The Secret Behind the Umami in Japanese Katsuobushi — Vendors

Meet the skilled craftspeople at Kaneshichi Shoten in Makurazaki, Japan, who meticulously create katsuobushi, also known as bonito flakes — a key ingredient in Japanese cuisine. Made from smoked and fermented tuna, bonito flakes give dashi broth its striking umami flavor. Following the traditional method, the craftspeople treat each step like an art form. Every fish is deboned by hand, smoked for nearly a month, and fermented in a room with Mozart playing in the background. The result is a high-quality product beloved by world-renowned chefs and restaurants like Nobu.

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Credits:
Series Lead: Carla Francescutti
Producer: Carla Francescutti
Field Producer: Sybilla Patrizia
Directors: Carla Francescutti, Sybilla Patrizia
Director of Photography: Vinod Vijayasankaran
Second Camera: Rui Arichika
Editor: Lucy Morales Carlisle
Assistant Editors: Daniel Card, Christian Moreno
Production Coordinator: Nick Mazzocchi
Subtitles: Saga Translations

Executive Producer: Stephen Pelletteri
Director of Production: Stefania Orrù
Supervising Producer, Development: Gabriella Lewis
Post-Production Supervisor: Lucy Morales Carlisle
Audience Engagement: Frances Dumlao

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