Behind the Counter at a Japanese Soba Izakaya Restaurant

[@PaolofromTOKYO]

tokyozebra.com/merch Help support the channel and get my Tokyo Merch Use my code PAOLO15 at partner.bokksu.com/paolofromtokyo to get $15 off your first Bokksu Japanese snack box!

[@samthegoat05]

Love the vids🎉

[@ropro9817]

Wait... Paolo, you play tennis?? You should do a tennis video! I love tennis! 🤠

[@ropro9817]

Daaaaaaamn... those are HUGE servings! Is Japan gonna have an obesity epidemic soon? 😅 Looks so good though! 🤤

[@user-xv4he4mt4x]

Those restaurants are nothing fancy, but that's the real Japan. Really enjoyed those videos you made. Thank you Paolo.

[@tonylow9893]

チキンミンチのレシピを調理する方法を教えてもらえますか

[@sophiaisabelle027]

This behind the counter series really gives us a new perspective on workers. Seems like they're very passionate and dedicated about all the things they do.

[@Genny-Zee]

Lol this is the third time that I’ve seen your comments on videos that I’ve viewed today 😂

[@cc柳贯一]

@@Genny-Zee she's sus bro

[@roach9857]

sophia your comments are always at the top lol

[@DeliaHlForth]

amogus

[@blutube9916]

Apart from cleaning the restaurant. Just started the video, and already see a Moldy sink and bin at 2:28. A lot of what happens in Japanese kitchens would get you shut down in other countries.

[@BobaT__]

This dude is the kind of boss everyone wished they had. He seems so friendly and chill. And his lunch he cooked for them looked amazing. Awesome video.

[@TheTruthHurts6666]

Yeah, none of my bosses ever cooked for me, even for potlucks.

[@Aeybiseediy]

I used to work in kitchen and sometimes my boss cook for us and we helped with the plating 😆 fun times but tiring as well cuz some days I just feel like having lunch else where

[@matthewchunk3689]

@@TheTruthHurts6666 My boss at Burger King looked the other way when I ate Oreo ice cream cakes in the freezer . (sorry if english is bad!)

[@Boomdizzle99]

Love how they are all from different cultures. Most of the workers there arent even japanese and they still work so hard and work together. Love that. Some of them have worked in those roles for so long they havent done anything else. Bless them. Food service is such a demanding job.

[@jnolasco24]

Love it. I live in the Bay Area of California and many restaurants here are Asian and have Hispanic chefs, or cross cultural Asian chefs. Amazing to see and get amazing authentic food.

[@jumbomuffin1316]

🤦‍♂️ that’s literally his working in another country bit works… nothing special

[@swan5446]

How do you know they are not Japanese?

[@jyc313]

Japanese aren’t the only people that work hard. 🤦‍♂️ 😂

[@paranoidhumanoid]

@@jumbomuffin1316 It's different in this context because the immigration and labor laws are more stringent over there. They made the effort to study/speak the language which isn't easy to do (especially the writing system) and blended in instead of standing out.

[@Natural_20]

The makanai is such a cool concept. I've worked in all kinds of different management positions, and I've always found that making an effort to cook delicious food for your employees is so important and meaningful.

[@mar_man813]

It's more important to pay them well. Clearly he cares about them and it shows, but I've worked at lots of companies with free breakfast/lunch and others that didn't offer. What mattered more was the money and work-life balance.

[@mynamejeb8743]

@@mar_man813 paying your employee well is a must do for every business. but going out of your way to show appreciation in addition to paying them well is also necessary. even well paid employee can be ungrateful or disgruntled when feeling unappreciated

[@MyrrdinWylltEmrys]

I worked in hospitality and I must tell you it is not everyday you get a good thoughtful chef who cared about his staff. The chef here is really kind you just tell from his atmosphere and talking with Paolo that he's a caring Chef. Great video. Keep them coming.

[@matthewchunk3689]

Sometimes I dream about quitting my tech job and becoming a noodle chef in Tokyo. I'd greet all my guests with a bow and I'd ride my bicycle to work even though it's close enough to walk.

[@martytheturtle8323]

I really love how Japanese's restaurants will cook meals for their workers. Like they all have a lunch meal together or a dinner meal. It feels so nice seeing that

[@martytheturtle8323]

@Pa.oloFromTOKYO This seems like a scam xD

[@oniccatcas]

@@martytheturtle8323 yep totally a scam. also i agree, and the cooked meals aren't always part of the menu. really heartwarming to see that

[@ChauNyan]

Paolo must love his life in Japan. Dude is legit smiling 90% at a time. I bet if you did the same test the happiest man in world did on Paolo, the numbers would be similar.

[@josephsmith765]

pretty sure mark wiens has him beat in the constant smile department

[@ChauNyan]

@@josephsmith765 yeah, probably lol

[@Zehahahahahahahahahahahaha]

What makes you say that? you don't even know what he's going through behind that camera lol Jason David Frank is famous and smiling all the time and look he killed himself RIP Green Ranger

[@yashasvimantha6012]

You need to be a certain way before the camara man. Everyone goes through stuff. :)

[@HSoW1945]

hes actually sad..

[@specialk9999]

Great to see this place still in business! My dad used to go here often and I met up with him there a few times when we lived in Tokyo. Definitely a place to check out if you are going to Tokyo for vacation or are living there.

[@Those2menoverthere]

That's dope, I love hearing about these kinds of things from people! It makes the world feel that much closer to yourself.

[@specialk9999]

@@Those2menoverthere yeah definitely. I’m half Japanese (dad is Japanese) and we lived in Tokyo from ‘82-‘95 when I was a kid-teenager. I love watching theses videos about Tokyo and seeing places I used to go to.

[@sandrahaycock8471]

Did you stay for some fried chicken, Paola?

[@NandoEdp]

The owner seems to be such a nice person, I hope they get a lot more customers after this video ♥

[@toshisak9180]

毎回思いますが、編集が本当にすばらしい。さぞかし時間がかかるんでしょうね。 これからも頑張ってください。応援しています。

[@mariamarie862]

I really enjoy the fact that most of these restaurants he explores always have free employee meals. And that they are fresh and they eat together. I find that to be so charming for some reason

[@nateg5505]

I've worked in a lot of restaurants in the US and they all offered 1 meal a shift. Didn't get to eat with others though as most places don't close for breaks

[@picardythirds]

that is a custom in most Asian restaurants

[@Kaikunnomama]

Perfect! We are finally going to Japan next summer to visit my family. My son hasn’t seen his grandparents in 5 years so it’s a long awaited visit. I was looking for a good soba restaurant while in Tokyo so I’ll visit this shop. I also like that the restaurant staffs and supports diversity 😊 thanks for another fun video

[@Nãoaceitamospix]

I love it! Thanks for the content. Always nice to see how Japanese people live 🙂

[@samthegoat05]

I agree!

[@alexbaer9997]

Dear Paolo, you have heard this so many times over the last years I am sure, but I will join in the crowd and say thank you. Thank you for all the effort and time you give to us (strangers). Bringing the lives and traditions of this wonderful country to light and sharing it with the world. Thank you, a Fan

[@martaledbetter2911]

Thanks again for another great video. I used to work in a restaurant in the USA where we fried seafood as part of the menu. New oil makes for very light- colored crust on fried food whereas older oil gives a darker color and is crunchier. Our customers typically liked the crust better when the oil wasn't brand new, but I could see why you would want the thick katsu batter to be darker and crunchier while tempura batter comes out lighter amd arier.

[@heidimarie1198]

I loved this episode. Have you found a vet yet that might be able to do a behind the scenes of a vet?? I'd love to know the what pets are most common, least common - most exotic etc in Japan. I love animals. Or a zoo life episode.

[@dip_sarkar_]

I totally agree with you dear...!

[@Mark-vn8vn]

Oohhh Good Suggestion, hope he does one!.

[@genolouis236]

I’m not a sea food lover,but I do eat Japanese soba noodles in America. Much love and respect to the Japanese chef. They’re one of the most creative people in the world.

[@teongbinjari]

I just recently watched this channel's contents and it seems like it's gonna be my comfort channel. Behind the counter series really puts perspective on how workers in the food business do their jobs, shows their work ethics, tenacity, and discipline while at the same time keeping their chill and friendliness to serve their customers.

[@kimten10]

Thank you for your hard work Paolo! Me and my wife really love Japan and Japanese culture and your videos helped us to learn and see a lot of things about this beautiful country (especially during cov19) 🙏

[@Sultan666.]

Crazy how not many Japanese are comfortable or even open about talking about their personal life but this man is just different.

[@AsheCraftingCorner]

Paolo,I know you might never see this comment But I've always wondered if we could get a behind the scenes episode one time? Like how you set up the meetings,figure out which places you want to feature etc

[@leonprowse5806]

Behind the counter of a KZbinr in Tokyo

[@arcticredpanda4598]

Damn, Paolo responded to the comment before and after yours. Ouch!

[@ShaferHart]

@@arcticredpanda4598 he didn't reply, he hearted AND it's not guaranteed that Paolo saw the comments in the same order as you did.

[@johnl6333]

If only Canadian restaurants were this clean and well managed. Another excellent video, thank you Paolo.

[@MaikoXSekai]

Love the Day In The Life & Behind The Counter series. Recently went back to watch the older vids and love that Pablo got more confident throughout the years.

[@Del-Lebo]

After watching over 30 of these type of videos...I am feeling a huge heart and mind about the motivation, dedication, work ethic and pride these people have to do the best they can do to serve the customer. The intrinsic motivation is exceptional!!! I was brought up that way and even if the work is brutally hard...I still put in %100!!! And I am 60 in America. Retiring at 62. Hard work and love for doing the best, indeed, pays off!!!

[@Scotchy_Scotch_Scotch]

Paolo you are killing it with this series, thank you for the entertainment.

[@ANAnomalous1]

Yay! I'm so excited for another behind the counter video. I always look forward to your videos! THANKS PAOLO!!!

[@pydepyper]

Paolo I'm always so impressed at the variety of people and businesses you are abt to film. You must have excellent people skills to convince them all to let you film. 😁

[@Greg.hernandez87]

As a seasoned line/prep cook. I admire the hard work and cohesiveness of the boh and Foh. The way they work is amazing. Thank you for giving us the content to be able to see the behind the scenes work. It’s not easy but it’s definitely rewarding to see the customers have such an incredible experience. It’s what I live for.

[@franks.1454]

First of all: so much work and accuratesse in slicing, cutting and preparing. All to the point. Admirable!

[@nickpitsasphoto]

Thank you for another beautifully crafted video in this series. Makes me want to eat there... not just for the delicious soba, but to support this small business.

[@margotk538]

I love all the behind the counters and a day in the life series. So much insights and fun!

[@Seahawkfan1108]

i just wanna say thank you paolo for always making great content on different outlooks on japan's job work place. it's so fun to see how everyone loving what they do for work. and the food is always amazing to see! keep it up my dude

[@lindahaggard6416]

Thank you Paolo for all your hard work to bring your amazing content to this American Grandmother! I have learned so much about the lovely Japanese people and their culture. I have learned so much of value from the habits and attitudes of these hardworking people especially how peaceful and serene they are. ❤❤❤❤

[@jenne7782]

I love the idea of Makanai...working together you make these relationships and you spend so much time together it makes sense to have a "family meal"... You don't get that here, you get a break to bring or get your own food...I love the appreciation aspect

[@nicdeandres3983]

Woooohoooo! I missed the Behind the Counter series! Thank you as always Paolo!!!! ❤️😍

[@route7592]

Big fan here, Paolo! I've always been fascinated about Japanese culture, their food, the people and everything about Japan. That's why your content suits my desire to learn something about this country. Would it be possible if you can create "A Day in the Life of a Japanese Mail Carrier"? I'm a Letter Carrier here in CA and that's awesome if you can. Your work is outstanding, thx much😁

[@lindaponce66]

Thanks!

[@PaolofromTOKYO]

Thank you so much! I appreciate all of the support.

[@PrincessJupi]

I love all your videos you create but these ones are my favorite to watch.

[@cryslerdecena7557]

The owner is very dedicated and loves all his employee that is why his business is booming and continue to grow. Bless him more and his employees.

[@VerhoevenSimon]

I love seeing these behind the scenes looks, especially since I've never worked in the service industry myself.

[@ChristopherAonuma]

Japanese people's dedication and passion to their work is so inspiring.

[@vrscee6]

My favorite series including day in the life so far these videos just show so much about the people of japan, I love it !

[@Megaman624705]

That is such a huge portion of soba! I really like these behind the scenes of restaurant/small business. This makes me miss Japan even more!

[@greeneclipse8088]

Keep up the great work Paolo! Your videos light up my day 🙂

[@calalos]

Thank you for all of your videos. I’ve always wanted to go to Japan and can view a little bit of the life there through them. Now I’m planning to go with my wife and kids, your videos with things to do with family and kids in Japan are amazing too.

[@saetbyuler]

paolo your videos bring me so much joy!! thank you for always posting the best videos

[@serendimity]

Ah it was so cool to see someone from Myanmar! I was born there and didn’t expect it :)

[@amazingamy8608]

Yeayy behind the counter is back. I always watch this while have a breakfast or lunch and pretend i eat the same thing i watch. Thank you Paolo

[@TokyoCapsuleCollection]

This video shows the careful and delicate work of Japanese chefs. Thank you for the wonderful video😋

[@DDM71]

I amn download almost all your vidio great job and beautiful explanation

[@AmbientWalking]

Can't imagine not traveling with you! It's always so cool! Thank you! : )

[@Tk4Plz]

The last videos were uploaded when i went to bed and needed something to see and listen to. Thank you very much. 🙏🏻

[@kiyoshitakeda452]

Watching the attention to detail in preparation/serving it is very impressive. Thanks for blog. Merry Christmas.

[@gaylepooler7665]

I have seen many of your videos. I have enjoyed all of them yet this one is one of the best I feel. Really enjoy watching Woofy grow too. Thank you and keep making more

[@Just1Me9235]

My second favorite series behind "Day in the Life." Makes sense though as the two are basically different sides of the same theme. Thanks for the video.

[@thomasji7614]

Another great series return, adding another restaurant to the list of restaurants to visit when I return to Japan~ Thanks for another great video! Stay warm and healthy, have a great weekend Paolo!

[@tnsteelerfan86]

Enjoyed the vid. What an awesome little spot. Good food. Great workers. I envy Japan n their food spots.

[@basicbros5102]

TY for uploading, I watch these videos and always crave the food

[@SimonDuLac]

Paolo, BTC videos are super interesting and a great insight into true Japan culture and way of life. As always thanks so much

[@DonCesar93]

I loved this video! The staff at the Izakaya seemed really genuine and friendly

[@gokul_ml]

Paolo, I'm telling you that these videos have been helping me calm my anxiety for the last few years. I really thank you for that.

[@AussieAngeS]

I love these videos, it’s so interesting to see what goes on behind the scenes at the restaurants there in Japan. Can you please do a popular fast food chain restaurant behind the scenes one day if possible? Thanks in advance

[@hiko082673]

Fantastic upload!!, the behind the scenes are the most interesting to watch because you see the actual people who never received credits and their personal lives how's it connected to their work. A job well done mate.

[@geneticname]

YES! Another banger of a vid! Thanks Paolo!

[@benyoung3884]

I love your videos, they just give a good vibe and always make me happy and cheer me up if I'm down and I have watched you for quite a long time so I'm a big fN

[@benyoung3884]

*Fan

[@ender8759]

I love behind the corner videos. It is so interesting! ☺️

[@paulready8897]

This was awesome. Pretty funny that a Japanese restaurant only has one Japanese person working there. The soba noodle dishes were huge. My favorite noodles are the soba noodles, but I don’t think I could finish one of their dishes lol. Definitely get your yen worth there.

[@andrewx8888]

I love this series, specifically the restaurants, it makes me so hungry and makes me want to order food

[@craigmiesterable]

Man I've been craving Soba for so long. Finally ate some this weekend. And now Paulo lands a cracker of a video. So well done.

[@Keebafu]

I love how proud he is of his international workers :D

[@Sagittarius-A-Star]

Thumbs up for the boss putting a lot of effort into the Makanai. My company here in Europe did the opposite - the food in the canteen became worse and worse until I finally quit ( not just for this reason, but also ). But it probably gave me ten more years to live ... 😂

[@MisterD90x]

everything always looks so good! i need a full list of these to try if/when i get there

[@slopro]

Behind the counter is legit my favorite series to watch

[@swissfoodie3542]

Thanks Paolo for this great video. I love those "behind the counter videos" a lot. I will be back travelling in Japan at the end of February, finally, after the pandemic, and I really look forward to check out places like this then.

[@philmayf]

I like the owner. He's sort of non-traditional for Japan, but making it work. I hope business goes well for him.

[@williamtin7796]

Proud to see a fellow Burmese person on the videos from you, Paolo! 🙌

[@bigbird2451]

As a teenager in the 80's we used to go to Little Tokyo in LA to the North West corner of the New Otani Center for fresh soba noodles. Thank you for the memories.

[@Elkairotv]

I do really loved the energy and kindness of the employees in this videos

[@ihitacurb]

Loving this behind the counter series. Thanks Paolo for being awesome! :D

[@lowrains0816]

Best series on KZbin!! ☺️🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@shinjuuki]

I love your food videos!

[@usmanmadha6828]

Wow, a worker from Myanmar, the country where I was born and raised until I was 18. Now I am retired and have been living in the United States for the past 57 years. I love Japanese food and I am enjoying watching your vlogs. Thank you for your excellent videos. Kept it up.

[@stefanos_g_ss5434]

can't get enough of these Behind the counter series!!

[@zhr14]

Such passionate people! and those noodles looks so yummy 🤤

[@nayanmenon5084]

I really wait for your videos. It's really fun. Especially when I am having food or need a break from work. Keep up the good work 👍👍👍

[@asykarfathony791]

Izakaya Restaurant always pick my attention up, last time i visit Izakaya in my city the vibe was so lively with all the customer fill the Restaurant! You always expect to pay booking your table if you want to make sure enjoy Izakaya at night lol. I enjoy spending my whole night with my friend at Izakaya. Looking for more Izakaya had specialized like this ❤️

[@gupsdhamrait]

I'll never get tired of Paolo's videos

[@tommyzDad]

Big portions! I love it!

[@infojapan]

I love this episode, this make me wanna come to japan

[@jojoanggono3229]

The soba set menu looks scrumptious. ❤️

[@lavernejones4471]

I really love these videos. Please do more. Paolo your energy and enthusiasm are amazing! You make everything interesting and fun to learn about. Thanks for sharing.😊

[@deees88]

I love how Japanese restaurants are very specific to cleanliness that they sanitize the place when before they open and before closing time. I wish it’s like that here in the US.

[@gloriinher40s]

I love these videos that showcase small mom and pop shops ..

[@joaozinho577]

i love your content paolo...so unique. i watch you for many years already. gambare kudasai !

[@joaozinho577]

@Pa.oloFromTOKYO wow, how many hundred of thousands did i win? mr p.40ll0 of the froo0nt of to0ukyo ghoul?

[@janjust4205]

He seems to be a good boss. Love their team work. They make it look seamless 👍🏻.

[@matejhantabal235]

always a good day when paolo uploads

[@esgjr31]

I really like watching your videos, hopefully I can go to Japan to enjoy its food and the different hotspots, more power!🎉❤

[@suzya6361]

I really like the Behind the Counter series too. It shows the hard work and dedication of the workers, and the owners too, of these small places! As opposed big time restauranteurs who may train chefs and staff initially, but eventually are never around in the actual kitchen :(

[@HeavenlyMeatball]

I’ve always loved how clean the Japanese culture is