How Onigiri Master Yumiko Ukon Makes 500,000 Rice Balls a Year - The Experts

At Onigiri Bongo in Japan, Yumiko Ukon and her late husband have popularized non-traditional onigiri flavors of the stuffed rice snack since 1960. Now the shop makes 1,500 rice balls a day in 55 flavors including mayonnaise and tuna, curry and beef tendon stew, and salmon roe and takana. The different flavors have become so popular that customers wait up to five hours in line to try them.
Eater would like to assure viewers that all videos were shot before restaurants were asked to close. Check the CDC for the most updated guidance on dining out at restaurants.
Credits:
Producer/Director: Tofu Media
Editor: Francesca Manto
Executive Producer: Stephen Pelletteri
Development Producer: McGraw Wolfman
Coordinating Producer: Stefania Orrù
Audience Engagement: Daniel Geneen, Terri Ciccone
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[@eater]

What's your favorite onigiri filling?

[@drali230]

Salmon

[@atxtojp9114]

Mentaiko or salmon belly

[@QazzaF]

Spicy Tuna or Mayo Tuna

[@Aaron-pv8vm]

Rice.

[@Rogerace046]

Dried pork

[@janicel6841]

When she mentioned that she wanted to dedicate her life to onigiri, she basically is dedicating her life to her late husband. I'm not crying, you are.

[@lunaaaam]

Don't lie, we are all crying

[@blueraineee]

And the fact that she found Bongo when she came to Tokyo and ate it everyday? That meant she met him in that very shop, they fell in love with each other and got married. I'm not crying because I'm sad. It's the onion!!

[@TGNXAR]

Come for the onigiri, stay for the feels.

[@wisdoom9153]

I'm here for onigiri, not the feels, dangit. No, I'm not crying, my tear glands just got a little loose.

[@yoloyeet6889]

Fak.... now I'm crying

[@arayaneverdahl5501]

Is no one going to mention how this woman is cooking mama??

[@WoahItsRuka]

Araya Neverdahl BRO OMG YOU'RE RIGHT HHGUFERKO

[@10karamel37]

:0

[@ghostlobster6631]

OMG ur rightt

[@mila_kings]

perfect! even better than mama!

[@sauce3639]

i cant unsee it

[@dhikapratama8312]

she mention her deceased husband several times....man, she loved him very much after all this time? always

[@DirigiblePlum]

/*

[@litieguai6306]

Well they opened it together so it was part of the story but I guess you're right

[@fordhouse8b]

​@@litieguai6306 I assumed he opened it before they met, since she mentions regularly eating there when she first moved to Tokyo? Maybe she married into the business.

[@aleb6245]

Expecto patronum

[@ArtemysNyx]

@@aleb6245 wasnt sure the harry potter reference would be spotted on this one. it was on the subtle side.

[@muhammadagungwibowo3068]

I'd love to hear all her stories. Such a bright personality.

[@deandaring529]

She seems like the sweetest lady, she's got such a bright smile throughout the video that it makes me want to eat there even more!

[@memet5811]

@@deandaring529 I do think the same

[@b8m952]

Was also my thought after listening to her just for a minute.

[@Laura-bc2by]

Ikr!

[@pgame20]

"Late husband" made me sad. He was a blessed man to go through life with such an adorably jovial woman.

[@willowoodz]

why is nobody talking about that boss lady getting food for her employees i mean- i stan

[@hitsukiri]

lining up for up to 5 hours

[@freindofdorothy5822]

What an awesome boss lady!

[@SadBoy-pe5oq]

Agreed, what an awesome boss lady.

[@Wheee135]

I think it is normal for a boss to treat their employees, I mean the Japanese workforce is great at certain levels LOL

[@hitsukiri]

@@Wheee135 nope. I live and work in Japan. It's not common...

[@wtx23j]

I think her charisma is what makes people keep coming to the shop. Such a bright and cheerful person, just by looking at her makes me feel all warm and happy already.

[@GOTSTUUUFFED]

Oh, so that's what someone with purpose looks like. Both inspiring and disheartening as my hours meld to days

[@JaiOnline]

GOT STUUUFFED Very true. Even in Japan it’s rare to find people who are that happy with their job. But when they are found, they really shine.

dudeee :(

[@zeleeyah_]

This comment made me feel even more dead inside.

[@Mithrapas]

Auch to close to home.

[@StrangeDew]

Don't give up

[@vilimor8227]

I like how she's loud but nice and decent, business owners would be loving her

[@pingwong117]

She must be one of the most high-spirited individuals to be interviewed ever And I can feel her utter passion, dedication and love that goes into her onigiri!

[@Rari1022]

This was wonderful to watch. She was so full of life and charm. You can tell how much onigiri and the restaurant mean to her. I wish her many more years of success and happiness.

[@LiveLaughLovecraft]

This is such a sweet comment

[@Rari1022]

Thank you. I meant every word :)

[@kayin4o8]

She's so adorable! The original cooking mama.

[@bensonhawk224]

I SO want to be related to her! She would the perfect cool aunt to hang out with on the weekends!

[@dwhyyou359]

She talks about making onigiri for about 60 years but she looks barely over 40??? Asian genes sure are superior, like damn

[@tuturuuuuuuuu]

I think Bongo, the shop, has been making onigiri for 60 years. She mentioned she came to Bongo every day as a customer when she came to Tokyo.

[@dwhyyou359]

@@tuturuuuuuuuu I was confused by that part as well, but given that her late husband gave the restaurant its name it wouldn't make sense D:

[@angellover02171]

@@dwhyyou359 it doesn't make sense that her dead husband was older than her?

[@NosceTeIpsum]

She hasn't been making onigiri for that long. She said she made her first onigiri when she was 35. She is now 67. Still impressive to have such energy and enthusiasm at that age, not gonna lie.

[@dwhyyou359]

@@NosceTeIpsum thanks for clearing that up, was a little confused by the description. But damn she still doesn't look her age at all lol

[@alproductionhouse9225]

When Japanese say "i Made this with love", careful, it is Legendary

[@Yokeniku]

Yes! My teacher in college who worked with dedicated japanese engineers always mentioned that if their dedication is that great, they'd commit seppuku if ever their creation fails. Such cultural dedication is so rare.

[@JustJakeTravel]

I went to onigiri bongo and saw her. It was sooo good

[@zacharymariano2383]

Devoting your whole life to perfecting a single craft might be the most Japanese thing a person can do.

[@rosepetal29]

Because no other ethnicity dedicated their life to a craft amirite?

[@maddieb.4282]

@@rosepetal29 let it go Rae, nobody wants to start an argument with you especially on a 9 month old comment

[@rosepetal29]

@@maddieb.4282 yea it is a dumb comment though

[@rosepetal29]

@@raoultrueb2642 Right, because nobody ever in history has dedicated their life to a craft except Japanese. Michelangelo was a hobbyist. Beethoven was a casual music lover. Weeaboo.

[@noodles7422]

@@rosepetal29 says the one with the anime pic

[@ThanhMaiOFFICIAL]

Everything from the rice to the stuffing ingredients all seem fresh. The food just seems to have a homemade feel which is a bonus. Definitely want to try this place one day 🙌💯🍙😋

[@recoil53]

I can't imagine eating rice that isn't fresh in an Asian country.

[@pineapplelord2422]

@@recoil53 that would be taboo

[@xellosii]

@@recoil53 when you make fry rice, its better to use "overnight" rice actually. Meaning rice from the day before

[@ShortArmOfGod]

Fresh fish in sushi has no flavor. It's just chewing.

[@kucko2]

@@ShortArmOfGod You haven't eaten good fish then

[@marchhippo230]

I love her and the passion that she has when she speaks of her craft. It makes people want to go and try and most likely the reason to go back.

[@leviticusburrell-cook9843]

“Nothing hits the spot like a jelly filled donut” -Brock from Pokémon 😂

[@adia000002]

I’m not going to lie, I started tearing up when she said was discussing the reasons why we love onigiri so much, I had flashbacks of my mom all throughout childhood giving me handmade onigiri, it gave me so much comfort. Now that I moved to the states for school, what I would give to be back there eating good food with my mom again.

[@akiof9736]

There are light and joy in her voice. I would love to try this when I come to Tokyo.

[@shazenmaire]

This was 6 minutes and 31 seconds of pure glee, she was so bright and interesting to watch so her craft

[@antoniomartins2900]

OMG this woman seemed so happy talking about her Onigiris, usually japanese people don't talk much and are really shy on camera, this woman was an explosion of emotions!

[@christianlay-geng]

I personally was not in Japan for very long, but after watching their tv for a while I think it comes down to how the interview is conducted because they can be fine on camera. Eater probably has a local Japanese crew, so Japanese are more comfortable with them in contrast to an international youtuber. Furthermore they were probably given notice in advance to prep, whereas stopping a couple randomly at Harujuku would be awkward. Lastly this is her pride and joy, so I feel like the Japanese can be very open about something they’re knowledgeable in.

[@satriorama4118]

@@christianlay-geng japanese people are really open if you talk in their language. Look at only in Japan videos. Everywhere he goes, he always get comfy with the locals.

[@jianasalas4110]

I absolutely adore this woman! The way she spoke about how she sees her mother’s face when she has an onigiri and how she wanted to dedicate the rest of her life to the shop after her husband passed.

[@ashika39]

I love onigiri🍙💟 I love Japan🇯🇵🌈 Thank You💞🗾

[@qwertyboo]

she loved her husband so much, must have been a wonderful man

[@frederickateng3779]

Or... she is instead

[@qwertyboo]

@@frederickateng3779 why not both

[@Maria-ed3jo]

Frederick Ekawijaya Ateng She literally said it’s a he.

[@snifey2233]

Lucky husband to have pretty wife and always love him even when he's under the ground

[@LadyPrincessDiana]

More like "even when he's become ashes", as Japanese people cremate their dead.

[@snifey7694]

@@LadyPrincessDiana actually it kind of doesn't fit into the joke

[@LadyPrincessDiana]

@@snifey7694 But it's not a joke, though...

[@aliciaabdullah]

@@snifey7694 it wasn't meant to be a joke it was meant to just fit into a saying. but it can be modified 🤷‍♀️it's the 21st century

[@schnoz2372]

@@snifey7694 seems like it fits perfectly, since cremation is actually the common practice there.

[@SenoirMeow]

3:19 “we use this big scoop” Same size as the spoon I use for breakfast 😔

[@markperez1375]

Other thing thats amazing is that she’s molding “pipping hot” rice. Note the steam

[@Aliciapa100]

I feel like onigiri is love because this woman is so passionate about it! I could sit for hours and listen to all the stories about her life and experiences she has had

[@artvillarino2878]

I miss my Japanese wife everytime I see or eat Japanese foods. She’s used to prepare said foods for me, but now she’s stuck in Tokyo while I am in the banana republic of the Philippines. Can’t wait to see her around, soon.

[@indomieismybae]

I love the way she tells her story, it makes my heart warm. God bless her and Onigiri Bongo.

[@ec6596]

I discovered this place through Simon and Martinas channel and they aren’t kidding about the long lines...

[@allier1867]

i knew it was the same place... i was second guessing myself at first. what a great find

[@adelydalin6521]

I used to live around the area and went there often. I've been there when her husband still around too. The onigiri there is really good, and the size is generous as well.

[@FinalElysion]

She is such a genuine person I love her attitude on life and her work.

[@TokyoPaul]

I can't believe there's an art to making rice balls. I fell in love with onigiri two years ago. Very tasty. Especially ones with mentaiko inside.

[@TopTum]

I thought I was on Great Big Story channel for a second.

[@memet5811]

Me too haha

[@Kitajima2]

That's really funny, same

[@seikiro3462]

I just love how Japanese people respect everything and everyone, its priceless

[@ThePhyze]

I could feel Bongo & the onigiri she made is what she's in love with, she loves it so much that she's willingly to devote her life for it & that's why Bongo is her life as she said. What a passion! BRAVO ♥️

[@t0mt0mt0m]

There is so much love in her eyes for her late husband and so much dedication to her craft. Her food is made with love and Japan is lucky to have somebody willing to share.

[@CookingwithChefDai]

I love this master

[@ImmortalChaos]

What an adorable little lady! Her dedication to her craft is admirable and unparalleled!

[@michellebao6495]

ukon-san is such a bright person. i admire how much passion she has for life despite her loss

[@squatchy9581]

I love this lady, her energy makes me happy.

[@BakaBaki0]

That had me in tears! Such a beautiful, bright, amazing woman!

[@comocome8542]

I really admire her!

[@RadicalTurbine]

This content is so good, so many other channels could learn a thing or two from EATER

[@erickcantona3830]

Radical Turbine straight up fact!

[@amienmz]

You can see lot of joy spark out of her eyes while telling all of those beautiful stories

[@mindgames470]

I love her personality. she seems to be such a fun person to be around :)

[@StevenSenjaya]

Why do I feel like every Japanese are different like they're hard-working and so warm

[@faiznuranis25]

I really love when old people are not afraid of change, as she said that Bongo has changed from the past 60 years. as we know that the Japanese are all about preserving culture, sometimes old people are afraid of trying or moving along the new era where things and food are changing too. sometimes they will stick to the same things as they do not want to spoil the tradition even though they know things will not sell well. so I have huge respect for her as she knows how to keep it going and moving along with the new era where the food and taste keep changing according to time.

[@TurboFish]

I enjoyed watching the short cuts that worked out very well. Extremely impressed.

[@BelloBudo007]

What a beautiful soul. I love & admire these type of characters that just put everything into what they're doing. I wish her well.

[@user-kw7gv4fj8x]

自信満々な笑み、素敵です。尊い。憧れます。

[@am_y.a.g1611]

I honestly love Onigiri, and after hearing her say that it’s usually made with love is what makes me love it even more. I like to make it for my school lunch a lot! And since i’m in the northwest side of europe it’s not common. My friends would love onigiri so much when i make them and bring them to school and that’s what brings me joy. Seeing them happy to wat my food makes my day, and assures me that they’re fed because they usually dont eat😂

[@Trueshogunate]

Aww your friends are so lucky to have you! You're a very kind person!

[@am_y.a.g1611]

@@Trueshogunate I just enjoy cooking, i’m very happy that they like it too because back then i knew people that would never eat my food or think it was weird😅

[@alexisramirez4239]

Such joy and happiness comes from her I hope she lives for ever to continue sharing her love for food and stories

[@tony2chopper826]

this simple onigiri is really made with love just like from your mother so warm and delicate and refresh your old child memories

[@lynguini]

wow this lady is just the embodiment of sunshine

[@Skyewastaken2]

She is adorable, such a bright young soul.

[@reggieasplund9081]

There is so much stinking joy and love in her voice and actions, such dedication to her craft.

[@sebastianschmidt566]

And a big thx for using subtitles instead of ruining her speak with a overlay translation 😉

[@Arsenal-Tengu]

Have been here several times! One of my favorite locations in Tokyo. Never knew it had such a special history. I feel blessed.

[@lizz556]

What a wonderful and passionate woman! Such dedication is mesmerising :) much love from Germany

[@Anespian1]

Simple food yet delicious. Agree the rice ifs very important. She is so jovial & bright. Hope to try out someday

[@rizkyugrasena]

I love the way she talks. So cheerful and energetic. Would try the onigiri if I go to Japan.

[@vecihihurkus2223]

What a charming person. Loved her enthusiasm and passion about her work.

[@lynka_gapview]

急におにぎり食べたくなった

[@alecsnead6566]

She seems like such a sweet soul. Keep doing you Miss Bongo!

[@simeonowen8230]

No idea why but i feel compelled to give this lady a hug

[@goodeffinguy]

Learned of this place from Simon and Martina's channel!

[@Axelrun1994]

They're the best

[@indomieismybae]

I clearly remember how starved they were while waiting in line just for some onigiri lol!

[@eatyourkimchi]

Yeah, this place is amazing!

[@goodeffinguy]

Simon and Martina I would've tagged you guys but I don't know how to tag a channel 😅

[@GiTxSHuM]

This is why I like going to Japan. Everywhere I go, I see the most enthusiastic people. Like even the guards are always talking, the construction workers as well, and even the damn fast food workers or any restaurant wait staff. Every time I go to Japan since I was a kid, I wanted to live and work there. The cleanest country I have been to.

[@merlion6613]

What a lovely positive energy this lady has. Her hubby must be watching over her with a smile.

[@Platypi007]

What an amazing personality! This entire video made me smile.

[@ririco26]

一生に一度でいいから食べたい😍

[@ViviThegreat]

When you lived and japan and has a Japanese mom, making/eating onigris are just: 🥺 they even taste better homemade. 😌

[@mrshong9959]

Such a lovely woman. I love how she was so excited when telling her story.

[@akillen77]

This is my favorite channel on KZbin right now

[@ETERNlTUS]

Save this place on google maps in "want to go" list.. Wish I actually go there sometime in future 😁

[@yanoryam]

I was planning to go there once I moved to Tokyo at the end of this month....postponed but NOT CANCELLED. Everyone stay safe :'(

[@HisMajesty99]

Everybody needs a purpose like this. You can see it in her eyes, the dedication to her craft and to her husband.

[@JasonMcNamara]

I was the sound recordist on this shoot and they kindly gave us some Onigiri to eat after the shoot. Hands down this was easily the YUMMIEST Inigiri I've ever eaten in my life and I live in Japan. If you ever come to Japan you NEED to eat there. Just line up about an hour before they open or you'll be waiting all day.

[@VenansiusFortunatus]

OMG So sad, I just know that her husband has passed away. I remember my friend bring me here in may 2016 the first day I landed in japan, And I instantly like it. I stayed in my friends apartment near otsuka station, very close to bongo. I think I went there 3-5 times UPDATES: MY FRIENDS WENT THERE AND HER HUSBAND IS STILL ALIVE!!

[@Kimun888]

they dont have child? was it that different compare to convenience store onigri?

[@astrea4020]

Sen He didn’t say they had a child? What are you talking about?

[@PrincessSakuno]

@@astrea4020 i think he meant 'chilled' but yea not sure

[@VenansiusFortunatus]

@Lee Roy not a crazy long queue, because they make those Onigiri very fast.

[@c0baltblue]

Charming woman. She really looks like that Cooking Mama lady.

[@makeda6530]

Gosh they look so good, bless this woman. I wanna try those with the yolks. As far as my favorite onigiri flavors it's between umeboshi, kombu and tarako.

[@ashablue78]

I love her confident way of speaking

[@MoxieBeast]

what was the yellow cylindrical thing?? came to find out what some of the flavors were that played in the video but it didn't have an explanation :( so curious!

[@mpacker]

That is a pickled turnip.

[@izzikat9252]

Pickled daikon radish, looks like?

[@tonymitsu]

'takuan' たくあん Pickled daikon radish

[@OutdoorChefLife]

Love it! Onigiri, a classic. Never gets old for me

[@wyleong4326]

I love the way she talks! Every syllabus is a bite!

[@ruthejimenez]

What a beautiful story & soul. Thank you Bongo owner.

[@mrj6288]

I love her energy. So bright and positive.

[@HaYaBuSa9120]

ついこの間TVで元気そうな旦那さん見たけど亡くなられたのか… 凄い謙虚で優しい旦那さんだったなー 海外からおにぎりを学びに来た人が帰国する際に最後のテストとして握ったおにぎりを美味しい美味しいと笑顔で食べてる姿が物凄く素敵でした✨ ご冥福をお祈りします🙏

[@andrewferguson5992]

She has such clear Japanese speaking ability, thank you!

[@pang-ngiavang1956]

Definitely will wait in line for her Onigiri the next time I'm in Japan! I love her spirit and attitude!

[@konankid2340]

I am trying to learn Japanese and i could pick out a few words allready nice! I really want to try something real Onigiri the ones in this video look so mouthwatering amazing I should try to find more videos like this she speaks very clearly its soothing

[@darkim1777]

Please try onigiri from zoro

[@BluishHuntress]

I love eating Onigiri especially if paired with instant Ramen :')

[@OfficialTigerino]

reminds me of my broke uni dorm kid memories lol but yeah, it’s a nice coupling and it’s filling

[@CBA9211]

The dedication is admirable and motivating

[@clintongriffin2077]

She is adorable. I hope she finds whatever she needs to remain so happy

[@christopherp6370]

Last year I visited Japan and I queued for 3 hours to visit this shop. It was such a marvellous experience, talking with some people in the queue, they told me how even celebrities would queue. Until today I remember that burger I bought from there, it was fantastic.

[@tedderjason]

You bought a burger at a famous onigiri shop?

[@Alaminpervez]

Burger? XD

[@jed23ify]

Christopher P burger? Wait, what....

[@rcksnxc361]

Wait burger what? Lmao

[@Dante-qt5he]

The energy this cooking mama gives out just makes me smile ! Gotta visit when I am in Tokyo next time ! :3

[@solitarydreamer0]

A heart of gold and beautiful soul. One in a million is this lady♥️

[@taawhihamiora]

Easily one of my favourite things about Japan! So much so my girl brought some back to NZ for me!