Project Kioke with Yasuo Yamamoto

Within the last few years, Yasuo Yamamoto realised that the old, traditional method of brewing soy sauce in cedar barrels was dying out. So too were the manufacturers of the barrels! With so little demand due to mass-produced soy brewing in steel tanks, these specialist carpenters were giving up the craft.
A few years ago Yamamoto decided to take matters in to his own hands.
He studied the technique from one of his last remaining suppliers and began building these colossal timber barrels himself.
Today, he is passionate about preserving these ancient techniques that are slowly being cast aside in favour of more modern processes. His aim is to pass down his knowledge to younger generations as well as educate the world on these huge elements of Japanese culture that are becoming extinct.

Every year, in late January, Yasuo invites people from around Japan to come and help him build new barrels for his brewery. Anyone can join him and many people from neighbouring villages come to respect the tradition of helping your neighbour with difficult tasks. Even though this is a particularly busy time for him, Yasuo takes time to show you how to split the timber to make planks, how to braid the bamboo and even how to hand carve the pegs that will hold it all together. Finally when all the barrels have been made, each volunteer must sign their name in the barrel they helped build as a sign of community support.

Vallebona are the sole UK supplier of Yamamoto's famous Yamaroku soy sauce that was featured on Samin Nosrat's 'Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat'.

Click the link to buy now: