How 3,000 Pounds Of Tofu Are Handmade A Day | Big Business
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ก.ย. 2021
- Ota Tofu is America's oldest tofu shop. Out of his Portland, Oregon, store, owner Jason Ogata is making handcrafted tofu the traditional Japanese way.
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How 3,000 Pounds Of Tofu Are Handmade A Day | Big Business
That their landlord honored the lease and kept the building and all of their equipment waiting during internment really stood out to me. It would have been so easy for him to sell everything and collect rent from another tenant, like so many others did.
yes, it really suprised me
Exactly. Good man🙏
He was lucky the owners wasn't hurting for money like alot of people was.
I agree, with this covid, we had months of lockdown,many businesses close unable to pay rent. We in our own small way of help, forfeit months of pay from our tenant so they don't have to worry to much on essential need expenses for their family. If only we can all be considerate, the world is a centimeter good everyday.
Bruh
respect for the landlord who honoured the contract
That was sadly rare, and many who returned from those camps found their homes, businesses, and any property they couldn’t take with them or leave with someone were sold off to non-Asians. We did those people dirty, all because of racist thinking that their loyalty wasn’t with America solely because they were of Japanese decent.
Now (probably deceased) Landlord is getting recognition. Many time, it takes time for Good deed to get recognised.
@@guleri7221 If heaven exists that person is probably enjoying it.
agree
I agree 100%👍🏼
I support Jason, Ota, and the rich traditions of tofu making. Growing up I was not fond of tofu, but it is now a major food item for me as it is healthy, high in protein, and is plant-based. Good job Jason! We all support you!
meat rules
you eat it because you hate plants right
Because ur a soy boy beta b**ch. Thats why eddy. Soy produces estrogen u sub primal male.
I despise the existence of tofu so i aim to eat as much of them as possinle
yeah I agree the taste of glue I mean soy bean is delicious and TOTALLY healthy. Replacing meat with glue I MEAN soy beans is very good.
I used to live a few blocks from Ota and people could just walk in with a bucket or some other kinds of containers and buy tofu directly. I'm not sure Mr. Ogata still does that, but it has been such a fixture in the neighborhood. Ota also donates unsold surplus to community organizations pretty much every day.
Portland area is a study in contrast when it comes to tofu. Here's this 110-year-old shop doing everything the traditional way. Then 15 miles away in Tualatin there's a factory that manufacturers shelf-stable "tofu" in aseptic, vacuum packaging using automation and high tech that bear little resemblance to traditional tofu making. Ironically the latter is manufactured for Morinaga, a company based in Japan.
Morinaga chocolate is great, one of my favourites
The fact he didn't renamed the shop at all and basically inherited it like it was from his family that gives me respect from him and I hope the Business last more years.
It would be unwise from a business prospective to change the name. That history and name is likely the only reason he's stayed in business. No don't he bought the business out of the kindness of his heart, yet, it was kind of a no brainer to keep the name.
@@botch3z yup. Basically this. Why would you change a name that is known for more than 60 years!
Is the other way, he needs the name.
@@botch3z because there are “entrepreneurs” that thinks it’s time to make something new under their name and tarnishes whatever they inherited because they wanted to be “progressive”
The name was the selling point. Otherwise its just another tofu company.
Hearing the chef say he doesn't mind spending more, he's been doing business with Ota for 20 years and can't change it- made me really happy. I hope this guy gets the help he needs to stay in the game. He's doing a great job.👍
Because chef make food from $20 ingredient and sell it at $200 minimum.
He also said it's because of the quality and if he changed *his customers would notice*. AKA: He thinks no-one else can compete on quality.
It’s amazing that this young man bought it before it closed to keep the tradition going and the family for passing on the process
I have eaten at Sweet Basil on Shattuck in Berkeley. I have so much respect for Ota and both the original and new owners.
This looks like very physically intense labor, my back was hurting watching this. 72 hours of this a week?! I could never. Respect
This is nothing compare to more traditional ones.
Nothing compared to working in construction
@@oompaloompa5171 you can’t compare jobs with other jobs, each job is different. It’s like comparing countries
Nothing compared to the effort of people commenting on TH-cam
@@pataker7875 ikr their fingers are just waiting to break from commenting
5:36 - I like how he says he “inherited” the Ota’s equipment, even though he technically bought it from them. That choice of wording shows how much he respects the tradition of tofu making and the legacy of the company.
How about his choice of wording his competitors just press buttons to make tofu? 🤮
@@Bailey110489 because it is true
@@user-ww6gf1ly7m you’re not a real master until you start respect your folks in the same industry, dissing others doesn’t make you better. Other manufactures don’t just press button to make tofu, definitely not, there is a lot more to that, hard work you can’t think of.
@@Bailey110489 Manufacturers do have machine that do all the job. It isn't that hard to comprehend.
@@user-ww6gf1ly7m hey stop insulting if you aren’t able to convince people, what I said about isn’t that hard to comprehend either.
The landlord honoring their lease and waited till the end of internment really got me. Big respect!
It’s sweet that Jason is keeping the tradition of handmade tofu alive.
Respect to the tofu maker! According to the tradition Chinese saying, making tofu is one of the three toughest and hardest jobs: Long working hours, exhausting and low profit.
Maybe the low profit wouldn’t be that true anymore idk.
And what are the other two of them?
人家三苦，打铁 撑船 磨豆腐
Other 2 are blacksmith and driving a boat with human power, usually with bamboo or wood pole.
Tofu was traditionally made on giant heavy stone mills that some are fortunate enough to have donkeys or cows to move the mill but most have to move the giant tone mill themselves
Every business ever
"his biggest goal is making sure that tradition isn't being sacrificed by innovation" I hope his business will be tenfold more successful.
Tradition vs innovation, he loses that fight every single time
@@mankind8807 yeah exactly, why should tradition even be respected.. innovate and make things better, thats how it should be. his fault for choosing the hard way
@@mankind8807 not in japan. and thats why I will always support the japaneses in the protection of their traditions. Even if the ones who do that are called "xenophobics" by the retards from multicultural dirtholes.
@@zephyrus3554exactly, soon soy meat will be easier to make and we can ditch all meat made from animal cruelty.
@@Pepe-dq2ib exactly my friend
As a small business owner, respect to Jason and the Ota family. People in food industry work so hard and with such passion. I work hard but I could never do food
Love these videos. The art, the process, the hard work, history behind it. It's really fun to watch.
Fun for all.
This is the reason why I don’t buy mass-produced tofu from big companies. I rather pay higher if it will make a small business survive. God Bless Ota Tofu!
God bless people like you too!! We have to save small businesses
I know! I wanna make my own. Where I live, there are not many tofu options
There are low income families out there that unfortunately doesn't have the extra money to be able to support the small local businesses.
Mass produced tofu is extremely GMO. Even more than corn syrup
@@liamneslind4182 Ok, Implying?
Thanks for sharing this video. As a former restaurant owner I used to buy all our tofu from a local manufacturer and our customers love it too. I hope business like this find a way to keep the tradition live. It takes so much dedication to making this. Fresh soy milk is the best!
Why former?
@@guleri7221 I used to own a Thai restaurant for 22 years
@@NeenasThaiKitchen I meant to ask, have you sold the business or have shut it down?? A lot of business were affected by pandemic.
@@guleri7221 idk
@@guleri7221 fortunately the restaurant was sold before the pandemic
I love this for them and hope they continue to grow ❤️ god bless this family and that young man !
I like how he sustained and maintained the production of the tofu itself, like in this generation people tend to focus more on new technology and innovation that forgot how these things was made for. Kudos to you Jason!
In China, there is an old proverbial saying: "there are three hardships of life: boating, blacksmithing, tofu making". These jobs are considered hard, even by the working people of old who had it hard themselves: long hours, labor intensive, terrible working conditions. Anyone who enters these businesses by choice instead of necessity is inspiring.
从来没听过这个谚语
China is a plague in this world
@@inyermouthbaybeh I love how your are too
@@mailasun 确实， 可能是地方话吧，估计是我孤陋寡闻了，哈哈
@@inyermouthbaybeh so mad for what
Tofu is a food I have always appreciated, but thanks to this video I now have a lot more respect for the people making it.
Too bad we don't get here in India
Now I am massively hungry for TOFU! :)
@Miles Doyle what in the name of the gods does this have to do with tofu? And fanatics wonder why people think them insane... 🙄
@Miles Doyle holy typewriter
Who are you and why are you on every video I watch
I didn't realize so much work goes into this tofu. A new appreciation for this food and the people who hand craft it. Car hop trays from amazon.
Wonderful story, thank you Jason for keeping the business and practice alive!
To hear the landlord keeping the lease, and now buying the business to keep it open... Makes my heart happy
I am happy that they are sending tofu in buckets instead of plastic for restaurants
WOW YOUR PROFILE PICTURE IS AMAZING YOU SPEAK THE TRUTH😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇
Aren't buckets made of plastic
@@calhoot3577 😐
@@calhoot3577 atleast they are reusable for maybe 2-3 years or even more
Tru @SAHIL BALANI
I’m so excited to try this tofu next time I’m in Portland! Thank you for honoring the hand made tradition, it’s clearly made with love ! 🤍
I REALLY ♥️ ANYTHING WHERE TRADITIONS ARE RESTORED!
I live in Portland, I didn't know about this company, now I'm dying to go there and see in person this process, OTA tofu new costumers!
Yeah, I am definitely buying this this week.
You can buy right from their factory, also available at hMart!
I live 30 minutes away from Portland, that's so cool! I hardly see anyone on the internet from Portland or Washington.
@Sentinel5000 The description literally says that's its in Portland Oregon
Actually looking to see if they have outlets or sell overseas….I’m Uk based, and though I’m not ‘into’ tofu…I am someone who loves the manufacturing process in what gives us (the consumer) the end product…that and the rich history of what is largely dying arts is what makes me seek businesses like this and give them my custom….even if it means they survive one more day as a result of my purchase combined with those of others, will make me happy
🙏🙏😎
You can tell this guy has a passion and loves going to his job. I'm sure envious of that! Life goals
Tofu making process reminds of me the time when I was young. I used to make tofu at home, it was like a year affair within our family, all my family gathered and made tofu over weekend and ended up with having tofu with fried kimchi & korean bbq always. We don’t do this anymore after my grandma passed away so tofu was one of my grandma’s strategy to have a family gathering regularly. I didn’t know that before.
I have so much respect for someone who prefers to keep traditions going with a business rather than seeing it close down. I’m not fond of tofu myself. But my grand kids love it so I do buy it to have in the house when they come to visit .
Jason is such a good person, god bless his soul
God bless his soul for making soy bean tofu when soy bean isn’t good for our body . Yay 💀 , you get a 💀 you get a 💀 we all get a 💀 💀
Something about Jason, I just like him too.
here in Indonesia, it's easier to find (literally) handmade tofu than the machine-made one.
this sounds like paradise
same in Vietnam. Everything is availably handmade and taste fresh
Wait you're Indonesian? Same
@Ankur Kumar Paneer is a dairy product, not made from soy
Sometimes the tofu seller told me not to cook the tofu immediately, because it's really fresh and going to break if I cook it immediately 😂
Too see a business like this finding a way to thrive is wonderful to see
5:55 Jason after 2 years of making tofu in America: *I am the tofu master*
Jason after 20 years of making tofu in Japan: *I feel like I'm finally beginning to reach my potential*
Ota tofu is so delicious, fresh, and just a superb product. If you’re in Portland I encourage you to find some and try it!
I wish i could try it. Really into cooking with tofu since i cut down to a much more plant based diet :) Sadly i'm from the other part of the world ^^
What does it taste like? Also does it feel like cheese to eat? I have never had it but I'm not wasting money on something I don't know if i like or not 😂😂 does it taste like beans Also?
@@BooBoo-qj2zj It's hard to describe what tofu tastes like if you never had soy products before. Tofu isn't one of those foods where you need an acquired taste for it. It's soft to eat and depending on how its prepared, can sometimes melt in your mouth.
I'd recommend you try fried tofu in place of chicken for a salad and whatever dressing you like, the crust on fried tofu is just like biting into fried chicken without the skin or a batter.
Tofu in general though is easier to eat than cheese as it doesn't have that thick consistency like when you eat a piece of cubed cheese. I guess the best way to put it is it cuts and eats like a cake if you try tofu in its basic formate i.e straight out of the packaging.
@@Bluefoxx3 thank you very much! I actually understood That!! (Dont always happen for me)
@@BooBoo-qj2zj It wouldn't cost that much to try it once. Don't be a cheapskate and just buy some
Amazing person who honored their contract. Bless his generation's lineage right up now.
he is such a loyal person not sacrificing the tradition into innovation.
So absurdly i.portant to keep these types of businesses alive. I'm happy he took over 🥰
Fun fact: "ota" means "take" in Finnish... So those packages are telling customers to take some tofu 🥰 (in Finnish)
Haha mä ajattelin tota kans
Burger tofu 😋
I often think sometimes Finnish sounds like japanese with a lot of combined short syllable
@@cherrkong that’s true! For a native Finnish speaker learning Japanese is quite easy (pronouncing wise) because it’s actually quite similar
@@mamamooslostsanity0439 fakiu man
Jason is a stand up guy. Glad to see him doing something he loves. Congrats Ogata.
I literally just prayed for a work ethic and passion like this man.
Thank You A Beautiful Video!
I NEVER EVER NEW There is Such A Thing in The World???
Plz plz plz Post more!
Ota makes the best tofu! Since I was a kid I've loved going to the factory to buy tofu and age by the slab. So glad the business has stayed open during the pandemic.
So glad to hear such a story ❤️
1st, the landlord who respected the lease.
2nd, ogata the new owner who continue to make handmade tofu.
3rd, for the chefs who persisted in using ota tofu.
I know there must be more downs than ups, but it's so heartwarming to see some positive things without forgetting the negatives too, so balanced ❤️ like tofu!
Slicing that big block of tofu looks so satisfying!
God bless this guy for his dedication and hard work ✌
Begin while others are procrastinating🤞
Work while others are wishing👌
Persist while others are quitting ✨✨
people feel leaving their country is the best way to get a secured job or business opportunities, but no because they still have many jobless people in that country they are running to
For me I lost my job 9 months ago, I'm surviving today with my own personal forex investment
People's mentality have to change about coming to hyped named countries because life might be much more difficult, who knows
I believe any where I am God helping us there must be a means of survival
I make good income weekly from bitcoin mining and its been my reliable source for income
I've made tofu myself and okara makes really good addition to meatballs! Mix okara with some minced meat and you get great meatballs and double the volume of them while having lots of good protein and nutrients! I don't want to cut out meat completely because I like it too much but want to lessen the amount of eating it and that is one great way to do it.
Sitting in my office in Melbourne Australia eating my Ma Po Tofu. Jason thank you for keeping tradition alive.
I live in portland had no idea that Ota was made here. This is rad! I appreciate his respect to the art.
This entire business and the rich history behind it makes me so happy. Respect to this guy.
I was worried that his business is going to shut down but it really ended on a good note. Looks like he is well respected and supported in his community so he will be around for awhile.
Very amazing! I’m starting to become a new fan of Tofu beef flavored.
Can’t believe so much tradition and love is put into something I take for granted
Let alone in my own backyard
I hope they have a Toyota AE86 as their delivery car else I'm going to be dissapointed
*eurobeat intensifies*
@@therealmudafuka7200 deja vu!
Initial D music
😂😂
And they should aslo deliver in a cinematic drift
Its cool to see how this is made and the history behind it👍
like and reply
Lmaooo tofu soyboys
@@Cienfuegos. Do you not like tofu? To me, being a vegetarian for the last 50 years, it's fantastic! It's literally the food of the Gods!
BTW, I doubt that I would qualify as your idea of a SOYBOY as I'm 6'4" tall and weigh in excess of 330lbs! And I'm 65 years old. I've worked in construction. I've been a Union mason. I've worked for years farming while at the same time working as a professional musician. This sometimes meant farming 8 hours in the daytime, getting cleaned up, loading up my personal gear and the whole PA, driving to the gig, loading in all the gear, playing 4 sets, loading out all the above mentioned gear, driving home sometimes 75 miles, falling asleep in my recliner for a couple of hours, and getting up ready to go back to work farming by 7:00am for the next 10-12 hours. And doing this for over 11 years.
Still ready to label me a SOYBOY?
And almost 40 years ago I, along with my wife, built the house we've lived in ever since.
But maybe I just don't understand your definition of a SOYBOY......
@@hilltopgypsy He got speechless.
@@hilltopgypsy he's just insecure.
I really like these videos. It's like a crash-course. Short and interesting.
So inspiring, I wish them the best, if I ever see their brand in the market I will buy it.
I don’t like tofu at all but the history and how they make it is very cool. Sad that many other places had to close but glad their landlord kept everything for them.
Yeah we were only at war we should have kept the tofu flowing that's important
Nice community supporting each other, small business power, love it!
This is Disneyland to me. 💖
so glad insider does videos of things like this
Kudos to Jason for keeping such a great tradition alive!
I love how his customers chooses quality tofu over factory cheap tofu product
What a incredible story, thank you for sharing 🙏🙏🙏
Good on you Jason! Here in Australia, I'll likely never taste your craft . But I really wish you and yours, all the very best 👌
Used to wonder for the longest time why my Japanese mom would only buy hand made tofu. It just tastes better
Hey, I have a Japanese mom too!
Some say that Takami is still delivering their Tofu to this day.
*Takumi
AYO I KNOW THAT MOVIE
I love tofu. If I lived in the Portland area, I would totally support Ota Tofu.
I've never had tofu before. After seeing this I'll try it. I'll want a piece from this guy though. He is passionate. Gob bless him and his business.
Absolutely beautiful story and as some other commenters have stated; it is a miracle that the landlord kept their lease available and preserved their equipment.
I truly hope this dark time in our history never repeats itself, that is why I feel strongly about the importance of studying our history, even when it hurts and is deeply embarrassing.
I wish this excellent gentleman all the very best and I wish good health and happiness to himself and to his employees and family.
Thank you for this touching piece of content!
I respect a boss that works along with his workers. A big salute to this good sir.
So much respect for all involved.♡
The Otas must be smiling from wherever they are, now that their legacy lives on thanks to Jason and his dedicated staff.
Good on Jason for not only keeping the business alive, but also for growing it!
This was such a heart-warming episode. All the best to Ota Tofu!
I'm so glad the landlord left the store intact and that Jason is doing everything the same way. That's how businesses should work. And the locals buying from him instead of going to big companies. Yes!
He deserves all the success
Keep up the good work Jason. I used to work there back in 2005,it was my first job coming from Africa.
That’s amazing! It’s my first job, been there over two years now.
I could eat tofu every day. Beans are my favourite food, but Tofu is AMAZING. As a vegan I’m glad you’re sharing this!!!
Yes
👍👍
yehh I love it as well
Why do you like it if i may ask?
@@MrRichManGuy well, I’m not the person you asked the question to but I’m guessing either taste, texture, smell, versatility… why do people like ANY food? It’s a matter of taste and preference, some like it some don’t.
Dopeee enjoyed this
Shoutout to the land lord for honoring the lease.
The perfect job for me. I’m so glad I get to work with these wonderful people.
Keep the continued tradition going, happy to see young people do well. Great work
.
My dad and I have gone here so many times and it is just amazing that he kept it in shape like this cuz the building is one hundred and something years old👍
Beautiful inspiring story and I am now craving tofu lol
Kudos for keeping the tradition :)
I’ve been vegetarian for 5 years but just in the last 8 months, I’ve really gotten into tofu. I was raised on “supermarket tofu from Walmart or Superstore, the stuff that smells like petrol and tastes worse; you basically have to grill supermarket tofu to get it to taste decent. But, recently, I’ve grown really comfortable going to these massive multi-nationality Asian markets and the tofu there is fantastic! You don’t even need salt. It’s cheaper, the taste is night and day above Walmart or Superstore’s, I just love it.
I’m glad there are businesses dedicated to the artisanal craft of tofu making and they’re taking market share with the big companies. What more could you ask for?
meat better
Great! There's also a product called tempeh which is similar, you might like it :)
I love hardwork and success stories 😊😉👍
I love fried tofu and I always gotta tell my friends that tofu isn't just "fake meat", it's its own unique food that tastes very good.
how tf was it thought of as fake meat in the first place
@@angelerror4086 western vegan trends
@@hanoianboy9562 i lived my whole life loving tofu and didnt know it was used as a substitute for meat unril a fww years ago
@@angelerror4086 same, these people would eat all kinds of stuff to not eat meat, tofu is included even though it's nothing like meat
I am so happy that he honored the founder's legacy.
That's what I adore with Asian countries. It's really hard to retain your business traditionally, but because of your patrons... You keep going.
Kudos. Quality comes first. 😊
Tofu is amazing because it goes with anything and absorbs the flavor of what you're cooking!
So does cocaine
-_-
@@whitemailprivilege2830 I want to know what goes on your mind
Tofu soyboy virgins lmaoo
@@Cienfuegos. I don't eat tofu, but you do realize that tofu has been eaten for thousands of years by Asians. It's part of their culture, and non-vegan Chinese and Japanese people eat it all the time. -_-
its quite wholesome that they choose tradition and its actually working
I really appreciate handmade stuff
I will gladly pay more for your brand of tofu knowing the care and attention you put into its production. Nice job!
Respect to this guy for keeping the business going 🙌
Thank you for using celcius Jason, very kewl.
Jason proud of u brother. Bless u