Behind the Counter at a local Japanese Bento Shop

This is a Japan behind the counter food tour of a local Japanese bento shop. For more than 40 years, Bento Kawano has been making delicious Japanese handmade bento lunches at the affordable price of 600yen. At this value and quality it’s no surprise everyday that the customer lunch lines wrap around the entire block. One important things about this Japanese bento shop is that they must be extra careful about food safety. Since Bentos are designed to be able to sit on the shelf for several hours without refrigeration, the food must always be fully cooked. Run by Japanese food craftsman, Inoue san, he changes the menu everyday so his customers have something to look forward to. He particularly enjoys analyzing the performance of his previous bentos and creating new ones to see how popular it will be, but ultimately he says that whatever bento he serves, he creates each one as if he’ll be sharing it with his loved ones. Interestingly, this Tokyo bento shop runs 4 rice cookers simultaneously throughout the entire day to keep up with the demand using a special hitomebore rice from Miyagi prefecture known for its exquisite taste especially when its cooled down. Even the rice at the shop was specifically selected by Inoue san. I hope you enjoy this Tokyo Hidden gem bento shop.

Bento Kawano

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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.

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Access to Music in video:

[DamplyDoo]

This chef is literally a legend, in so many ways. What a story!

[dimazagungprakoso]

His mother passed away when he's teenager, and then his father abandoned him without relatives make him fend for himself to survive. Then, he goes from regular salary man to legendary hot rod ridin' bento shop owner. This man IS the main character

[thevectorchef]

The fact that he starts at 12:30 am is mind blowing. I respect his hard work and discipline. Wishing much success to him, his staff, and his family.

[orale_]

Paulo: "So what time do you start work?"
Owner: "Midnight"
Paulo: "I'll see you at 6am"

[falutak]

After watching a lot of the "Behind the counter" videos, I came to realize that doing any job needs to be done with pride. I see all these Japanese people being proud of their work no matter what it is. I started trying to practice their philosophy in what they do. It made me realize that a job doesn't have to be that stressful. I love these videos, they inspire me to do better, and treat other people better. Also, it changed some of my perspectives in life. Sometimes when I catch myself in a bad mood due to work or life in general, I am reminded of these people from these videos. Thank you for all the videos!

[nilsaggu]

Inoue san has such a great personality (perfect for TV shows) - a down to earth man who has been through hell yet he doesn't complain and seems to always smile and joke while keeping things lively... while feeding so many at such low cost! A highly honorable man.

[nezukochan]

Some people just pass the vibe check immediately. This chef is one of them. So casual and yet, so dedicated in what he does. Treats his staff with respect and friendliness. Just a wholesome guy. Major props to him.

[anonymoustraveler]

Incredible man. Losing both parents young but still managed to achieve what he has and became who he is today is amazing. Such an inspiration.

Also, 600 yen for that size of a bento is super cheap. I bet even if he charges 800 yen, people will still buy it.

[yanniesays]

"Sometimes, I come to work just to eat this bento." If that isn't the biggest compliment ever! Dzaaamn! More power to this shop and the legendary owner!!!

[sam]

7:27 I actually love the response from the boss. It shows he is pragmatic and honest about employment instead of gaslighting the workers into some sort of made-up philosophy for their jobs.

[quinn]

Mad respect to Inoue-san for his devotion. You can tell that he truly loves what he does with how energetic and happy he is in that kitchen.

[cr]

I love how proud he seems of his staff and how much love he shows for everything- work, hobbies, family etc. Wholesome ✨

[NatashaChuah]

Inoue san deserves all the success he gets! He is so hardworking and dedicated, it's unreal! I've never seen a food line that long. His customers are fortunate to be fed by Inoue san daily :)

[ZaraAllegra]

I fully appreciate that Paolo features local shop owners, promoting their products and giving them an opportunity to share their life experiences. :)

[ginahtran]

This was my favorite one of this series. Love how proud he is of his workers and only had nice things to say about everyone on his life. Hope he’s able to get some good rest and time with his fam!

[DelonSerinoVlogs]

The owner’s energy radiates. He loves to talk a lot and that will bring in customers. Hope his success continues and his shop gets more recognition.

[TorToroPorco]

Many of the business owners Paolo highlights are so inspiring. Making and selling 800 Bento is an incredible number. I’d hazard a guess that he grosses more in sales than the average ramen shop even with the low prices.

[adaikonen]

"I started at 00:30. You're kinda late" made me laugh so hard. Such a fun person :D

[RRoo]

When does he sleep? He starts cooking at midnight, works all day, preps for next day until 5pm? That's dedication and pride in what he does. So admirable

[leeroyjenkins]

12:30am until 5pm. This man works 17 hours non-stop and then only has less than 7 hours for sleep (not including commuting, family time, shower etc.). I really hope he gets to use his funds to hire another person to help with his workload cos this wouldn't be sustainable long-term, but also I really admire his work ethic!