The Truth About Wasabi

Have you ever eaten wasabi?
If you answered “yes” to that question, you are likely mistaken. Most sushi eaters-even in Japan-are actually being served a mixture of ground horseradish and green food coloring splashed with a hint of Chinese mustard. Worldwide, experts believe that this imposter combination masquerades as wasabi about 99% of the time.
The reason boils down to supply and demand. Authentic wasabi, known as Wasabia japonica, is the most expensive crop to grow in the world. The temperamental semiaquatic herb, native to the mountain streams of central Japan, is notoriously difficult to cultivate. Once planted, it takes several years to harvest; even then, it doesn’t germinate unless conditions are perfect. Grated wasabi root loses its flavor within 15 minutes.
The Japanese have grown wasabi for more than four centuries. 75-year old Shigeo Iida, the eighth-generation owner of his family’s wasabi farm in Japan, takes pride in his tradition, which is profiled in Edwin Lee’s short documentary "Wasabia Japonica," co-produced by Japan Curator. “Real wasabi, like the ones we grow, has a unique, fragrant taste that first hits the nose,” Iida says in the film. “The sweetness comes next, followed finally by spiciness.” Read more: www.theatlantic.com/video/ind...
"Wasabia Japonica" was directed by Edwin Lee (fallout.media/). It is part of The Atlantic Selects, an online showcase of short documentaries from independent creators, curated by The Atlantic.
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[@acatinny]

I thought this was going to be "Wasabi you eat at Sushi place is fake, this is the real one" story. It turned out to be the very inspirational story of a 75 years old farmer, who lost his son, still keeps going on strong for his family, his community and the profession that he loves and believes in. Thanks for the great video!

[@FalloutMediaHK]

Thanks for watching! This is the most positive comment i get as the audience didn't expect to see this kind of story

[@Floccinaucinihilipilificator]

I was expecting the same. Happily surprised.

[@icecreamalacarte]

Everything about this video epitomizes and encapsulates what I deeply admire about Japanese culture-Itadakimasu !

[@EliSantana]

Same. This was a pleasant surprise. Don't mind this type of click-bait.

[@sekizu]

@@FalloutMediaHK Thank you for this video. If it's possible, can you please tell me the music that you used as the BGM (especially the first song). I love it very much and would like to listen to it/purchase it. Thank you.

[@N0N0111]

The water is so clean that i feel my eyes are healthier now.

[@askingwhy123]

This man is fulfilled: autonomy, mastery, purpose. It's inspiring to see.

[@GiacomodellaSvezia]

My impression is his purpose is his fulfillment. He seems not to care about himself so much as about his family and his work, which might be the best prescription for being truly happy.

[@jordanthompson5696]

@@GiacomodellaSvezia To me it feels like it's more about integration with the world. He comes across as appreciating every aspect of the process, how it's all connected, and how it connects to the world outside of his farm. Maybe I'm just projecting, but I think autonomy, mastery, family, and work don't quite grasp it

[@adeelhussain2304]

Wow - the passion and perseverance strikes a strong cord within. I choked up when he spoke of his son and the memories they shared working together. When you lose those you love those mundane memories become treasured.

[@itgetter9]

I got choked up as well. This man seems very dear.

[@Patrick-gf5xg]

Nice post Adeel. Exactly what I felt.

[@therasheck]

Songs that I loved listening to with my family do this. I really do miss my father and mother. And my now my sister is gone. But it adds a deeper love for certain songs now.

[@itgetter9]

@@therasheck Wow, I know exactly what you mean. There are songs that move me to tears, because of the layers of memories, and the missing of certain loved ones. It's much richer than just sadness. It's really quite beautiful to have such memories, which get deepened by the loss (and which, in turn, soften the edges of the loss, for me, anyway). Anyway, thank you for sharing that.

[@austindmunday]

This is one of my favorite videos. I love that simple melody in the beginning and how beautiful the shots are. I couldnt help but tear up when the farmer was talking about his son.

[@wranther]

I am deeply saddened to learn that your son pre-deceased you. No doubt as you show your grandson the many skills that you have honed through the years, your son smiles down on you and your grandson, creating a bond that few in humanity are truly gifted to receive! May your grandson bring great Honor upon yourself and his dad, your son.

[@vascoafonso7511]

This man reminds me of my grandad. At the age of 81 he's still working every single day of the week (including Saturdays and Sunday mornings) because he loves his work, and even when he's not at work, he's still doing chores around the house or taking care of his garden. I think he would rather work till is last day than retire and stay home getting his head done by my nan. I love how people from older generations are able to find so much purpose in their craft, when most of us nowadays struggle to find meaning in anything, so we put effort into nothing, and feel miserable always. This video was brilliantly put together, very informative, and interesting. Much respect for that man.

[@twndomn]

The production value..., great bgm, drone shots of the scenery, this is ridiculously pretty~

[@skellymom]

Very educational and heartfelt. Thanks for posting.

[@DaveSCameron]

Behave yourself!

[@richardlong3745]

Very inspiring to see this gentle man living his life to the to the fullest so he can give support to his community even when he's dealing with personal heartbreaking events in his private life.

[@uniunissa]

Wow. That was powerful 6 minutes and 41 seconds. Was waiting for documentary about wasabi, but got great documentary about inspirational 75 year old farmer, his passion and legacy. A documentary very well made. The camera work, music and the story itself. Sometimes a poem can tell more than a book. This was just that, a poem. Thank you!

[@FalloutMediaHK]

Thanks so much. Comments like these keep me going!

[@mattstirling7494]

This is such a beautifully put together piece. You should be very proud.

[@bigstick5278]

Matt Stirling ::: I truly hope his grandson understands the importance of this farm and keeping the real wasabi alive and respect to his grandfather. Not just pass it and become another faceless thumb head in the world society.

[@Miep4chan]

I keep coming back to rewatch this video. It is so beautifully shot, the soundtrack is excellently chosen, the old man's character is so impressive and helps me pick myself up every time. Thank you.

[@David-bc4rh]

This video is very timely for me. I just purchased a can of powedered "wasabi" and noticed in the ingredients that it was horseradish, spirulina, and turmeric. I figured wasabi was just the name of this combination of spices, although I had always imagined a spicey root in the same family as ginger, horseradish, and turmeric. Thank you for the upload.

[@broccolifan6971]

Fake stuff in the world would only make genuine authentic stuff priceless.

[@Soulixs]

Whoever was the producer and editor deserves huge shout out to making such a great piece

[@FalloutMediaHK]

Thanks! I did everything myself as it was a passion project

[@RenKurono]

@@FalloutMediaHK are you by any chance self-taught?

[@FalloutMediaHK]

@@RenKurono I had no formal training in filmmaking per se, so, yes.

[@robbiereilly]

I've lived in Japan for many years, and not a day goes by that I am not still astounded with how tough Japanese people are. At every age.

[@johndoe5432]

Truly an amazing nation.

[@itgetter9]

This is a beautiful story. Blessings to this family. Thank you for your work and for sharing this story.

[@jackiechoo]

I really enjoyed this one, thanks! You guys have been 🔥 with the short documentaries lately.

[@raceace]

Ive sampled wasabi directly from a river bank in Hanno (Saitama) when mountain biking with friends, Yup it was a dare. It was an eye opening nasal destroying experience but once you try it, Sashimi or Sushi with anything else feels tragic. Even in a new world global economy, it's the dedication of generational farmers that help maintain these really essential specialist local economies in Japan. Respect!!

[@uridev]

I've read that the heat of wasabi kills any bacteria or parasites in raw fish and that's why it is eaten with sushi.

[@NBraz]

Thank you for such inspiring videos, The Atlantic!

[@AB-gn8oh]

Great short documentary, beautiful and moving. What a devoted family man.

[@xXOFrannieOXx]

Enjoyed this way more then i though i would. Beautifull story.

[@jackiedever3835]

This was the best possible way to wrap a Sunday night. Thank you.

[@DixieFatline]

Great short film. Thank you for putting this up. It puts some things in perspective.

[@thisisreallyverysilly]

FYI - it's expensive compared to other veggies but that's a silly comparison as you don't eat very much of it...the problem is that it's hard to grow...it requires running spring water that's pure and has a specific temperature range...which means that you cannot grow it at home, you can't plant it anywhere etc...etc... you can get tubes of wasabi paste in Tokyo...and they even powder it (mix with water to turn it into paste) both those are, obviously, lesser versions than the fresh plant being grated...it is f'ing delicious btw...way better than the fake stuff....PS there is a wasabi farm near Matsumoto you can visit and even buy a plant from...unlikely you can import it on the way home, but Matsumoto is doable as a (long) day trip from Tokyo or (more likely) an overnight. The farm sells like 900 different things that include wasabi (ice cream, beer etc..etc...).

[@cancel.lgbtq.6892]

I believe there is another place in England that also grow wasabi. I just saw documentary couple weeks ago.

[@thomme8539]

Definitely screenshot ting this for future reference. Thanks :)

[@tyc9302]

You actually can; check Oregon Coast Wasabi, it is grown in an American farm, requires no running water, in a canopy to provide the humidity and shade. Very successful business.

[@MatthewDLDavidson]

Thank you for this beautiful, heart-warming documentary. What an amazing person, cultivating an extraordinary plant!

[@Patrick-gf5xg]

Such a beautiful piece of work Edwin. The photography was stunning, the poignancy so balanced and Shigeo-san an inspiration. Makes me miss Japan a lot.

[@FalloutMediaHK]

Thanks!

[@crazybeartimba]

What a great man caring for his family, himself, others, and the environment.

[@peterlenardon3368]

Such lovely work, Edwin Lee.

[@Jia1337]

Remember to be thankful for the farmers we have around the world.

[@bigstick5278]

Jia L. ::: Remember the people that still like hard work that pays off with such a hard to grow product.

[@SalvadorFormento]

This video touched my soul. Thank you so much, was so beautiful.

[@stillmystic]

This is so extremely inspiring. I just want to sit there with him and prepare wasabi philosophizing about life, be there for him when he's sad about his son.

[@ThomasJamesBeauchene]

This is a very good documentary. Thanks for sharing.

[@joetylerdale]

A most beautiful video and gentleman. Thank You.

[@AlexisSmithFilms]

Awesome video as always 👌

[@heyheytaytay]

The beauty of this reminds me of Jiro Dreams of Sushi.

[@valentingochev8195]

What a beautiful, inspirational video and story! Thank you for making this and sharing with us!

[@XavierKatzone]

Lovely documentary. Thx.

[@eds4947]

I really enjoyed watching this. Thank you!

[@birage9885]

Beautiful story, beautiful music.

[@iddclasses]

So informative and his personal story told so well.

[@enasdad]

Whoever made and /or directed this video, well done!!! I was sad it came to an end

[@rohitv2532]

So moving. Thanks for sharing

[@DrejaAndi]

Great video and story. I wish Shigeo and his family long, happy lives. But he has already found the way through hard work, good food, and good attitude.

[@mtadams2009]

Beautiful video, very educational, now I know. I never got a real college education, I went to technical school and there was time I regretted that. As time has gone on I have realized working with my body has been a benefit. At the age of 60 I am still very fit and can do pretty much everything I could when I was young, maybe not as fast. I could retire in a few years but I see know reason to. I can understand why he plans on continuing to work. Having a purpose is important to keeping you physically and mentally fit. Losing your child is a parents biggest fear. I am sorry for your loss. I thank you very much for sharing your lives story. Take care

[@Owlbot]

Excellent work Edwin!

[@ThatFreikugel]

Just beautiful. I wish their family the best.

[@2727DL]

Awesome video, thanks for making this!

[@PK-mx7nf]

Very moving and beautifully shot.

[@GUTOMOFFICIAL]

This is nicely shot. Good job thanks for sharing!

[@timp-tu4zo]

Awesome video! Seriously, awesome!!

[@JohnDrummondVA]

What a lovely film. Lovely place, lovely man. I hope he indeed keeps working hard for many years.

[@jaioxung]

Beautiful film!

[@douglasshowler4168]

I live 30 minutes away from where wasabi was secretly grown in Japan for the first time (Shizuoka) but I rarely eat natural wasabi as it is very expensive. After watching this lovely video I think I will take a drive and buy some.

[@Toobula]

That was a wonderful story. Thank you.

[@makoto6111]

なんだか心が洗われた・・・。 いい動画ですね。投稿ありがとうございます。

[@TOMKHOMION]

Such a beautiful and touching video..........Thank you

[@memofrf]

The definition of a strong man. Thank you for sharing your work.

[@oakstrong1]

Thank you, I learned a lot while the scenery made me feel very happy. I never knew what wasabi is, it is a new and still somewhat strange flavour for me, so I enjoyed seeing what the plant looks like and how it is farmed and harvested. To see views of the beautiful scenery is big bonus: if I was a farmer there I think I would also be content and healthier than living in a middle of a polluted city - I wouldn't change places with my actual self.

[@lucazsy]

It wans't what I was expecting to watch, but I'm glad now. Very inspiring footage.

[@PlaceStillMatters]

A very interesting story, well told, with beautiful scenery.

[@Pandonaut]

Amazing music! Amazing story!

[@catface]

so beautiful and well made! thank you!

[@MGSBESTProductions]

A strong working man making his difference in the world. Very inspirational!

[@Helixan]

Thanks for the great video! What do they do with the wasabi plant leaves?

[@dapursukabeda]

Thanks for sharing this amazing video

[@wiseguyisyy4u]

Thanks for making me tear up... great video.

[@pedxing]

Beautiful work.

[@elianekeller8504]

The music was perfectly chosen!

[@longle956]

Beautifully done

[@dajiban9325]

I really enjoyed this video.

[@LakaCamargoDias]

Beautiful! Thank you!!!

[@treyweeeee]

Bless this man and his work. 💖

[@jansteinvonsquidmeirsteen2256]

Excellent!

[@Miralee01]

I wish there was some way to help...so much knowledge is lost every day, and to see this traditional farm still going is amazing. The environment around it is lovely. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@linengray]

It was a wonderful film. My thoughts were "will this continue for further generations?". I hope he passes on his passion to his grandson. Beautifully shot and very touching.

[@budweiser416]

I am Filipino and I admire the Japanese people for being such great people staying efficient at what they do and not let emotion take over.. amazing how they are the number 1 people on earth to have longer life span because everything they do is calculated and they have strong will.

[@popstage101]

A lovely beautiful livelihood, sending much love to this wonderful Japanese man. Condolences for his loss

[@ptorx1036]

just brilliant!

[@lisamay6769]

What an incredible inspirational man!

[@rgarlinyc]

Heart warming story - gentle man in peaceful nature - and beautifully filmed. I hope his art lasts at least another 400 years, well into the 20th generation and beyond!

[@nsbd90now]

Wow! That place is amazingly beautiful! And yeah... I knew I've probably never actually had wasabi, but I do like the spicy green stuff I get, so there's that! lol! And the generations... Amazing vid. Thanks!

[@jonlocke7112]

That was beautiful, thank you for that.

[@369jwillow]

WOW! Thank you, I nearly cried. The taste of real wasabi is simply divine and I am so glad there are people carrying on this wonderful tradition.

[@ebbeb9827]

Love videos like these

[@mmmk1616]

Great video! I had no idea, all these years... I even named my cat Wasabi because I love the taste! Now I'm curious to taste the real thing.

[@mordant221]

Good luck friend, getting your hands on real wasabi is harder than getting real Kobe beef.

[@mmmk1616]

@@mordant221 Yes, sounds like it. And in the description they said "Grated wasabi root loses its flavor within 15 minutes." I think that if I ever want to taste the real thing I am going to have to go to Japan. So, never going to happen. Because I'm too poor. Oh well, one can dream though, can't one?

[@vir042]

If you are just looking for the paste and not the root its not that bad, you can order small tubes pretty cheap from japan on ebay etc, also you can easily find wasabi powder that contain more or less real wasabi, if its a mix with a lot of real wasabi it should be somewhat close to the real taste since if its just a bit of horseradish it wont matter much, horseradish and wasabi is very close in the family three but very far apart in price ;)

[@psifigal8229]

@@vir042 Thanks!

[@1stBumbleBeeMaster]

Read description to this video guys! Its so true! Years ago I had some Wasabi Seeds from a friend in Japan Maybe 15-20 years ago and the Wasabi we grew taste totally different to any shop bought Wasabi. If you buying seeds to grow, you should only buy from authentic Japanese Growers who only sell the real seeds. There are so many fake seeds online. The Flowers of Wasabi are loved by Bees thats one main reason my friend in Japan sent me some.

[@FLASH-MATT]

Great story 👍

[@amarvirbilkhu8160]

Beautiful video

[@TriggerHappy923]

Actually was a beautiful video. It makes me want to cry while eating wasabi even more.

[@karin-gailaris6034]

Beautiful video 🌱

[@liquidtunes]

*** Official petition for more details about the soundtrack ***

[@nopejoeandangie]

You found aynthing about this soundtrack? On Vimeo it just says he licensed it from Premium Beat. vimeo.com/317955061 The fact that he won't respond to questions kinda puts me off

[@nopejoeandangie]

@liquidtunes Okay, the song is on Premium Beat, looks like Daniel Phillipson - All That Remains www.premiumbeat.com/royalty-free-tracks/all-that-remains But I can't find it anywhere else, like on KZbin.

[@ningjiecao6252]

​@@nopejoeandangie Curious if you are able to find the second track? The more japanese sounding one, with a slower tempo.

[@nopejoeandangie]

@@ningjiecao6252 That I don't know. The maker of the video responded at one point and confirmed I was right about the first song, but he isn't very good at responding to questions about soundtracks or labeling soundtracks in his actual videos like a real producer. I hope he isn't caught in the violence in Hong Kong or something. Otherwise he may just be busy.

[@chauniquemartinez]

This ❤️ very good video

[@zaq9187]

That place is Majestic!

[@grizzly9960]

Japanese tradition pride and hard work cannot be beaten. wow!

[@johnconnolly3635]

What a beautiful piece and a fantastic life

[@janicelgo4522]

Fantastic.

[@curisitykilledthecatnone7730]

Beautiful and peaceful, so lucky

[@Breeder333]

Wonderful.