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Behind the Counter at a local Japanese Poisonous Puffer Fish Fugu Restaurant

Paolo fromTOKYO

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Behind the counter at a family owned Japanese Fugu Puffer fish blowfish restaurant in Tokyo. This local Tokyo hidden gem is located at Sumiyoshi Ginza Shopping Street, just 3 minutes from Sumiyoshi station, you’ll find a family owned live fugu speciality restaurant Koshiji. Fugu also called puffer fish or blowfish is a luxury Japanese food dish most famously known for its poisonous organs that if eaten can easily lead to death, and why only licensed chefs are able to prepare and serve it in Japan. Today, I’m taking you behind the counter to show you how this deadly fish is served in Japan. Yamada san has been running his fugu restaurant for 45 years now, and at the age of 75, he’s slowly handing over the reins to his children and grandchildren. When he first started 45 years ago, the shop was much smaller, but became quite a popular spot for locals. Apparently, there are around 350 different kinds of Fugu but only 22 of them are permitted by the government for consumption and the shop prefer to serve live, Tiger Pufferfish, known as the king of fugu. To get the Fugu license, you must pass the written and hand’s on test after going through a lecture course held at the poison removal facility, with 2 year working experience prerequisite. Yamada san's grandson is finally scheduled to take the test this year, to help continue on the family business. Fugu itself is a white fish, which is a densely textured when raw so its cut transparently thin, but its soft and airy when cooked. It’s best eaten as fresh as possible as it quickly loses taste as time passes. A very unique and elegant Japanese dining experience when prepared by a skilled chef.

Koshiji Fugu Restaurant 活ふぐ料理越路
https://goo.gl/maps/ThNSn73Cpgdyb1Pq7
https://r.gnavi.co.jp/jdh33dbw0000/

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20 Comments

@PaolofromTOKYO Creator 3 years ago Pinned

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@ggibby0909 3 years ago

I loved the silent response of the chef when asked “What happens if you eat this?”. Caught me off guard!

@RandomUserX99 3 years ago (edited)

3 gens! That's telling me that this shop makes good money and has very high level of support and recognition. Japan has this utmost respect to artisans, from chefs to carpenters, that's unmatched in the world. In other countries you could just be a common laborer, but in Japan people will easily call you sensei for the quality of work you offer. Just look at the level of respect the fish vendor has for the granpa chef, even after 30 years.

@NickPR87 3 years ago

I like how the business being family run gives them a better chance to all take a vacation together when the fish is out of season, especially two whole months! I wish more restaurants were afforded the opportunity to have better work-life balance like they do. Awesome content as always!

@taitanomo24 3 years ago

Don't be fooled by how it doesnt look like those really fancy restaurants, this family is very well known and respected (and rich lol) here. Very humble tho. Everything from there is so simple but amaziing🤤

@TheLinKrust 3 years ago

I love that the fugu has all these incredible defense mechanisms (poisonous; spikes; raspy skin) and Japanese people found a way not only to deal with them but to elevate them! Wow!

@gudvibes276 3 years ago (edited)

12:20
Paolo explaining the process in removing and disposing the venomous parts of the fugu
Paolo: “So what happens when you eat this?”
The worker: *gestures a cross prayer

@earlcatolin5702 3 years ago

The pufferfish on the thumbnail: 👁️👄👁️

@ChelseaReee 3 years ago

Oh my heart nearly burst when Wolfy did the finger thing right on cue at the end! Such a sweet addition to the video <3

@joshkerr 3 years ago

I like the sarcasm when the dad doesn't know what type of programming his daughter does. Honestly Paolo, your content is superb. Keep up the good work!

@AliceLynn 3 years ago

Starts with a family and ends with a family! I loved seeing Maiko and Wolfy, a sweet way to wrap the video up. It's so important to remove the fear and mysticism from culture and showcase how beautiful and safe it really is. I was nervous at the start would totally try Fugu now. Thank you. <3

@joyfullyminimal7185 3 years ago

Didn't even know about fugu, but I was pleasantly surprised to hear it is blowfish. What a special shop, and dedication to their craft. I love that the family is carrying this tradition. ❤️ I hope the elder customer's children may also learn to support them 🙏

@froglordmusic 3 years ago

the amount of love and details you put into every video is what makes you truely successful, love watching these series. it makes me miss japan everytime :) thank you

@cayleenasworldi3647 3 years ago

Oh my God I’m so glad I caught one of your videos early. You are literally one of the best Youtubers and I love watching your videos on Japan.

@thesilentangel8299 2 years ago

The chef doing the cross and prayer after being asked “What happens if you eat that” (referring to the poison organs) was just 😂😂😂.

@Hitmanpaulbang 3 years ago

It’s so awesome to look at what happens behind the counter at these family own/run restaurants

@vimhalelkin5443 3 years ago

Japan is a well-organized country. I would love to take a trip to this country someday. Lots of Love from India 🇮🇳

@misoramen2912 3 years ago

Man, Paolo, I just love the vibe your videos give off. There's something uplifting and relaxing about the content you produce, and you pay genuine respect to the parts of Japan you make videos on. You just keep being awesome, man. ❤

@dixoncider8372 3 years ago

I am glad you added the timestamp for when the filet processes ends. On behalf of anyone who gets queasy seeing that part, thank you!

@zennoodle 3 years ago

When I went to Tsukiji fish market right before they closed, there had been like 6-7 generations of families running all the stalls. Looks like it holds true with this restaurant too.What a treat to see something like this.