Aonori furikake

Suji Aonori is most fragrant at a temperature where steam rises. Because it pairs well with freshly cooked rice, we have been attempting to create a delicious furikake (Japanese condiment sprinkle). That's when we came across Kinshichi Shoten, a bonito flakes shop in Makurazaki City, Kagoshima Prefecture. Skilled artisans carefully select the bonito, remove each bone one by one, apply and smoke the bonito paste, shape and shave the surface, and repeat the process of mold application and sun-drying many times. The Hontsuyu flakes produced by Kinshichi Shoten, painstakingly made with time and effort using one of the few remaining traditional methods, are highly acclaimed as Japan's best bonito flakes.

At our shop, we take pride in creating bonito flakes that are not just a culinary delight but a true artisanal experience. Among our offerings, there's one that stands out particularly unique – our Classic Bushi Bonito flake.

Making bonito flakes first starts off with fileting and boiling the fresh bonito fish, removing bones one by one and smoking them repeatedly, allowing the beneficial molds to develop.

But what sets our Classic Bonito apart is the infusion of classical music throughout the entire mold application process. We believe that in the creation of the “Classic Bonito Flake”, classical Mozart music serves as a unique touch.

A sprinkle of Mozart gives the bonito flakes with high quality mold and aging process, enhancing both the complexity of flavors and the depth of character.

Listening to beautiful music while engaging with bonito flakes allows for a gentle and relaxing experience. We believe that this simple act holds significant meaning in itself.

Even though we put so much effort and time into crafting our Classic Bonito, most of it is used for commercial purposes, which is why our brand may not always be easily visible.

Running a bonito flake shop with the traditional method is quite challenging. However, even if it means facing financial hurdles or swimming against the tide of modern business practices, we remain steadfast in our commitment to quality and tradition. And it's the words of my son that served as a guiding light for this conviction.

"I'm glad I was born into a bonito flake shop."

This was a moment when I felt proud of all my actions and realized that this was the path I was meant to follow.

Thanks to the support of those who resonate with our vision, we've been able to meet individuals who share our passion for preserving and promoting the art of bonito flakes. Our goal is not just to sell bonito flakes but to leave a legacy, to ensure that this traditional craft is celebrated and cherished for generations to come.