Behind the Counter at a Japanese Onigiri Shop w/ +50 kinds of rice balls

Use my code PAOLO to get $15 off your first Bokksu Japanese snack box! partner.bokksu.com/paolo
Japanese Onigiri Rice Balls made at this Tokyo hidden gem shop in Jujo Ginza. Today I’m taking you behind the counter for a Tokyo food tour at my favorite speciality onigiri, Japanese Rice ball shops in Tokyo, Kamataya. Hidden behind the Jujo Ginza Shotengai on a side street, about a 5 minutes walk from Jujo Ginza station, this onigiri lover’s paradise has been warming the heart’s of customers while also filling their stomachs with a unique variety of their culinary delights for over half a century. And of course, I’m going into their kitchen to show how it’s all made. To maintain the shop’s high quality standards, the shop carefully selects the best rice made in Japan each year to use in their onigiri, but with more than 800 rice cultivators in the country, it could be quite a task. I guess that what it takes make some the best onigiri in Japan. When Soeno san started, the shop wasn’t doing well, so he decided to add Shrimp Tempura Onigiri to their menu and it was a hit. Motivated by the success and his natural passion to create, he soon found himself in the onigiri business with an expansive menu of over 50 different types of onigiri even crafting seasonal items drawing inspiration from the season’s vegetables and proteins available on the market. All of this, motivated by his secret Joy in seeing his customer’s satisfied reactions.
Kamataya Shop
- goo.gl/maps/fFBC2JD8ofaUq41j8
- tabelog.com/tokyo/A1323/A1323...
Watch more of my Behind the Counter videos:
- tokyozebra.com/btc
Get my Tokyo & Japan Merch and show your support!
- www.tokyozebra.com/mrch
__ Tokyo Zebra: My 2nd KZbin Channel __
See My Life in Japan behind the scenes
- / tokyozebra
Questions about Japan or Japan Travel? Get answers and chat with my Discord Community
- paolofrom.tokyo/discord
This video is sponsored by Bokksu
__ Channel Support __
Want to help SUPPORT my channel, buy me a BEER or Maiko and I DINNER? Thank you in advance!
- PayPal: www.paypal.me/paolofromtokyo
- Venmo: PaolofromTokyo (venmo.com/paolofromtokyo)
- Patreon: / paolofromtokyo
- Bitcoin: 1AUZW1Emio4qtRiBir3EUDey1zi3ssoRsw
Join KZbin Channel Memberships
- kzbin.info...
- Merch Store: tokyozebra.com/mrch
__ Help with Subtitles / Closed Captioning __
- paolofrom.tokyo/cc
__ Business __
Want me to feature your business in my video?
[e-mail]
Want to send me stuff?
For ADDRESS
- www.tokyozebra.com/address
__ For more info about me __
I'm from TOKYO JAPAN, I've been living here for a long time. I'll be your Tokyo Travel Guide, taking you to the spots I love as well as showing you what to do all around Japan and maybe sometimes overseas. I'm also into Tech so you'll see a few videos about my drone and other cool toys I discover. In short, the channel is all about what I Love, Japan, Food, Travel, Tech and most likely coming FROM-TOKYO, my home.
- Website
www.tokyozebra.com/about
- Instagram:
@paolofromtokyo - / paolofromtokyo
@tokyo.zebra - / tokyo.zebra
- Facebook:
/ paolofromtokyoofficial
- Twitter:
/ paolofromtokyo
__ My Film Gear __
(Affiliate Links Used - I may receive commission from products purchased)
- Main Camera
(USA Link) amzn.to/2GlSvyy
(International) geni.us/pyBIG7S
- Main Wide Lens
(USA Link) amzn.to/2o5B00B
(International) geni.us/DDbpW
- Powered Mic
(USA Link) amzn.to/2B7HnUM
(International) geni.us/ZaFl4a
- Mic
(USA Link) amzn.to/30VtlPV
(International) geni.us/lVurdzT
- Portable TriPod
(USA Link) amzn.to/2LKhM6e
(International) geni.us/DfeI
- Gimbal
(USA Link) amzn.to/2PYmjYA
(International) geni.us/amgYR3
- Drone (Original)
(USA Link) amzn.to/2K6qrAW
(International) geni.us/UFAFl3c
- For a complete list of my gear:
www.tokyozebra.com/my-gear/
Access to Music in video:
share.epidemicsound.com/zsbS8

[@PaolofromTOKYO]

tokyozebra.com/btc - Watch more of my Japan Behind the Counter videos here tokyozebra.com/merch Help support the channel and get my Tokyo Merch Use my code PAOLO to get $15 off your first Bokksu Japanese snack box! partner.bokksu.com/paolo ...And She's 81 years old

[@Bubblepoot]

These series make me happy, you've really coined your own style, sounds, and the vibe is really happy. I enjoy this a lot. I know it can be exhausting to produce and find people, but it's insanely better than the office jobs we all have dying inside 😅

[@Bubblepoot]

Gonna comment again, am I stoned or did you forget to translate the old ladies age?

[@akiraredacted]

Thanks for adding the age! I scrolled down and saw this as soon as I didn't see the subtitle for it

[@edwardfletcher7790]

This series of Japanese occupation video's is wonderful, thank you Paolo 👍😆

[@Bleda412]

@@Bubblepoot He did not translate the lady's age.

[@amfmina]

The lady is 81? Wow! She’s amazing for keeping up with that routine for so long! Everyone in the shop are sweethearts,loved the energy ✨❤️

[@LCMM2150]

I understood the 80 something. Thank you for saying the full number.

[@rsac43]

​@VASU Goyal she said 81. Listen again

[@Squall_the_Otter1100]

@@Walker9268 pretty sure she said "hachi juu ichi"

[@JadenYukifan28]

I was wondering that myself since there was no captions

[@aryantzh2028]

hachi - 8 juu - tens ichi - 1

[@InVerum]

Never stop making these videos, even if you end up repeating styles of food, the individual stories of the owners, and cool locations will 100% keep it interesting.

[@AliceAgatha]

Agreeeeeeee !!!!

[@GoBuddieGo]

I actually really like this idea because the thought crossed my mind that at some point he'd cover all bases.

[@ddakens]

Totally agree!

[@Night_Rose_94]

10:07 WOAH! HOLD ON! The store just slides outwards?! That's amazing! My mind is blown

[@waverave24124]

Man this was such a wholesome family business. Nothing but passion and dedication for many years. Especially how happy they look, that's why they're healthy.

[@schauschau2552]

them adding an english description to every onigiri is so sweet and thoughtful, may they have millions of customers forever!

[@richyket661]

Paolo crying behind that intro smile. No ones that happy at 3:50 AM

[@Jordan-inJapan]

I would definitely be a customer there if I lived in the area! Actually, in my neighborhood (rural, Mie prefecture) there’s a similar shop. But it’s a much smaller operation - just two ladies working out of a corner of the local farmers’ market. Only about 10 choices, but they’re just so much tastier (and bigger) than the ones we can buy at the convenience stores. A must-stop-off point before heading out for a day at the park. (I wish they had eggplant-miso though, that sounds delicious!)

[@DoctorEbot]

If it’s a rural area, are there enough customers to support their business?

[@Jordan-inJapan]

@@DoctorEbot well it’s a small town in a rural area (semi-rural?) so there‘s actually a decent number of people around. (People who care about the quality of their onigiri! 😆 ) Also, i don’t get the feeling it’s meant to be a money-making operation. I mean these ladies are serious about what they do…but I get the feeling they’re doing it to fulfill a community role rather than for personal profit.

[@shiromochi-kun]

Your area sounds like a good place to live! By the way I watched the video on your channel about Ise Grand Shrine. Amazing! You should do a collaboration with Paolo.

[@Jordan-inJapan]

@@shiromochi-kun ありがとうございます！But I don’t think I’m quite in Paolo’s league, creator-wise. 😅

[@Jordan-inJapan]

@@missplainjane3905 ‘konbini’ food is basically good quality, but highly processed and well, I think onigiri made by human hands just tastes better. 😆

[@nerd26373]

Onigiri is a staple rice balk whenever you feel the need to just have a quick meal. As always, Paolo delivers the best content on this channel.

[@aisadal2521]

I love how you always include smaller establishments whose stories often go untold, Paolo! 🥰

[@Patterrz]

Paolo is the only person i've sen have a smile that big after getting up at 3am

[@mangachanfan1556]

Yes! People would run from me because at 3am I am scary zombie hahaha

[@warrenjohnson5971]

I just want to give Grandma a big hug. Also her hands could crush steel.

[@TheSimba86]

it's nice to see the elderly working into their old age and at a safe pace. it's so important to keep doing SOMETHING into your old age. my dad has worked with so many people that retire to live the easy life and as soon as they sit down in front of the tv they are dead in a year or two

[@mornalassar9192]

I loved their eggplant miso onigiri! When my family and I visited their store, we couldn't speak much Japanese, but they were very friendly and welcoming!

[@RefRed_King]

nice dog pfp

[@jaydkaladcamper]

We passed this shop when we stayed in an airbnb during one of our Tokyo trips. You can tell by the look of the shop that it's a family run business. We got interested so we bought a few onigiris and they were all so good.

[@samad419]

same!! 2 months again! was the airbnb in the same area as the store?

[@jaydkaladcamper]

@@samad419 yeah same area. It was just a few meters down the road

[@samad419]

@@jaydkaladcamper we might of been in the same airbnb. Honestly after seeing the neighbor, I wouldn't mind living in the area.

[@thevectorchef]

Wow, the mother gets up at 3:30 am and starts things off ? That's impressive. It's amazing how you can walk around really early in the morning and it feels relatively safe out there in Japan. I'm glad this shop is doing well with sales. Hope you and Maiko (if she's with you in this shoot) get some much needed rest.

[@dazuotv]

Thank you for a very nice video about a Japanese rice ball shop with over 50 types of rice balls👍

[@carlitoshoued7400]

You are the best.❤ Getting permission to film is not easy in Japan. Keep it up

[@Jordan-inJapan]

True. I’ve been (politely) rejected on multiple occasions. 📷 I guess ‘star power’ is a thing.

[@LuiZ-jy1pi]

This is why everything looks so perfect in every video . Only the cleanest, better organized places where everything runs outstandingly well will allow someone to record. An unfiltered version of "Behind the counter" where he just walks into random places would probably be different

[@Jordan-inJapan]

@@LuiZ-jy1pi agreed. 😆

[@ivanwill]

Honestly, the work ethic is on a different level…!

[@Brainiac5]

Imagine paying 1.50 for a delicious treat like this for breakfast, knowing the effort they put into this. I would just pay extra to help them out more cuz it doesnt even hurt. Lovely business

[@carlitoshoued7400]

Paulo I absolutely love the way you ask a question in English and then they respond in Japanese and I read the subtitles ❤❤❤

[@AllanLantoY]

Wow, the old lady is so sweet. I’m very excited to visit this place.

[@TheMarkEH]

I travelled the world during my career and Japan was my favourite destination. The people, the culture, the styles, the food, the aesthetics, the history, the architecture, the approach to work/life all enchanted me. This channel brings back many happy memories. Thank you Paolo.

[@socialiism3583]

Onigiri was my favorite go to when studying abroad in Japan. For about 100 yen, it was a quick and cheap meal you can get at a konbini that not only tasted great, but could also work as a breakfast.

[@ThisMusicIsToogood]

I'm going to tokyo in August and I'm going to definitely walk up at 6am just to go here for the fresh onigiri from these lovely and friendly people.

[@user-ub2cr3gt3t]

Have a nice trip! Welcome and be careful with the stupid hot weather 🌡️

[@BJGvideos]

How was it?

[@PuraVidaCorea]

I went to Japan last month and in one week I couldn´t stop eating onigiris, the variety is huge! love this video.

[@raymondrantz5686]

I just started watching these day in the life of Japanese workers show and I can’t get enough. I watched about 12 episodes in 2 days. Very cool show!!!

[@danielleschoolmeesters2456]

Depuis que je regarde vos vidéos je me rends compte que les japonais sont des gens d un courage d une propreté d une organisation extraordinaires ont tjrs le sourire ne se plaignent jamais sont d une propreté incroyable et d une honnêteté exceptionnelle ici en Europe rien de tel les gens font la gueule du matin au soir se plaignent sans arrêt on doit se méfier de tout et de tt le monde on ne vs arrive pas à la cheville j aimerais vivre chez vous

[@imaramblins]

Nice mini history lesson on the Onigiri. I liked that.

[@mariamarie862]

What always impress me about the restaurants in Japan is how clean they are. Simply beautiful. The food always look fresh and clean. He does videos all over this country, and the restaurants big, small, expensive or cheap are just clean,

[@Liz-nx3xl]

I love when you ask questions like what hobbies they have and what they do for vacations. It really humanizes the people we see. Keep up the great work!

[@1DeeThunder]

I can’t believe how early they wake up and continue doing this. That’s commitment.

[@happyfisherman4432]

I love this kind of eating establishment. I am a chef in Canada and know nothing of this food but I do know that no matter where in the world you go.. Eating in a clean small family owned restaurant or food cart where the locals line up is never ever going to be a bad decision. I always seek out where the locals eat when I travel.. I want to taste what a cultures grandmother cooks for her grandchildren rather than what a 5 star restaurant would serve a guest in a resort.

[@hyewon9524]

The 2 weeks I'd been in Japan last May I eat onigiri everyday. It's delicious, filling, cheap and can be eaten anywhere.

[@Miraie3]

Watching your "Behind the Counter" series always makes me super hungry!

[@AmbientWalking]

THIS PLACE IS HEAVEN! OMG! 50 DIFFERENT ONIGIRIS!!!! OMG!!!!!

[@piplup10203854]

I love how much care goes into making sure each one is a high standard of quality. I feel that is something we should do if we are gonna give people food, but it's really inspiring how much time goes into making sure that from start to end it's done right and not cutting corners. High quality Onigiri really puts a big time smile on my face and I love enjoying the best I can find, I'd love to try those!

[@prettysakurafl0wer]

I thought it was so incredibly cute that he showed you his camera 🥺 and how he loves Photography too. I wish them the best!

[@nathaniellee6664]

Wow, I think this was my favorite Behind the Counter episode so far! I have so much respect for this family shop, the food looks amazing!

[@aubreymorgan9763]

small fyi everyone. I was gifted a cookbook from the 70s that featured roasted eggplant with miso. i cannot describe how good it is, even if you don't like eggplant i recommend looking into it (because even I don't like eggplant too much but love miso). theres little wonder to me why that is their most popular.

[@RainbowJesusChavez]

Do you happen to have the name of the cookbook or anywhere we can see the recipe online? Sorry for the late response but im super interested!!

[@aubreymorgan9763]

@@RainbowJesusChavez haha thats fine and kinda funny you're asking now. I just sorted through my books to clear out some space, and it is of course one i kept. its called: "Madhur Jaffrey's World-of-the-East Vegetarian Cooking, 1973. good luck, i'm sure there are still prints around! it has dishes from all over Asia (middle east, India, bali, Japan, China, etc) and looks to be thoughtful of ingredients, nothing hard to find. Everything so far has been really good.

[@aubreymorgan9763]

@@RainbowJesusChavez really thought the recipe is all over the internet. just google miso eggplant. the main thing is soak the eggplant pieces in salt water for 10 minutes and rinse and dry beofre cooking to remove the bitter. brush lightly with sesame oil, cook face down 350F degree oven, like 20ish minutes (until soft) flip, put on miso (i like to mix a little soysauce and garlic in it) and put it back in to brown can broil as well for a moment or two.

[@mlau8899]

I like it when they have English on the name tag. I will for sure visit if I ever go to Japan again.

[@loucarstairs4493]

I really love that you put subtitles when talking to the owners/clients/employees, I had to drop my Japanese classes but your videos help me to not forget a word! And also to practice my listening skills 😂❤

[@lyndee_san]

So happy that the Day in the Life and Behind the Counter series are back!

[@thomasji7614]

So many onigiri variety!! I want to try them all, everything looks delicious. Thanks for another great video, have a great weekend Paolo! :D

[@rpgshiba]

I love how much they love their craft, every store you show always puts their heart and soul into their work. Every video you produce in these series is amazing, they also seem so warm and welcoming. Thank you for another fabulous video!

[@grid1013]

Behind the counter series is an absolute must now in what you're producing! Thanks for another lovely Saturday, Paolo!

[@swissfoodie3542]

What an amazing video, thank you so much for it Paolo. I really love how so many restaurant owners and staff in Japan, are so proud of what they are doing, and offer such amazing quality. No matter if its a cheap restaurant or a luxury restaurant, they are proud of what they are doing, and provide amazing quality, food and service for the clients. Thats very unique to Japan.

[@WolfjNet]

Always look forward to your videos every Saturday, it's become a highlight of my week. Thanks for the great content and keep up the great work!

[@NickPR87]

Another certified hood classic!😂 The skill and dedication to their stores from Japanese workers never ceases to impress me.

[@ZebraLens]

Fantastic Paolo and Maiko! You all are rolling out the quality content back to back❤❤❤

[@KimchiYeo]

I loove watching these videos where you show the most dedicated workers in Japan of all walks of life

[@Akarsh1215]

Your videos are just a mood setter. Sooo calm and pure. Feels like a different environment when watching your videos.

[@jlshel42]

Love these types of videos. Refreshing to see family’s carrying on a business and becoming part of the local life. Especially liked how the shop made a special order for the acupuncturist who then gives out the confections as gifts to his customers.

[@gustinex]

All these family business stories are always a delight to watch and hear about

[@Macho_Fantastico]

I love these family businesses, they are so charming. The mom is an absolute legend, what a trooper. The food looks amazing.

[@joanne231]

I enjoyed watching the shop owner, his mother, and employees take such care and make delicious Onigiri. Thank you!

[@MelodiedeVivre]

Wow the workers' meals are so healthy.

[@9OsLatina]

I need too take some of their advice lmao

[@cloverleaf3996]

Most employees interviewed by paolo in this BTC series on why they worked in the shop mostly answers about passion and love of their work, not all about money...thats japanese for you 😊

[@clownearound5751]

Thank you for sharing this Paolo, it’s a great video and everything looks so delicious! Best wishes to you and the family

[@PaolofromTOKYO]

Thanks so much

[@franco3584]

Another Excellent Video, They just made my "Must Go To List " . I really like that you ask them personal questions about their lives out side of their job. Such a Great touch. Thanks Paolo.

[@kenshiro6515]

I never get bored watching Paolo's videos; I'm always amazed at how he captures all the footage. Keep up the great work!

[@svenkaiser9482]

We just got back from Japan and loved every moment. We quickly immersed ourselves in their culture and environment. We love how meticulous they are when they work. Quality over anything else. It makes me want to work harder and provide excellent service as they do. Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@wandergirl5232]

Putting this on the bucketlist for my next trip in November. Thanks Paolo! I would love to see this family too.

[@Megaman624705]

Those onigiri looks good! I would definitely want to try the eggplant miso! This is one of my favorite series of videos. It makes us appreciate the daily life of these smaller owners and their work/food.

[@speeddeathtrain]

I went to this shop after seeing your video to taste these onigiri! It was so lovely to talk to the family, they’re such kind and humble people :) Thank you Paolo!

[@benjaminrasa8285]

Paolo always brings a smile to my face. Love this one and went straight out to get some onigiri

[@0verdrive]

Please! more videos like this. I rewatch this and the bento shop often.

[@refactorear]

12:36 Not in the subs, she's 81 years old.

[@kedar_ghimire]

I never get tired of these videos…individual unique stories

[@user-et9ob6mu6e]

The behind the counter series is one of my favourite, paulo your vids r rlly nice 💯

[@SV-lw8jo]

The steamed rice with red beans was always my favorite Onigiri. This brings back so many fun memories.

[@nurfatihahhamsan5343]

I looveeee this kind of video tbh. I always come back for this series whenever I can't sleep at night

[@m06angel]

My absolute favorite series from your channel. I hope it happens more than once a month 😁

[@tonya_tonya]

I can’t wait for every video! Thanks, Paolo!

[@ethanpope410]

I wonder how often they have people come and order one of everything because I’m 100% going to in January 😂😂

[@annwilliams6438]

I am so glad that we got to see their family home as well as that is very rare. It is a wonderful, warm family area where everyone lives together but still with enough space, and where home space is so well utlilised. Thank you and blessings to this fantastic family.

[@krismendoza2834]

Hey Paolo! I just wanted to drop by and say a huge thank you for creating such amazing videos. They truly make my day and I love how you showcase Japanese culture in all its glory. The discipline and dedication of the people in Japan is truly inspiring, and watching your videos has been such a wonderful learning experience for me!😊🩷🇯🇵

[@bartenderhd]

Always love Behind the Counter videos. 😭♥

[@elaynelim]

My favourite episode to date!!! I hope you can make a video of all the best onigiris in Tokyo =)

[@maria-wj4tj]

eating while watching his videos is one of my favorite things to do! thank you paolo!!

[@bazzakrak]

Ahh and another great video from Paolo. And I don't know why, but normally I really really dislike hearing from "the public" in videos ( especially the news ) but somehow the people you ask questions are just nice and pleasant to listen to. And I just knew the the gentlemen at 10:35 would have that sort of tone to his voice from seeing him, he looks and sounds like a man who likes good food and a good laugh, and also 10 years as a customer, I only have 1 shop that I have been loyal to for that long, and the difference between that and others is their excellent customer service

[@sherimoralesrowe5078]

Wow! My husband and I definitely need to check out the shop when we go to Japan. Thank you so much for interviewing them. They seem like such a beautiful family. oh, and the food looks so good..😊

[@MischeifMakerz]

Great video paulo. I really got inspired by this family and their business. God bless them!

[@FishinChickin]

I like the way Paolo seems to make his interviewees so comfortable and candid.

[@twnfaem]

Excellent episode! Possibly the most mouth watering one, yet! Also their house (what little we saw of it) looks awesome. Love the dark/ reddish wood with white walls...

[@Denis.-1]

I’ve never been to Japan, but I enjoy you showing us around Japan, and how to act if you’ve never been before

[@bertster45]

Great video , being in America and seeing some Japanese shops, people and delicious food makes me miss Japan even more.

[@KennyTarnished]

One consistent thing I see in all these videos is the efficiency of work flow in Japan is INSANE

[@malvarezbjj]

I want to hug that beautiful grandma 😍 so happy to work and support family!

[@moomoo3689]

Their food looks so good! Whenever I get to visit Japan in the future I'll make sure to check them out!

[@JuanCarlosBatallaCallau-bu6hi]

I love onigiris, which I purchase when I go to Paris as there are no onigiri shops here in Barcelona, but that is not the only reason why I have enjoyed this video so much. The onigiri video is informative and entertaining and Paolo succeeds in showing again how Japanese cooks work in the most dignified way to offer the best dishes. Thank you very much, Paolo.

[@JuanCarlosBatallaCallau-bu6hi]

There is actually a first onigiri shop in Barcelona, which is called OMU, and prices are higher than in Paris or Japan.

[@subarusakamaki1]

Me and my Father Love watching these I hope this never stops 😄

[@zhorenlogg]

Man, i love these mini shops. Thank you Paolo

[@muhammadabdullah7973]

Did anyone catch the age of the sweet sweet old lady from the shop? They didn't put a subtitle for it. Other than that, great work once again Paolo. Can't stop watching these amazing videos and appreciating Japanese culture!

[@erikob39]

She's 80+!

[@muhammadabdullah7973]

@@erikob39 thanks and wow; she doesn't seem like eighty at all 😳

[@juanjosearmy1439]

I believe she said 84 - 12:37

[@TheCalixGlitch]

Onigiri's are GOD-Tier foods to eat 😋🤤. Thank you once again for your hard work and inciteful videos 🫡.

[@Qclaterreur]

Ive been rewatching all your old video and you just make me want to go to japan so much more omg

[@garbogreta8713]

A true family business One of my favorite episodes of your series life in a day Very true to the Japanese spirit of life❤

[@aijel1028]

Onigiri is our go to quick meal when we were in Japan. It's delicious and inexpensive! I'll definitely check this shop when we go back to Japan.

[@Z_Dui]

Love the videos man. Currently living here and excited to visit Osaka soon! Used some of your Tokyo videos last trip =)

[@plainwhitekebaya]

Love this episode! Such fun! And drooling watching the variety of onigiris🤤