Old School Japanese Noodle Delivery With Real Dishes

Suzuki Soba lets us into their shop and takes us along their delivery route. If you're interested in visiting, here's the map to their shop goo.gl/maps/WmUhxdVWswK6vu7BA
Go to nordvpn.com/lifewhereimfrom and if you go for the 2-year plan you get an additional 4 months. It’s also risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee.
Camera: Akko and Greg
Editor: Bobby from / @q2japan and Greg
Sources:
- story.nakagawa-masashichi.jp/...
- www.asianstudies.org/publicat...
- www.pizza-fontana.com/note/%E...
- yamaya-s.co.jp/machine/demae/d...
- koitarou2006.blog112.fc2.com/?...
- www.irasutoya.com/
- Getty Images
Video Gear I Use
📷 Camera: amzn.to/2NEokdl
📷 Drone: amzn.to/2GAURv8
📷 Wide Lens: amzn.to/2BcJCGJ
📷 Prime Lens: amzn.to/2C2LEpt
🎤 Microphone: amzn.to/2BJi114
📺 Monitor: amzn.to/2E8XzUI
📷 All the rest: kit.co/lifewhereimfrom/youtub...
Connect
🗲Patreon: / lifewhereimfrom
🗲Life Where I'm From X Channel: bit.ly/ytlwifx
🗲Website: www.lifewhereimfrom.com
🗲Facebook: / lifewhereimfrom
🗲Instagram: / lifewhereimfrom
🗲Twitter: / lifewhereimfrom
Music by Epidemic Sound www.epidemicsound.com/referra...

[@LifeWhereImFrom]

Go to nordvpn.com/lifewhereimfrom and if you go for the 2-year plan you get an additional 4 months. It’s also risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee. Filming at Suzuki Soba was so fun and smooth. Everyone there were so helpful and the food was great too!

[@typerightseesight]

does the guy like be a waiter on his bike or just come back for the treys on the next delivery?

[@typerightseesight]

aww, man. He's gotta swing back through (literally) to pick the trays back up.. I wonder if he's gotten good at it. awesome.

[@tyrand]

no I don't think I will

[@luminatrixfanfiction]

The commentator in this video sounds a lot like Luke from LTT lol.

[@typerightseesight]

@@luminatrixfanfiction that's what I kept hearing in the back of my head I've watched them for years 😂

[@wanderlpnw]

The bike he's riding is a Honda Super Cub. The story goes that Sochiro Honda had the mechanical auto clutch developed for that bike so noodle delivery men could ride the bike with only one hand on the bars, holding the noodles in a bag with their other hand.

[@r8gg]

so cool

[@MajimaEnterprises]

It's crazy to think the Honda Super Cub has been in production in some form or another for over 60 years now, making it the longest production run of any vehicle ever built. It's been in production longer than my dad has been alive (he was born in 1961).

[@filipzietek5146]

With a super cub you can go anywhere

[@nilo70]

I have heard this story as well 😊

[@zanerichards4305]

That's what I thought! The Super Cub is legendary.

[@user-no2mz9hl4f]

I really appreciate the delivery guy. He seems so dedicated to his work, like he really cares. Where I’m from, most people don’t seem to care about their work, or like it at all. Especially if they aren’t working a job which comes with a lot of money or social status, many of them seem resentful.

[@lasvegasnevada7514]

This is part of the culture in Japan to take pride on your work no matter what job. No one looks down on you when u have a so-called odd job.

[@dereksbooks]

It starts in the home and at the lowest levels of education. Teaching children humility and dedication is no longer an American or western ideal. We're taught entitlement here.

[@user-no2mz9hl4f]

@@dereksbooks I see that. It’s sad.

[@otakumonkey]

Delivery things look really easy in Japan. I would love to do that except during typhoons and Earthquakes.

[@VS-mt5tz]

@@user-no2mz9hl4f It's almost like they get paid a livable wage in Japan and nobody except for boomers in America want to be treated like slaves lmao

[@lainiwakura1776]

The best part is they're a mom and pop restaurant, so they're usually more accommodating to customers and you can feel the love and dedication they have to their craft. If I go to Japan, I'm going to try going to restaurants like these.

[@eratosthenes8004]

I think mom and pop shops are more common outside of North America, where rent and food costs make running restaurants independently extremely difficult.

[@stagnantwater3775]

theres 5 family owned fish and chip shops around where i live in australia and one of the shops genuinely watched me grow up into an adult it really is wild @@eratosthenes8004

[@strippinheat]

There's a special place in My heart for people that keep traditional arts alive. That wooden press with big metal gears is such a delight. And the prices, including free delivery and dish pick up, seems exceptionally reasonable for the fresh, quality food you get. I'd expect to pay at least double. I want to go there so bad.

[@hobojump7651]

Yes the existence old fashioned way restaurant in the modern era are priceless, and irreplaceable. We'll be missed the things like that around next 50-100 years from now just like the era golden age of classic perfume, etc..

[@JohanTwinsen]

To the people working at the restaurant: you are doing extraodrinary work! Please keep at it and dont feel discouraged by big restaurant chains taking over your clientelle. By providing your continuous service you are not only serving us amazing food but also maintaining the unique culture.

[@dereksbooks]

It's not the restaurants that are endangered. It's the third party delivery services. Small restaurants are all over Uber, and those not on it can always join, taking on Uber's exorbitant fees and draconian policies against its vendors (Uber is brutal against restaurants but extremely friendly to its own customers), but the third party delivery services will be put out of business, as every restaurant transitions entirely to Uber.

[@chrisbarbz9238]

This is why supporting local business is important. Vote with your wallet!!

[@jif.6821]

This episode very nostalgic for me. I was born in 1960 Tokyo, and raised in Japan, and I remember the noodle shop owner's son being the delivery guy riding his Honda Cub. One time when I got under the Army housing are fence, and wandered the countryside, the delivery guy was driving by so I waved, and he stop to pick me up, and he took me to his parents shop, and they fed me free of charge. My siblings preferred the curry rice plates, but I always ordered the cold somen noodles. None of that exists now, sad.

[@nonenone4204]

So Uber charges the customers for delivery fee, service fee, tip, and charges the restaurant a 38% fee on top?

[@martinc.720]

Tip (in countries with a tipping culture) doesn't go to Uber... service fee and delivery fee?

[@KendallM0219]

Yes they do, that’s why the food is so expensive. So many people forgot what the actual price of the food is because they are so accustomed to Uber Eats price gouging.

[@KendallM0219]

@@martinc.720 Yeah for places that tip the tip doesn’t go to them. But 38% of the menu price goes to them, and the service fee, and the delivery fee. It’s literally highway robbery

[@martinc.720]

@@KendallM0219 As opposed to figuratively highway robbery? Robbery is taking people's things without their consent. When one is about to order, when they see the final amount, all they have to do is hit "Cancel" if they're not happy. No one is forcing them. I'm not saying Uber fees are fair, far from it. I'm just saying they are not robbing anyone. They offer something for a fee. Unhappy about this? Pick up the phone and order directly at the restaurant. You'll save money, and the restaurant will make more. Win-win.

[@j134679]

YEP that's why it's better to order takeout yourself if you live in the city. If you choose the pick-up option, the delivery fee is taken out, but all the other upcharges remain. Order straight from the restaurant whenever you can as this helps them survive better.

[@itsJoshV]

That delivery contraption is so cool. HOWEVER, Greg, please travel back in time and get some footage of the 30 dishes on someones shoulder while riding the bike. That looks wild! I also appreciate the shot of you recording while riding the bike haha. If I ever get to visit Japan, I'll try to get a delivery from them! Looked delicious.

[@sirBrouwer]

just go to India. you see 3 people, a furniture and boxes of eggs on 1 motor.

[@user-no2mz9hl4f]

I know, I cannot believe people could (can) do that! It’s straight out of a the circus. Totally impressive.

[@sirBrouwer]

@@user-no2mz9hl4f that circus will also be on top of a motor 🛵.

[@Nini00000]

in Vietnam you can still see some people delivering soups on their bicycles like that!

[@suzannes5888]

See 6:32. With 4 bowls and 13 trays stacked up, this guy is carrying 52 bowls. NOTE: Edit was to correct a typo, not the message

[@deany5709]

Hi Greg, Ate at Suzuki Soba this past October and we had a great time. Although they spoke less English than we did Japanese, they went out of their way to serve us. The owners were very accomodating and Ken-san got so exicted when we mentioned this video. Even some patrons that spoke a little English gave us suggestions. The food was great and it was a wonderful experience venturing into the less "touristy" parts of Tokyo. They even seemed surprised that foreign tourists, although Japanese, found our way off the beaten path to their humble restaurant. I presume you live in the area, so if you see them again, tell them "domo arigatogozaimasu" from the tourists from Hawaii whom they helped find their way. And thank you for pointing us in their direction! We'll be back in October.

[@user-zc6tf6sx8n]

I am a student in Sendai, Japan, and I work part-time in food delivery. I use the same type of delivery device shown in this video, which is a durable second-hand model. This device has been incredibly helpful for my job. I mainly use Wolt, and occasionally Uber Eats for deliveries. The bag fits perfectly with the delivery device featured in the video, conveniently fitting in the space where the soba is placed, making it easy to load and unload. Since I started using this delivery device, I haven’t received any complaints about damaged goods, and I plan to continue using it in the future. Also, I want to express my appreciation for this wonderful video, which highlights the importance of quality delivery equipment in our work.

[@kenoikawa9204]

What are you studying in Sendai?

[@GBR9794]

@@kenoikawa9204 Masters in Japanese Anime

[@lindathomas5500]

That delivery driver is the type of guy every parent wishes their daughter would meet. What a great smile and outlook on life!

[@misamisamisamisamisamisa]

Wow this is so cool! I hope this culture of delivery doesnt die out.

[@tastyneck]

One of my best memories of living in Japan when I was a kid was the guy who went around the neighborhood selling oden from a heated box attached to the back of his bike. Oden is still one of my faves because of that guy.

[@vitamins4195]

Same here. I was in Meguro, Tokyo and my friends and I sometimes bought some oden for “oyatsu” after we went swimming in the city’s public swimming pool.

[@Mwoods2272]

I liked the sweet potato vendor.

[@DaNaviOG]

I wish I was as happy as the delivery guy doing any job, or anything. I admire that kind of people.

[@tslee8236]

Had them in the 70s, mainly in residential areas, but no more. Deliveries were placed on a tray balanced by hand on bicycle. The delivery guy also took orders along the way. Always on the look out for the guy, who announced his presence by hitting two bamboo pieces, to order breakfast this way as a child.

[@ohmygodidgaf]

Man I’ve been watching your videos for 8 years and now I’m finally going to Japan 😭

[@tinabeanajustabean]

Gosh the new threats to small business just really makes you feel how extremely valuable your work making documentaries is. Thank you for this and thank you to all the hard working family and small businesses out there!!! You offer up intangible cultural value and make little moments so special.

[@baloghbotond4250]

The kindness and respect Japanese people have it`s mind blowing.

[@torspedia]

I do hope that their delivery service can coexist with the likes of Uber, as it'll be a shame if they had to give that up... especially with their unique method!

[@dresk7958]

Could this be any more charming?! 💗 I miss Japan so much and can't wait to return

[@zrumpz]

I've visited places like this a handful of times in Japan and every time the staff is very helpful and friendly despite me speaking basically no Japanese. That said, every single time it is pretty damn intimidating to enter one of these places especially when there is a plethora of more easy to access/order restaurants all around. Soba is one of my favorite types of food in Japan for sure, I love how it can feel much lighter compared to udon or ramen.

[@pkonopnicki]

38 percent uber cut, jesus christ that's a lot

[@BuzzinsPetRock78]

Unfortunately it is common practice on all sorts of online sites that act as a middle man. Food delivery and Hotel booking sites spring to mind, but I am sure there are others.

[@UndeadPorcupine]

I find it really sad to hear that soba declined in popularity and that a lot of soba restaurants closed shop. Soba is one of my favorite Japanese foods, especially when served cold on a hot summer day! There's really nothing else (that I've tried) quite like it.

[@leinternethipster]

I started working in Japan right before the summer, and my coworkers remarked at how Japanese I was (being a 6'3" white guy) by getting cold soba for my lunch. You're absolutely right that it is so unique and incredibly delicious!

[@foreverfriendsg]

I love soba, and this just hurts to read T_T

[@Alicia-ag]

😮This video makes me want to eat all that is served

[@workandfamily2742]

❤❤❤❤❤❤ so true 😊

[@sakurachanmemory8921]

😀

[@vivianfoster702]

I would love to support these small mom and pop eateries that are disappearing. Preserve your heritage, it will be gone if we don't!

[@___Laura]

This is amazing, both the video and its subject. Thank you for making it!

[@highbrand]

Great to see real local places like this. That shop is 5 min down the road from my daughter's old kindergarten, but never knew it was there.

[@ashcross]

Another wonderful and insightful video. You make KZbin soooo good! Thanks to everyone at the restaurant as well ❤

[@thomasmckay]

Just found your channel as I learn Japanese through food videos! The clarity of the Japanese speakers along with your English voice overs are fantastic. My thanks!

[@edwardv7991]

I used to see this in Doraemon comic and never in real life until I visited Japan.

[@sakurachanmemory8921]

The use of eco-friendly material containers and the delivery make it convenient and healthy for everyone, especially our elderlies. I hope this natural system come back and re flourish and less fast food. Also helps preserving the locals and tradtition. Sometimes we might considered old system seriously.

[@doriswaddington2418]

They wrap the food up in Clingflim. How echo friendly is that?

[@sakurachanmemory8921]

@@doriswaddington2418 Hi doris. Yes, you're absolutely right about it but the main container they use is washable, the clingfilm is used at minimum. Thank you.

[@kyoto5657]

This is such a wholesome video. I just love how the owner, staff and delivery guy accomodate the videographer to get an amazing footage of everythint about the restaurant. I really hope and wish that this restaurant will still be running by the time i visit Japan.

[@annaksmith9608]

Another wonderfully researched and edited video, Greg! Very interesting to see how different the process is for food delivery compared to the US. Especially after covid, food delivery skyrocketed in popularity and there are added fees for tax, delivery and tip as well. Thanks for sharing!

[@Andrelour]

Thank you for your amazing work as always! Your content is always engrossing and high quality in all aspects

[@shawnueda8909]

Photos of bicycle delivery brings back fond memories of time gone by. It seems life was slower and simpler back then. though I never saw anyone carrying the huge orders in one of the photos I never saw anyone drop the huge stack. I'm old enough to be a oba-san. And its really refreshing to see everyone being so polite to one another.

[@vindo17]

i'm so happy with this kind of videos! keep up the good work greg!

[@riley8206]

Just love it! Thanks for sharing

[@zoetoast]

This is so wonderful, we are visiting Japan in December :) would love to stop by at their shop! Thank you for sharing !!

[@satindersingh2746]

Finally here in Japan and I have to thank your videos for being so informative.

[@jeffharrison6059]

Phenomenal video. Thanks so much for bringing this to us! I would love to go here when I'm in Japan.

[@arceus54321]

the delivery and restaurant book look awesome. i will definitely try to visit suzuki soba when i visit next month

[@teriyakitaki]

Love the shout-outs at the end and some behind the scenes - what a lovely soba shop and those smiles!! ❤

[@wayne2816wayne]

Thanks for the consistent and top quality content! Really amazing work.

[@butterchicken4739]

The more I watch your videos, the more I miss my home. thanks so much for another wonderful video to share. I immigrated to Australia by myself when I was in my early 20’s. I remember my late Ojiichan and Obaachan used to order some soba and tempura when I was a little kid in winter.

[@gleaming8103]

thank you for sharing. marked this local as a must stop on my travel bucket list

[@billermanthegreat]

Such nice people! I hope they do well in future.

[@SteveLebeau]

Excellent videography! Thanks for the behind the scenes.

[@traviswadezinn]

Very thoughtful and well-presented. thank you

[@BoboTheKeed]

This is a very wholesome video 🥺 I wish I could visit that restaurant... And I definitely would use their delivery service if I lived there!

[@Moxieman]

Wow thank you !! I would like to experience this just once in my life .. i see the passion in this man and his restaurant. My hest to everyone

[@rj6404]

Originality is a mark of true excellence; when the euphoria of 'novelty' fades, it is the enduring quality that people come to cherish.

[@annesummers09]

Loved this episode. Thanks

[@weijie816]

Love the video you make shine the light to the restaurant that have long history and ways to provide the customers make them feel like home compare to the plastic containers. got to love the driver making history stronger with the passion and the hard work ❤❤❤

[@theblessingrain]

Thanks Greg! Fantastic video with tons of good information!!!

[@laimunkok7277]

love the nostalgic vibes of the soba shop!

[@ningcai8495]

I'm at kyoto this week and saw one of these soba delivery bike. If wasn't your video I would never know what it is. Great content, thanks!

[@user-qh5zz7dy1h]

So much great energy & great story telling ofc

[@lazygardens]

I had 2 neighborhood restaurants like that when I lived in Mexico - one woman did lunch only and one did dinner. You called or visited, arranged the menu and a child pulling a wagon with your food and dishes would appear at the proper time. Later they would come by and pick up the dishes. It was WONDERFUL!

[@chris-hayes]

Amazing job on this doc.

[@DoubleSpy]

Will make it a point to visit this shop one day. I'll be sure to mention you. Great video.

[@CruelObsession1]

When the map popped up and I saw my local station I was surprised! Looks like they're only a 20 minute walk from me, so I'll have to go check them out soon!

[@kenhiyoko941]

This reminds me the childhood days at my Cantonese hometown that my family would phone the dessert house after dinner and the deliverman would carry a long stainless steel box to our house and all the desserts was served in the tranditon blue and white China bowls(the bowl is part of the cooking vessel for a lot of traditional Canto desserts). When we finished them we would clean up the bowls and leaves them outside the front door so they can pick them up the next day.

[@Mimimo]

love them doing the humble job, makes me want to order from them too

[@-B.H.]

Props to the delivery driver for being cool and helping out! Seemed to actually like it.

[@hallejohn]

Hey Greg, nice video. I love the cute graphics at the end ^,^ It's a little sad, that less people know good and local business like the noodle shop.

[@RealAadilFarooqui]

Amazing People, Amazing Shop. When I visit Japan, I will give them a visit

[@smzig]

I'm visiting Tokyo next week for vacation. I'm thinking of adding this restaurant on my list of places to check out.

[@elizabeths640]

Love the clip of Big Chuck and Little John.I grew up watching those two every Friday night (?) I believe.

[@mojoyaris]

Loved your video. We’re from Kotoku and every now and then we order from our local soba shop as well. Same style of service and bike. The owner also does delivery and he was excited to show me his bike which is more powerful than his older one. So he was proud to show me. I really hope this style of service continues. As nice as Uber eats is. I avoid using them and prefer to keep things local and community based. I’m so happy that the shop in your video is doing so well.

[@mojoyaris]

Oh if any of you readers come to Japan and are able to try this style of delivery. Don’t forget to wash the dishes for them before putting back out for them to collect. 😊

[@Dz73zxxx]

This charming video reminds me of my condition too. In my neighbourhood, there is one chinese food restaurant that still accepts phone-call delivery and has survived for at least 5 years through covid, online uber eats, etc. And my family is their usual customer. Heck, they even already memorized my home address 😂 And all charming parts were exactly in this video. They bravely deliver during light rain (most of online orders wont), they only accept cash (no biggie, give them the spare changes if they dont have it), and most of all, it is FAR cheaper that online apps (i have to pay 10% more for each menu, which aint included delivery fee, app tax, etc). That chinese food resto is the only 1 of 3 reasons why my house still have traditional telephone. God bless their business ❤

[@mandirasingh4312]

I enjoyed the video a lot. Thanks for sharing it. I gained new knowledge and experience via your efforts 😊

[@ismaelhall3990]

I loved when they service with a smile.

[@Psychol-Snooper]

That sesame dressing soba looked amazing!

[@teresatsai8753]

Japan always comes up with automatic mill grinder machine and noodle machines and delivery machine. Bravo!

[@et3naltwilight]

Beautiful restaurant, food, and staff!

[@CptFitzgerald]

Sorry I'm late to the party (as usual), but the insight this video had was amazing. I love motorscooters, and I love Nippon for consistently utilizing them to bring happiness and life to people. Please get in touch with The Numbers! scooter club in Tokyo who preserve 1960s British Mod culture. Their Lambrettas and Vespas are insane, and they all dress to the 9s.

[@candrapuspa2420]

I wish I can visit this reastaurant very soon❤❤❤ Its awesome to see how they made their dish from the strach, its really nice to know that your meal is always fresh made everyday I wish all the staff will always be in good condition and health❤❤❤❤❤

[@DBimo]

the place looks beautiful, it's like classic restaurant,

[@SLAPERZZ1]

That old rolling machine is amazing 😲😂 and the tray mechanism on the bike 🙏

[@tellme23]

What an amazing documentary… ❤

[@uncaringbear]

Such great service and no tipping required!

[@Buster475]

I am surprised that the delivery person, Kenza, is so young and possesses such a good attitude. Happy go lucky indeed!

[@jerrytwolanes4659]

Thanks for sharing! Great video! So very interesting! Thanks again!

[@creyji]

Please continue to do this ❤

[@avionugrohoomar]

The chef cooking with a denim jacket? Hell yeah this is on my bucket list ! 🤘🏼

[@vincerefiti8056]

I swear every time I watch these videos I get hungry. Even after I just had a meal

[@BlackCat00TH]

Great! I am craving some Soba noodles now.

[@ChocolateWilly]

This is one of my faovrite delivery methods in Japan. I loved growing up with it.

[@g.o.3940]

Growing up in suburban/borderline countryside in Japan this was the only food delivery service I knew about. I especially remember seeing that contraption in the back to hold the noodles swing as he turned the corner…

[@WesFanMan]

Thanks for throwing in the Big Chuck and Little John clip!

[@frozeneye100]

Actually at previous work place they had that exact type of service. You just wash dishes you ate and leave them in place and the food beats the crap out of convenience store bento and there are not only noodles available at many places. Pity not being able to continue and kick butts of delivery services. Those type of shops are very plentiful in smaller areas and the food is great.

[@bowinpotato5720]

Your content is always amazing! :)

[@derricklangford4725]

Crazy how they were able to ride a bicycle and balance 20 containers of food on their shoulders without dropping them.

[@donia1]

I wish I lived there so I could go to this place often. The people who work and run it seem like the best part of the experience.

[@shouryateja]

Japan seems like the best place to live, people are sooooo kind.

[@Mythillian1450]

Ken-chan is so cute! They are adorable

[@Hezkezl]

What an amazing group of people there! If I somehow ever manage to win the lottery so I could afford a trip to Japan, I'll absolutely make this shop one of the places I'll go to on the first couple of days

[@AWDYDOOD]

this type of delivery is also popular in korea

[@natbug3891]

Great video and really interesting to see how they deliver their food on such a unique device that I've never seen before, But in the UK I try my very best to go to restaurants and help them out instead of going to fast food restaurants, It's getting difficult now in these days because there's not many restaurants and there is more fast food restaurants that are making them quick.