Behind the Counter at the ONLY Japanese Monkfish Restaurant in Tokyo

[@PaolofromTOKYO]

paolofromtokyohotsauce.com - Get my Paolo fromTOKYO Premium Kaminari Hot Sauce here paolofromtokyoshop.com - Support the channel and get the T-Shirt merch here

[@sunblock8717]

Do the (possibly) foreign workers (the black woman and the white man) in the kitchen not get makanai? Maybe I missed it but don't think I saw them at the end.

[@Jesswords]

Ordered 3 of your Premium Kaminari Hot Sauces and they have been a hit! Thank you for all of your hard work.

[@ropro9817]

Tachikawa-san is 7th generation owner?? 🤯🤯🤯

[@daijinjim2806]

Waiting for a hot sauce with less heat, Carolina Reapers are just too hot for me.

[@desultorilypanacea]

I still think you should do a KFC Christmas video. It would be easy to make entertaining and you could explain why you would never order it.

[@earthuser1337]

Its absolutely mindblowing that these people work in this restaurant for over 30 years. That is some healthy and friendly work enviroment right there! Also stuff must eat some real secret recepies to stay so healthy and young.

[@BxBxProductions]

There is no real secret. How about you Westerners take school seriously. Classes in middle/high school teach basic nutrition. Apply that knowledge and you'll eat healthier. Like look, Japan and America are both developed nations that are wealthy but Americans have an obesity epidemic yet Japan doesnt despite having a crazier food scene than America. People in Japan literally eat as a hobby lol. It ain't the food, more like lack of self control and pure ignorance about nutrition.

[@notmuch_23]

If only certain _other_ Japanese (black) companies can follow their example...

[@ando1135]

thats loyalty

[@terenceyuen4424]

I only wish Paolo interviewed the Gaijin in the kitchen 😅

[@BxBxProductions]

@@terenceyuen4424 ive had monkfish somewhere in the middle of nowhere in the US. nothing but cornfields and cows miles round and this place serves seafood. i wouldnt be surprised if gaijin wanted to learn to master the monkfish. the one i had was my first monkfish experience and despite it being a mediocre one, there is potential in monkfish. the meat has that nice bite to it.

[@monkey220ms]

The cook being in his 50s and the mom being 70 is CRAZY

[@harvestmoon_autumnsky]

I really wondered if the cook was pulling some kind of prank. He absolutely doesn't look in his 50's.

[@GuyWithAnAmazingHat]

@@harvestmoon_autumnsky I was kinda doubting at first but then I saw his grey hair, he looks incredible at 50

[@ytuseracct]

Yes omg her skin!

[@plankface]

She is so beautiful and healthy looking. 🤩

[@katherineb9203]

They both look fantastic!

[@gojosgirl6487]

No way that guy is only 54! I thought he was gonna say he was a student at the University! When he said he had been there for 30 years I was like "have you been there since birth?" Even his 70 year old mom looks young for her age, amazing.

[@salehjehad9068]

lesson learned, working at monkfish shop will give eternal youth.

[@salguodrolyat2594]

Monkfish has anti-aging properties.😁

[@bonbonS1969]

And he's so hot🥰such a daddy

[@LEV1ATHYN]

The hostess is 70! How lovely. Shows what staying busy, eating well, having social connections does for human health.

[@ZebraLens]

I love the *_"Day in the Life"_* and *_"Behind the Counter"_* videos🙌 I like seeing how the Japanese people go about everyday life✨

[@9bit951]

yoww same, I am so curious what are their jobs

[@plankface]

Me too. Love them all.

[@icegrx]

Paolo, I was very impressed with the camera work in this one. The angles while he was carving up that monk fish were incredible. You’re really leveling up the production and filming side of things. Nice work guys!

[@ytuseracct]

Yes the carving moments were really nice!

[@MyrrdinWylltEmrys]

The Owner is ridiculously HANDSOME OMG!!!

[@tatianalatreille9462]

I honestly appreciate the shrines for the animals so much. To see a culture and people that appreciate their fish and show gratitude is so heartwarming❤

[@KaeoQuilit]

i didn't realize it until you said it. it is wonderful that they show respect ❤

[@codysteel3678]

I absolutely love these kind of videos and I always get excited whenever you post these. There really entertaining and your amazing at voice overs. Keep up the great work and keep making the best content on KZbin 😊❤

[@PaolofromTOKYO]

Thank you so much!!

[@mithonaphal]

me too

[@philiq18]

I always love seeing the people behind the counter and hearing their stories -- even the customers. The food is secondary for me, but complements the feature so deliciously. Thanks, Paolo. 👌

[@cindyenglert.az51]

I live in Arizona, USA and have visited Japan 3 times. We absolutely loved our visits.

[@BlueBull81]

The shopowner’s mother radiates such an elegant but cheerful and welcoming energy on top of being gorgeous, I was smiling at her before I knew it!

[@snehjotkaur9650]

I'm so grateful that you post videos related to japanese food that also relates to its history, it's fascinating

[@gabbynegron2867]

You can tell this is a business that promotes such a healthy lifestyle for work. They all of course are understandable close, and it shows. And to be in business for so long, they are providing such amazing services.

[@YakuVegaNari]

I think the behind the counter series is my favourite of your series. It's so personable and informative, and I feel like this video really captured your ability to educate and help folks tell their stories. Loved this!

[@knero]

Went to visit Japan recently and managed to buy Paolo's hot sauce in person from a shop in Tsukiji market. I would say that it's become my favorite hot sauce. It's spicy but it's unlike any other hot sauce out there. It's very flavorful and full of umami that reminds me of Japan. I definitely plan to buy more online when I finish my batch. Congrats to you and your family on all of your success. I've been subscribed to your channel all the way back since 20k subs 😄

[@Boomdizzle99]

Wow....working in one place for 30 years. Thats incredible stability and dedication. Very local and well supported by the community! Love that for them 😊

[@KuyaHandyKap]

the beautiful part about the Japanese is that, they don't claim to be masters of their craft even after decades of practice. they're always humble and always tell people they're still learning.

[@sentimentalmindless]

I’m from India..Thank you for inspiring me to visit Japan and I just loved your place, your culture, your food, your politeness.. and everything, I’m going to return again in 2024.. keep your videos flowing

[@phlox22]

u work there or you go for vacations ?

[@SAPPERBRAVO]

I thought it was very interesting to see a few foreigners working at such a historical traditional restaurant! Was really hoping Paolo would have given the two we saw on cam, some air time, just because you really don't get to hear much from foreign workers in Japanese owned establishments 😊.

[@billy6243]

word! I was like come on. Such a missed opportunity. The answers from the people working there for 30 years was predictable and boring. Then you have two foreign people managing to get a job there. Facinating!

[@ytuseracct]

@@billy6243 it is possible that they also declined

[@SAPPERBRAVO]

@qwertyboo true. Alas, we shall never know. Was very interesting to see though and a workforce shift in Tokyo, especially for work environment.

[@olbericeisenburg9680]

timestamp for the foreign ppl??

[@DJVexillum]

@@olbericeisenburg9680 The guy with the airpods at 10:26

[@jennapostcardlovingtraveller]

Went there to eat 10 years ago... loved it! Across the street, there's a traditional Japanese sweets/cafe.

[@mariahrichardson1745]

I love Paolo's "Day in the Life" and "Behind the Counter" Playlists! Watching them is always so much fun, and very informative. I think this video is one of my most favorites, but all of them are very well done and deeply immersive to watch. I can't wait for what Paolo shares with us next this year! Thank you, Paolo, as always for wonderful videos! Happy New Year to you and your family. God Bless! 🙏 Love from Florida! ❤

[@DarkTagger]

This video had me grinning from ear to ear. From the long history, family story, and employee dedication, this was such an inspiring watch. What a humble family business. Paolo, you conveyed the story here so well. Really, really enjoyed this one. Bravo.

[@iDgaFarce]

It's amazing they're able to share even though they're working. Im not sure if its because you made them prepare for it or its just because you're good at your interviews and approachable. Puts a smile on my face within the entire video.

[@brianflynn5355]

It's all Paolo's down-to-earth personality 😄

[@Bubviv]

I really enjoyed this video. The people running this monk fish shop are so genuine and hardworking. Such wholesome people work here.

[@joshewert13]

Best series on KZbin hands down. Really makes most of us that live outside of Jason appreciate the dedication people have for what ever job they do. I know there’s a saying but can’t remember what it is. Can’t wait for the next one! Would love to see a day in the life of a Japanese pilot / flight attendant.

[@deucemcallister13]

This series is genuinely one of the best on the entire internet. I always get so hyped to see another one! Thanks Paolo & family!

[@kiaanderson2762]

I always look forward to these videos,I like learning all about Japanese culture,foods,and the history of Japan ‘s culture ❤️

[@davidbishop4015]

Thanks Paolo. Dedication and devotion by the employees makes for an enjoyable experience. Stay safe.

[@christopherharris6005]

Awesome video as always Paolo. I love these family owned restaurants there are so amazing and spectacular places the food looked so delicious.

[@MrGravylegs]

Simply fascinating!! Just that there is a restaurant that is dedicated to serving this crazy fish as its main backbone of recipe!! Really enjoyed the part where the owner speaks about his employees and the reverence he has for the ingredients he uses!! Brilliant!!

[@Daud76]

A belated and blessed 2024 to you and your family. Prayers to the people of Japan who have recently suffered terrible loss of life and property.

[@swissfoodie3542]

This is another fantastic video, thanks a lot for it Paolo. I just love it that in Japan, so many people are so dedicated to what they are doing. This is really unique and beautiful.

[@AmbientWalking]

Wow! Amazing! Really had so much fun watching this. Thank you for making it and sharing it with everyone around the globe!

[@shubus]

Totally in love with these videos, Paolo. Thanks to these videos, I have much greater appreciation for preservation of tradition.

[@bungdilly6333]

Literally one of my favourite vids and channels on KZbin! Thanks Paolo and everything you do!

[@bigbro05]

Excellent content as always. Having not just 1 but several chefs that have spent 30 years at the same restaurant that tells a lot of great things about the place and the owner(s). The cutting skills are madness.

[@safwonsadifrahman390]

I love the decication of those people to their work.. And paolo style of vlogging always the best.

[@hamzadahmani9866]

Bless his mother what a lovely person

[@thomasji7614]

Good morning from Tokyo! It has a different feel to it to watch the new video while I'm in Japan, feels awesome! Time to hit up restaurants from Paolo's past videos and thank you for another awesome video today! Happy New Year and have a great weekend :D

[@cainobaggins]

Another great episode Paolo. Thanks once again. The care, diligence, history and respect the Japanese show for ingredients, flavour and tradition is something most of the west has unfortunately lost :(

[@BJGvideos]

The west has a heavy culinary history as well and idk why people feel the need to act like dedicated chefs don't exist in an entire hemisphere just because you see a video about Japan.

[@cayleenasworldi3647]

OMG I’m so happy I caught a new one right when it came out. Honest to goodness your videos make my day so much better. Thank you.

[@bambino100011]

What an awesome place! I’m half Japanese living in the U.S. and feel like I’m missing so much of this cultural. I hope to visit Japan in the near future.

[@Dude-etiquette]

I just love these videos with family run businesses. So lovely to see

[@adamseecbrown]

Another great video you done there. My dad is a fisherman for over i think 60 years now and i will show this video to my dad.

[@Vredesbyrd58]

YAY! Love these videos Paolo! The Behind the Counter and Day in the Life Of uploads are my favorite!

[@mamachicken1548]

Loved this video!! You can tell the owner takes pride in his specialty restaurant and work. It was fascinating learning about the the Monkfish and how they use all of the parts of the fish.

[@LaRosaHjort]

I absolutely love this series ♥ Thank you for sharing these wonderful places with us!

[@NovaDeb]

Very nice! If you decide to go back to this restaurant again in the evening, I would love to see the mom wearing her kimono😊

[@84vietskater]

I really like this episode. I mean I love all of them but this one’s really good seeing how the owner takes care of their employees it’s that simple of you take care of your employee the employees will work hard for you.

[@p0m2girl]

Thank you Paolo, I clicked so fast on your video. My favourite thing to do on Saturday morning!!! I really love your channel and appreciate all the hard work and efforts

[@dameanvil]

00:34 🍲 The restaurant's rich history transformed it from an eel Dojo spot to a prestigious monkfish specialty shop, preserving Tokyo's culinary heritage. 01:01 🐟 Monkfish (unko) is a prized ingredient in Japan, akin to lobster, often served in a delectable hot pot with porridge, representing almost 200 years of legacy. 02:02 🛒 The owner personally selects ingredients, maintaining relationships with vendors, ensuring top-quality monkfish and other essentials for the shop. 03:26 🙏 Visiting the shrine dedicated to monkfish reflects the shop's deep-rooted respect for tradition and the importance of the sea in their culinary offerings. 04:25 🍜 The closely-guarded recipe for the shop's soup has been passed down through generations, underscoring the shop's commitment to preserving culinary legacy. 05:11 🔪 The chefs' expertise, some with 30 years at the shop, showcases their mastery in preparing monkfish and other ingredients for the signature hot pot dish. 06:48 🍣 Aspiring Japanese chefs often start as apprentices and bypass culinary school, requiring at least a decade to master traditional Japanese cuisine. 09:09 🐟 Cleaning and preparing monkfish, following a centuries-old method, demands precision, skill, and a respectful approach to the fish itself. 11:17 🌟 The shop's hot pot dish, made with seven parts of monkfish and assorted vegetables, stands as a culinary masterpiece, highlighting unique flavors and textures. 12:33 👩‍👦 Family involvement is prominent, with the owner's mother working at the shop, reflecting a generational commitment to this traditional business. 13:36 🥢 Using number plates for shoes helps track table orders and payments, an efficient and traditional method in Japanese restaurants. 15:18 🍲 The shop's signature dashi broth, akin to their wata soup, exemplifies a balanced and meticulously crafted complement to their dishes. 16:37 🏢 The restaurant supports its staff, offering meals and exhibiting a familial atmosphere, strengthening their dedication to the business.

[@plasticbag5729]

thanks man!

[@a.ykwonnie3122]

Thanks for the detailed time stamps. I will say the fish is called ankou. Unko is poop

[@Vehshya]

Thanks for the suggestion! We just ate there last night. It was delicious, the liver was wonderful.

[@ydnftbhdy]

Always a pleasure to see a new Behind The Counter, this one was super interesting!

[@Mr2at]

Wow, amazing people. Their dedication is superhuman.

[@WeebWiser]

Thank you a ton for doing these videos it gives us not only information on the job type and things you will do but entertaining aswell

[@514broly]

The dedication of the owners and their chef to their craft is something else. ❤

[@lumejames]

Everything is made so easy to understand. Kudos!

[@Dezomm]

The level of quality in these videos is crazy! And I learn so much too. Thanks for making them!

[@AlexandraWamsley]

The loyalty and respect and appreciation is so nice to see!

[@SkorpyoTFC]

I love the attitude of the man preparing the dessert ingredients. 30 years, and still studying!

[@ivelissevazquez7211]

I love watching videos of places I'd never otherwise see. This was so awesome and entertaining, especially cuz of it's history. Thank you for sharing. I loved everything about it. Hello from my little corner of Delaware.

[@Pictoru2]

Holy smokes that looks like such a wonderful place to work...and obviously eat! Wish them all the success in the world, for generations to come! 🎉

[@khairulbasher5042]

Wow, how hard-working and humble these people are!!

[@ayakotami3318]

Monkfish is such a cool fish and interesting to see a restaurant focused solely around this fish. I did buy that hot sauce on first launch and it's very good! 😋 And his mom doesn't even loom 70! Wow! She's doing so well for her age! Reminds me of my Grandma and how she was at 70. 😊

[@corbinbishop1991]

I love these so much Paolo! Great work.

[@C.C.8441]

Paolo - I love these day in the life videos. I've learnrd so much. Keep them coming.❤

[@cindyenglert.az51]

I love your videos of business’ in Japan especially the ones who have been in business for generations!

[@Peacekeeper_84]

This is so wholesome I absolutely love everyone in this restaurant

[@MTene]

Always a fan of these a day in the life videos! Been following you since 2019 and been to Japan 3 times since then! Your videos helped alot especially on my earlier trips. You got a fan here in Indonesia! Ps: would be awesome if you do a day in the life video on the people who work at Universal Studios Osaka.

[@bawintermage8351]

When I first came to Japan, I was at a family dinner with friends featuring Monkfish, octopus in ink and a soup cooked at the table with fish eyes and intestines and mushrooms.

[@nishasook1138]

Awesome video as usual. Love learning about different cultures. Also lady is 70 years wow i cant believe she looks so good. Keep up the good work.

[@Here4theComments]

These series alongside the 'day in the life' are your best! Please keep 'em coming!

[@REELmultigaming]

On one hand I love your videos Paolo. On the other hand, I kind of hate them as they remind me of how much I want to go back to Japan. It is such a beautiful country and when I am checking on my footage taken from my trip last year I am still amazed by how respectful and lovely all the people were we met on our journey. Anyway, keep on doing this kind of videos! I wish you and your family the best for 2024.

[@omarferrer3188]

Another amazing video Paolo! Always impressed by their work ethic!

[@n3dsdude407]

These videos are always amazing, keep up the great work Pablo!

[@Chanalvin78]

that was an amazing video. My family and I enjoyed watching it. thank you!!!

[@jackiec860]

Thank you Paolo! I love your videos, especially your behind the counter series!!!

[@BeanzAviation3967]

Your videos are so amazing, it's like hitting gold when I see a new video from you!!

[@VeniViciVeritas]

Always look forward to your great videos, which we often watch as a family… Definitely always make us want to travel to Japan!

[@dedoyxp]

each interview with the people here is making me smile... they look so stiff but still trying to make joke and answering to paolo questions well (except the okami ofc she answer like a true boss ahahah)

[@kiljaden4757]

Just added this to my bucket list! Can't wait to check it out when I'm in Tokyo. Do you happen to have a travel guide or a book about Japan? If not, you should totally make one-it'd be super helpful!

[@carlos-bc5uo]

I think he has a discord with that info

[@ernesto1888]

I just love these videos, thank you so much Paolo!

[@adrianoluisrodrigues9317]

Paolo, you have a lot of fans in Brazil, I believe everyone watches your videos on TVSmart, Android TV, etc., and KZbin doesn't have subtitle translation, you can only get translation on your cell phone, I ask once again that you enable subtitles in Portuguese, Brazilians would really appreciate it 😃

[@shiba6923]

ANOTHER AMAZING VIDEO! Literally been waiting for you to upload everyday 😂🙏🏼 love you Paola and all the work you do! Keep up the great content! 🫶🏻

[@trhino3]

I hope you see this comment Paolo thank you for always doing what you do. I enjoy all your videos and love binge watching them all:) Love you brother!

[@theultimatephilosophy9578]

My Favorite behind-the-counter video so far! The owner is a GOAT and the Head Lady is even a bigger GOAT

[@blatinobear]

This video was especially magical because of the history and the truly remarkable ingredient ❤

[@ats882]

With all seriousness, I love the anime Food Wars and the part when Megumi prepares the monk fish is one of my favorite parts. Seeing it done irl and the respect they pay to the fish is absolutely amazing. ❤

[@Night_Rose_94]

The fact that safety and fun comes first and sales and money comes second, plus their workers work there for a very long time and bossman is such a good guy that's there all the time, and I noticed 2 foreigners working there, which I don't see a lot. Not to mention it's the 7th generation!! It shows that this is a shop that we should absolutely visit one day. Great video Paolo! I love these

[@alicialam8786]

Really love this series a lot and let us understand all Japanese business more. Really appreciate and keep up the good work !

[@allmightfan]

another amazing video thanks Paolo love how close you get with the owners and staff but the information dump on everything from the food to the architecture always love the tone and vibe of your videos.

[@bobbywrtm]

Wait a second, looks like there's also couple foreigners working there but you didn't interview them so now I'm super curious LOL

[@MissionBond92]

I love your content. It really gives me the cozy vibes of watching an educational food/culture show on Food Network or Travel Channel show from the 2000's

[@Edirneli]

Seeing the process of carving the monkfish was very interesting. Nice work!

[@kennisme]

THANK YOU for the timestamp to skip the cutting of the fish, I appreciated it a lot ♡

[@pascastro9928]

Amazing content. As per usual! Keep it going!!

[@sanmonypich]

What a great day to start with Paolo new video

[@Allerka]

I've enjoyed this channel for a few years now and two things I've always wondered about are: 1. How does Paolo (or his team) approach businesses or employees? Like, do some of them reach out, or is it people he knows, or just seem interesting? And 2. For shops like this, or previous restaurants/shops, etc., is there an influx of new people after the videos come out, wanting to try what is shown?

[@mtims_official]

So much respect for you Paolo and all of the people you film I really enjoy watching your videos!!! Especially when I’m eating 🎉🎉