@hopeliveshere1121]

The amount of respect, care and sense of community you see in Japan is wonderful. If it wasn’t for the language I would have sold a kidney to move there

[@evelynedeen]

Japan has such amazing, disciplined artists, and the people you have highlighted are no exception. Loved this video!

[@senshimak]

Imagine walking down the street and watching a guy through the window stepping on some dough. I want to go to Japan so much!

[@Accune]

God willing you can one day.

[@KoeddkHD]

My thoughts as well, i wouldn't expect to see a pair of legs when looking through a shop window 😅

[@ishigami5071]

But i think every Japanese know its the traditional way of making it... And they would also know that they cover it with some thicc cloth or something

[@RukiKenishiro]

it took me about 3-4 years to save to go there by myself and i started to dream about going there since about 10 years, so dreams do come true. just dont stop working hard to achieve it!

[@AppreciatingSimplicity08]

The owner is so down to earth! I love seeing how genuine and family friendly the restaurant is.

[@levian-x5746]

I've actually lived near Jujo station for a few months, so it was very nostalgic to see those streets again! I will definitely visit this Udon Restauraunt the next time I go to Japan, the bowls looks delicious and the owner and staff seem to be really kind as well. Thanks for the great video!

[@MsTimelady71]

I loved this episode. Such a neighborhood family feel from the rice sellers bringing their family to the owner and his family living in the same building and interacting with the staff. And I love the bike culture. His noodles look heavenly and I hope his sales increase with this video. Great job!

[@imaramblins]

Would absolutely eat the heck outta those udon noodles. But, I'd love to visit most Japanese eateries I see online. This guy, like so many in Japan, is a master of his craft and genuinely cares about providing a superior product to his customers.

[@Junipanther]

This is a Japan, i´m glad to see- a traditonal craftsman. Thank you so much for this video!

[@tinytales_jp]

Fave... Udon!!! I'm so loving this "Behind the Counter" series. Awesome content as usual. Sending love from the Philippines. 😍

[@christophb9984]

of all the people you visited at your daily life series, this one was hands down the most chill and emotional happy dude. in all your videos i have never seen someone so openly happy, just showing his emotions.. love that guy and love your series!

[@Axis2142]

These behind the counter episodes are so fun. Great work and please keep doing them!

[@monde9570]

I can't quite put it in words but this is one of the best and most calmimg videos I've ever seen. When I'm not in the mood for cooking I watch this and get motivation. Iwai does more in the morning than I in a day! I hope to someday be able to travel to Japan and eat his Udon

[@akilahs3889]

You can tell he is passionate about his career and loves it! So motivating. Great job Paolo, can’t wait for the next one!

[@jaysonronaldarcenal3741]

Great job Mr. Paolo. I love your contents.

[@amhoodie5678]

I always love watching people who genuinely love their work. They're artists! I'm so glad there are people who take pride in their work like this, it creates a wonderful working environment and surely wonderful udon noodles!!

[@koromo-chan]

I love how chill the owner is, such a warm person. And I agree what the worker said at 11:23 every video I watch with these types of documentary keeps their store cleans.

[@piplup10203854]

His energy is infectious! I’m not a huge udon noodle fan but I do like it every here and again and I like that he keeps the tradition of his master. What’s tried and true works and will work for many many years ☺️ I wish him all the success

[@TCG-Juice]

Loved the shop! one of the best on this channel.

[@joshuawilliams9560]

Owner and crew are mad cool! Really enjoyed this one! Keep em coming bro! Glad Japan is opening back up for tourism bit by bit! I wanna get lost in some Udon soon!

[@todo7998]

The kitchen is absolutely spotless!

[@Night_Rose_94]

This was such a good video. The workers and the boss are great people. The fact that the boss shares his experience and recipes with people that want to start on their own is sweet. It made me want to eat there even more

[@DannysMyNanny]

Seems like a really chill guy. Kinda reminds me of the local shop owners in NYC. Just some guy who lives in the same building as the shop. But his food is 🔥

[@shukun-luxxy]

I literally love this type of video so much, and such a wholesome owner as well. This is so interesting to watch as someone who lives on the opposite side of the world and who's not used to that type of culture.

[@brianlew86]

Worth a visit! Look at the proportions!

[@OblivionShattered]

Watching your videos make me want to visit Japan even more!

[@MrUricruz]

I just went to this shop because of this video. I was not disappointed! Everything was amazing! And Iwai was such a nice smiley guy!

[@Jordan-inJapan]

Looks tasty! One of the interesting things about udon is that even though it seems like a really simple, uniform dish, there’s actually a lot of variation around different areas of Japan. Like in Kyushu, they often add citrus. And where I live, Mie prefecture, we have a thicker variety called ‘Ise Udon’. Unfortunately, a lot of tourists just end up eating from chain places, so they miss out on the regional or local specialties…which is of course why you should always get udon from little family run places like this one!

[@nicetomeetyoutsu]

My city, Tsu, has some really top quality udon too. By the way, why don’t you make a video showing some different styles of udon in different areas?

[@Jordan-inJapan]

@@nicetomeetyoutsu Do you mean me or Paolo? I don’t really do food videos myself. (Unless it also involves beer.) 😆

[@ianbedloe3042]

@@Jordan-inJapan LOL

[@missplainjane3905]

@@Jordan-inJapan So they need to visit other regions and try it out, what about soba ?

[@58Kym]

I admire your series which shows the pride of all these restaurant owners. I like that they specialise in doing one style extremely well and I wish we had the ability/desire to do similar here instead of large menu’s done indifferently.

[@BakaTaco]

I always end up watching these videos before lunch or dinner, and man does it make me hungry! I have never seen a Japanese meal that does NOT look DELICIOUS!

[@ACoustaDC]

That place is amazing! I would eat there everyday. I loved that boss.

[@AnLe-fk2mn]

Props to you Paolo, there's a bright style about your cinematography. It's very light and easy to consume content. Keep it up, I could see you having your own production company one day.

[@ANIMExVIBES]

16:43 that Little girl let me thinking if *Maiko* looked like her during her childhood 😁

[@Alex___.]

I really like this series, showing an everyday business in Japan, breaking stereotypes about Asian cuisine and at the same time advertising If I ever travel to Japan I'll try and go to at least one out of all these amazing restaurants

[@Laperdash]

I love these videos. No complaining, nothing negative,... Just happy, curious and enthusiastic things.

[@annnguyenvu]

I love the bike cycling culture in Japan. It's so family friendly. Oh and I love udon, hopefully I can come visit soon.

[@annasutton8078]

I love the care the owner and his team take preparing the food. So clean and tidy too.

[@ChristianLieb]

Man, this is the third video of this series I watched in a row. So chill and friendly. I have put them on the list to visit. Thanks for your great and heartwarming work. =)

[@mommymarine1756]

Same lol. I saw the pan owner, panko owner, and now this one. Each of them special in their own way.

[@g0shua]

Love your videos as always brother!

[@dixoncider8372]

Hi Paolo! Quick question: Do restaurants like this see a spike in sales and customers whenever you make videos about them?

[@CharonTheSabercat]

Seconded! I want to know too, so I'm replying to get this question some attention.

[@dixoncider8372]

@@CharonTheSabercat thank you! Let us hope he answers!

[@icekk007]

Not sure. I think Paolo's videos are catered for western consumption. Not sure how many local Japanese watch his videos.

[@pebzex]

@@icekk007 ooo that is a good point since he put the subtitles normally in english i never thought of that!

[@ziadmaatouk2943]

@@icekk007 That's true, but I would like to think everyone watches his videos. From a business perspective, his videos are in the Japanese tourism and culture education category!

[@NekoArts]

Watching these videos really makes me miss Japan and Japanese people.. I can't wait for them to open their borders again so I can go back.

[@tUiDo4]

I'm not a big udon fanatic but this video alone, the shop owner, the whole charisma of the vibe makes me want to go there and eat Udon. I need to add his shop on my list of shops to go to in Japan when I go out there for a Vacay. Thank you for the videos Paolo! Keep it up ^-^

[@koniku3y]

This is my first time seeing you interact so much, they were too friendly that they somehow affects you and even the viewers too. Love it

[@SkorpyoTFC]

"Pizza!" HA! This guy's attitude is great, you can tell he really loves what he does.

[@Leei]

Paolo, I think you’re a genius. The way you interact with people, the things you choose to ask and to highlight. I love it. Cheers from Berlin, Germany ❤️

[@KrystalsKash]

Loved this one. My guy does not look in his late 20's! Also love how the owner agonised about putting his prices up. Here restaurants have been putting prices up £5-£10 a dish and haven't batted an eye about it.

[@suny217]

I love the energy of everyone is this episode. Everyone is polite yet make little friendly jabs at eachother

[@Mister6]

It's a shame I can't hit like more than once. These are some of the most wholesome videos on KZbin and deserve wider recognition

[@lin90210]

Love how they joke around with each other. Friendly banter. Plus that man can eat a lot and still so fit. 1.5kg, rice amd tempura 🍤

[@aprilgabrielrodriguez7158]

that guy is a blessing in a busy world thanks for sharing another epic video Paolo ❤🐐 stay up and blessed bud

[@beautyunboxed530]

Love his "commute"... amazing!

[@hokshii]

oof once i heard he apprenticed in kagawa, i already knew he was legit. but all of his answers about his hobbies and food being udon just makes it even better!! a man who truly loves his craft!! i'd love to try those traditional foot-kneaded noodles.

[@dalehazel4308]

Another great episode 🙌

[@kailfran]

Most people love ramen. But my favorite Japanese noodles are udon, somen, and soba. They are so refreshing to eat.

[@trentondfiddler7318]

Thanks!

[@PaolofromTOKYO]

You bet!

[@paddyhansen4017]

Love your content keep up the great work

[@erasus7388]

I cant thank you enough for these videos, they are so wholesome and really make my day :) Greetings from Germany!

[@waronluke]

Great video, thank you paolo

[@TonyCrow29]

Yo. Paolo, I’ve been with you for a couple of years and loved absolutely everything that you put out. I went back and found this recycle project. Amazing!! Just incredible how the population come together. All that you show is interesting and I love it. UK resident living in Kuala Lumpur. Keep up the good work man…love ya 😜😜

[@IIzanagii]

We need more of these videos

[@theveganflower5135]

He is very kind and was explaining everything as to really get us to know about the processes. Also wait did Paolo just say "no cap" 💀

[@Stetsonhatman]

I love this Udon vendor. Professional, passionate, humorous - I hope life rewards him well.

[@ImLucyguesswhereiamfrom]

Love this video a lot, the owner and the staff looks so friendly.

[@eklipser2627]

JUJO!!!!! Love it. Keep it up!

[@mtbelly1972]

Wow I'd be eating there everyday. Such wonderful and friendly staff.

[@songsfromtheblackbox]

I love this guy! And I love his passion for udon even more! You can see he really loves the craft and the service that's tied to the work. So much respect...

[@davidbishop4015]

Great video. Always enjoy learning about other cultures. You do a great job of taking us behind the scenes to show us how different businesses work. Stay safe.

[@vincevvn]

That man is literally a master of his craft. It’s amazing he teaches people to open their own restaurants too. What a great guy

[@aesprica]

Wow I need to add this to my list of restaurants to visit when I next visit Japan…hopefully some time soon! I love handmade noodles and I’ve never had handmade udon. Kid friendly is a plus cause I have a toddler!

[@bigbro05]

That is so awesome to watch. Place is clean and everyone is like a big family. Customers are happy and it's just great to see the team gets to take a break and eat like a family.

[@nushrathumaira2257]

I keep remembering “poco’s udon world” for some reason😂. Amazing “behind the counter” video as always.