Takemasa Shoten

When people think of Japanese food, sushi and ramen often come to mind. But behind many of Japan’s most beloved dishes lies a less familiar ingredient: katsuobushi—smoked and dried fish flakes that form the foundation of Japanese dashi stock.

In the coastal city of Tosashimizu at the southwestern tip of Kochi Prefecture, artisans have been perfecting a unique version of this ingredient for more than a century. Known as sodabushi, it is made from soda bonito (locally called mejika), a fish caught in the waters off the coast of Tosashimizu. Compared with standard bonito flakes, sodabushi produces a richer, deeper and slightly sweeter umami flavor, making it a favorite among professional chefs throughout Japan.

For over 100 years, Takemasa Shoten has preserved the traditional craft of making sodabushi. The process begins with carefully selected fresh fish and continues through a series of labor-intensive steps, including simmering, cleaning, smoking, and sun-drying,sorting. The result is a remarkably flavorful ingredient that can elevate everything from soups and dipping sauces to rice dishes and noodles.

Visitors can experience this culinary tradition firsthand through Takemasa Shoten’s factory tour and hands-on experience. Watch skilled craftspeople at work, learn how sodabushi is made, and on sunny days, see rows of sodabushi being dried outdoors in the coastal breeze. Guests can also try shaving their own sodabushi using a traditional bonito flake shaver, and sample the rich aromas released from freshly shaved flakes and the taste.

One of the highlights is creating your own bottle of sodabushi umami soy sauce. Shape the Soda bonito flakes you’ve chosen yourself, place them in a bottle to take home, adding your favorite soy-source at home, you'll create a unique seasoning and a memorable keepsake from your visit.

While deeply rooted in tradition, Takemasa Shoten is also looking to the future. In 2021, the company opened Dashi no Sato Takemasa Shoten, a second location just a short drive from the original workshop. Here, visitors can browse a wide range of sodabushi products and enjoy creative menu items that showcase the ingredient in unexpected ways. Popular choices include a signature sodabushi set meals, surprising dashi burger, and desserts inspired by Japan’s famous umami culture.

For travelers seeking authentic local food experiences beyond the typical tourist trail, Takemasa Shoten offers a rare opportunity to discover one of Japan’s best-kept culinary secrets in the place where it has been crafted for generations.