The Truth About Wasabi

Фильм және анимация

Have you ever eaten wasabi?
If you answered “yes” to that question, you are likely mistaken. Most sushi eaters-even in Japan-are actually being served a mixture of ground horseradish and green food coloring splashed with a hint of Chinese mustard. Worldwide, experts believe that this imposter combination masquerades as wasabi about 99% of the time.
The reason boils down to supply and demand. Authentic wasabi, known as Wasabia japonica, is the most expensive crop to grow in the world. The temperamental semiaquatic herb, native to the mountain streams of central Japan, is notoriously difficult to cultivate. Once planted, it takes several years to harvest; even then, it doesn’t germinate unless conditions are perfect. Grated wasabi root loses its flavor within 15 minutes.
The Japanese have grown wasabi for more than four centuries. 75-year old Shigeo Iida, the eighth-generation owner of his family’s wasabi farm in Japan, takes pride in his tradition, which is profiled in Edwin Lee’s short documentary "Wasabia Japonica," co-produced by Japan Curator. “Real wasabi, like the ones we grow, has a unique, fragrant taste that first hits the nose,” Iida says in the film. “The sweetness comes next, followed finally by spiciness.” Read more: www.theatlantic.com/video/ind...
"Wasabia Japonica" was directed by Edwin Lee (fallout.media/). It is part of The Atlantic Selects, an online showcase of short documentaries from independent creators, curated by The Atlantic.
Subscribe to The Atlantic on KZread: bit.ly/subAtlanticYT

Пікірлер: 356

  • @acatinny
    @acatinny5 жыл бұрын

    I thought this was going to be "Wasabi you eat at Sushi place is fake, this is the real one" story. It turned out to be the very inspirational story of a 75 years old farmer, who lost his son, still keeps going on strong for his family, his community and the profession that he loves and believes in. Thanks for the great video!

  • @FalloutMediaHK

    @FalloutMediaHK

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching! This is the most positive comment i get as the audience didn't expect to see this kind of story

  • @Floccinaucinihilipilificator

    @Floccinaucinihilipilificator

    5 жыл бұрын

    I was expecting the same. Happily surprised.

  • @icecreamalacarte

    @icecreamalacarte

    5 жыл бұрын

    Everything about this video epitomizes and encapsulates what I deeply admire about Japanese culture-Itadakimasu !

  • @EliSantana

    @EliSantana

    5 жыл бұрын

    Same. This was a pleasant surprise. Don't mind this type of click-bait.

  • @sekizu

    @sekizu

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@FalloutMediaHK Thank you for this video. If it's possible, can you please tell me the music that you used as the BGM (especially the first song). I love it very much and would like to listen to it/purchase it. Thank you.

  • @N0N0111
    @N0N01115 жыл бұрын

    The water is so clean that i feel my eyes are healthier now.

  • @askingwhy123
    @askingwhy1235 жыл бұрын

    This man is fulfilled: autonomy, mastery, purpose. It's inspiring to see.

  • @GiacomodellaSvezia

    @GiacomodellaSvezia

    5 жыл бұрын

    My impression is his purpose is his fulfillment. He seems not to care about himself so much as about his family and his work, which might be the best prescription for being truly happy.

  • @jordanthompson5696

    @jordanthompson5696

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@GiacomodellaSvezia To me it feels like it's more about integration with the world. He comes across as appreciating every aspect of the process, how it's all connected, and how it connects to the world outside of his farm. Maybe I'm just projecting, but I think autonomy, mastery, family, and work don't quite grasp it

  • @adeelhussain2304
    @adeelhussain23045 жыл бұрын

    Wow - the passion and perseverance strikes a strong cord within. I choked up when he spoke of his son and the memories they shared working together. When you lose those you love those mundane memories become treasured.

  • @itgetter9

    @itgetter9

    5 жыл бұрын

    I got choked up as well. This man seems very dear.

  • @Patrick-gf5xg

    @Patrick-gf5xg

    5 жыл бұрын

    Nice post Adeel. Exactly what I felt.

  • @therasheck

    @therasheck

    5 жыл бұрын

    Songs that I loved listening to with my family do this. I really do miss my father and mother. And my now my sister is gone. But it adds a deeper love for certain songs now.

  • @itgetter9

    @itgetter9

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@therasheck Wow, I know exactly what you mean. There are songs that move me to tears, because of the layers of memories, and the missing of certain loved ones. It's much richer than just sadness. It's really quite beautiful to have such memories, which get deepened by the loss (and which, in turn, soften the edges of the loss, for me, anyway). Anyway, thank you for sharing that.

  • @austindmunday
    @austindmunday5 жыл бұрын

    This is one of my favorite videos. I love that simple melody in the beginning and how beautiful the shots are. I couldnt help but tear up when the farmer was talking about his son.

  • @vascoafonso7511
    @vascoafonso75115 жыл бұрын

    This man reminds me of my grandad. At the age of 81 he's still working every single day of the week (including Saturdays and Sunday mornings) because he loves his work, and even when he's not at work, he's still doing chores around the house or taking care of his garden. I think he would rather work till is last day than retire and stay home getting his head done by my nan. I love how people from older generations are able to find so much purpose in their craft, when most of us nowadays struggle to find meaning in anything, so we put effort into nothing, and feel miserable always. This video was brilliantly put together, very informative, and interesting. Much respect for that man.

  • @wranther
    @wranther5 жыл бұрын

    I am deeply saddened to learn that your son pre-deceased you. No doubt as you show your grandson the many skills that you have honed through the years, your son smiles down on you and your grandson, creating a bond that few in humanity are truly gifted to receive! May your grandson bring great Honor upon yourself and his dad, your son.

  • @twndomn
    @twndomn5 жыл бұрын

    The production value..., great bgm, drone shots of the scenery, this is ridiculously pretty~

  • @skellymom
    @skellymom5 жыл бұрын

    Very educational and heartfelt. Thanks for posting.

  • @DaveSCameron

    @DaveSCameron

    5 жыл бұрын

    Behave yourself!

  • @mattstirling7494
    @mattstirling74945 жыл бұрын

    This is such a beautifully put together piece. You should be very proud.

  • @bigstick5278

    @bigstick5278

    5 жыл бұрын

    Matt Stirling ::: I truly hope his grandson understands the importance of this farm and keeping the real wasabi alive and respect to his grandfather. Not just pass it and become another faceless thumb head in the world society.

  • @richardlong3745
    @richardlong37455 жыл бұрын

    Very inspiring to see this gentle man living his life to the to the fullest so he can give support to his community even when he's dealing with personal heartbreaking events in his private life.

  • @uniunissa
    @uniunissa5 жыл бұрын

    Wow. That was powerful 6 minutes and 41 seconds. Was waiting for documentary about wasabi, but got great documentary about inspirational 75 year old farmer, his passion and legacy. A documentary very well made. The camera work, music and the story itself. Sometimes a poem can tell more than a book. This was just that, a poem. Thank you!

  • @FalloutMediaHK

    @FalloutMediaHK

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much. Comments like these keep me going!

  • @David-bc4rh
    @David-bc4rh5 жыл бұрын

    This video is very timely for me. I just purchased a can of powedered "wasabi" and noticed in the ingredients that it was horseradish, spirulina, and turmeric. I figured wasabi was just the name of this combination of spices, although I had always imagined a spicey root in the same family as ginger, horseradish, and turmeric. Thank you for the upload.

  • @broccolifan6971
    @broccolifan69715 жыл бұрын

    Fake stuff in the world would only make genuine authentic stuff priceless.

  • @robbiereilly
    @robbiereilly5 жыл бұрын

    I've lived in Japan for many years, and not a day goes by that I am not still astounded with how tough Japanese people are. At every age.

  • @johndoe5432

    @johndoe5432

    5 жыл бұрын

    Truly an amazing nation.

  • @Soulixs
    @Soulixs5 жыл бұрын

    Whoever was the producer and editor deserves huge shout out to making such a great piece

  • @FalloutMediaHK

    @FalloutMediaHK

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! I did everything myself as it was a passion project

  • @RenKurono

    @RenKurono

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@FalloutMediaHK are you by any chance self-taught?

  • @FalloutMediaHK

    @FalloutMediaHK

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@RenKurono I had no formal training in filmmaking per se, so, yes.

  • @Miep4chan
    @Miep4chan4 жыл бұрын

    I keep coming back to rewatch this video. It is so beautifully shot, the soundtrack is excellently chosen, the old man's character is so impressive and helps me pick myself up every time. Thank you.

  • @NBraz
    @NBraz5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for such inspiring videos, The Atlantic!

  • @raceace
    @raceace5 жыл бұрын

    Ive sampled wasabi directly from a river bank in Hanno (Saitama) when mountain biking with friends, Yup it was a dare. It was an eye opening nasal destroying experience but once you try it, Sashimi or Sushi with anything else feels tragic. Even in a new world global economy, it's the dedication of generational farmers that help maintain these really essential specialist local economies in Japan. Respect!!

  • @uridev

    @uridev

    4 жыл бұрын

    I've read that the heat of wasabi kills any bacteria or parasites in raw fish and that's why it is eaten with sushi.

  • @jackiedever3835
    @jackiedever38355 жыл бұрын

    This was the best possible way to wrap a Sunday night. Thank you.

  • @jackiechoo
    @jackiechoo5 жыл бұрын

    I really enjoyed this one, thanks! You guys have been 🔥 with the short documentaries lately.

  • @itgetter9
    @itgetter95 жыл бұрын

    This is a beautiful story. Blessings to this family. Thank you for your work and for sharing this story.

  • @AB-gn8oh
    @AB-gn8oh5 жыл бұрын

    Great short documentary, beautiful and moving. What a devoted family man.

  • @xXOFrannieOXx
    @xXOFrannieOXx5 жыл бұрын

    Enjoyed this way more then i though i would. Beautifull story.

  • @DixieFatline
    @DixieFatline5 жыл бұрын

    Great short film. Thank you for putting this up. It puts some things in perspective.

  • @MatthewDLDavidson
    @MatthewDLDavidson5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this beautiful, heart-warming documentary. What an amazing person, cultivating an extraordinary plant!

  • @SalvadorFormento
    @SalvadorFormento5 жыл бұрын

    This video touched my soul. Thank you so much, was so beautiful.

  • @peterlenardon3368
    @peterlenardon33685 жыл бұрын

    Such lovely work, Edwin Lee.

  • @stillmystic
    @stillmystic5 жыл бұрын

    This is so extremely inspiring. I just want to sit there with him and prepare wasabi philosophizing about life, be there for him when he's sad about his son.

  • @Patrick-gf5xg
    @Patrick-gf5xg5 жыл бұрын

    Such a beautiful piece of work Edwin. The photography was stunning, the poignancy so balanced and Shigeo-san an inspiration. Makes me miss Japan a lot.

  • @FalloutMediaHK

    @FalloutMediaHK

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @crazybeartimba
    @crazybeartimba5 жыл бұрын

    What a great man caring for his family, himself, others, and the environment.

  • @eds4947
    @eds49475 жыл бұрын

    I really enjoyed watching this. Thank you!

  • @AlexisSmithFilms
    @AlexisSmithFilms5 жыл бұрын

    Awesome video as always 👌

  • @Jia1337
    @Jia13375 жыл бұрын

    Remember to be thankful for the farmers we have around the world.

  • @bigstick5278

    @bigstick5278

    5 жыл бұрын

    Jia L. ::: Remember the people that still like hard work that pays off with such a hard to grow product.

  • @2727DL
    @2727DL5 жыл бұрын

    Awesome video, thanks for making this!

  • @mtadams2009
    @mtadams20095 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful video, very educational, now I know. I never got a real college education, I went to technical school and there was time I regretted that. As time has gone on I have realized working with my body has been a benefit. At the age of 60 I am still very fit and can do pretty much everything I could when I was young, maybe not as fast. I could retire in a few years but I see know reason to. I can understand why he plans on continuing to work. Having a purpose is important to keeping you physically and mentally fit. Losing your child is a parents biggest fear. I am sorry for your loss. I thank you very much for sharing your lives story. Take care

  • @douglasshowler4168
    @douglasshowler41685 жыл бұрын

    I live 30 minutes away from where wasabi was secretly grown in Japan for the first time (Shizuoka) but I rarely eat natural wasabi as it is very expensive. After watching this lovely video I think I will take a drive and buy some.

  • @thisisreallyverysilly
    @thisisreallyverysilly5 жыл бұрын

    FYI - it's expensive compared to other veggies but that's a silly comparison as you don't eat very much of it...the problem is that it's hard to grow...it requires running spring water that's pure and has a specific temperature range...which means that you cannot grow it at home, you can't plant it anywhere etc...etc... you can get tubes of wasabi paste in Tokyo...and they even powder it (mix with water to turn it into paste) both those are, obviously, lesser versions than the fresh plant being grated...it is f'ing delicious btw...way better than the fake stuff....PS there is a wasabi farm near Matsumoto you can visit and even buy a plant from...unlikely you can import it on the way home, but Matsumoto is doable as a (long) day trip from Tokyo or (more likely) an overnight. The farm sells like 900 different things that include wasabi (ice cream, beer etc..etc...).

  • @cancel.lgbtq.6892

    @cancel.lgbtq.6892

    5 жыл бұрын

    I believe there is another place in England that also grow wasabi. I just saw documentary couple weeks ago.

  • @thomme8539

    @thomme8539

    5 жыл бұрын

    Definitely screenshot ting this for future reference. Thanks :)

  • @tyc9302

    @tyc9302

    2 жыл бұрын

    You actually can; check Oregon Coast Wasabi, it is grown in an American farm, requires no running water, in a canopy to provide the humidity and shade. Very successful business.

  • @XavierKatzone
    @XavierKatzone5 жыл бұрын

    Lovely documentary. Thx.

  • @valentingochev8195
    @valentingochev81955 жыл бұрын

    What a beautiful, inspirational video and story! Thank you for making this and sharing with us!

  • @ThomasJamesBeauchene
    @ThomasJamesBeauchene5 жыл бұрын

    This is a very good documentary. Thanks for sharing.

  • @birage9885
    @birage98855 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful story, beautiful music.

  • @joetylerdale
    @joetylerdale4 жыл бұрын

    A most beautiful video and gentleman. Thank You.

  • @DrejaAndi
    @DrejaAndi5 жыл бұрын

    Great video and story. I wish Shigeo and his family long, happy lives. But he has already found the way through hard work, good food, and good attitude.

  • @GUTOMOFFICIAL
    @GUTOMOFFICIAL5 жыл бұрын

    This is nicely shot. Good job thanks for sharing!

  • @PK-mx7nf
    @PK-mx7nf5 жыл бұрын

    Very moving and beautifully shot.

  • @timp-tu4zo
    @timp-tu4zo5 жыл бұрын

    Awesome video! Seriously, awesome!!

  • @Owlbot
    @Owlbot5 жыл бұрын

    Excellent work Edwin!

  • @heyheytaytay
    @heyheytaytay5 жыл бұрын

    The beauty of this reminds me of Jiro Dreams of Sushi.

  • @dapursukabeda
    @dapursukabeda5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for sharing this amazing video

  • @makoto6111
    @makoto61114 жыл бұрын

    なんだか心が洗われた・・・。 いい動画ですね。投稿ありがとうございます。

  • @rohitv2532
    @rohitv25325 жыл бұрын

    So moving. Thanks for sharing

  • @Helixan
    @Helixan5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the great video! What do they do with the wasabi plant leaves?

  • @lucazsy
    @lucazsy5 жыл бұрын

    It wans't what I was expecting to watch, but I'm glad now. Very inspiring footage.

  • @enasdad
    @enasdad2 жыл бұрын

    Whoever made and /or directed this video, well done!!! I was sad it came to an end

  • @Toobula
    @Toobula5 жыл бұрын

    That was a wonderful story. Thank you.

  • @iddclasses
    @iddclasses5 жыл бұрын

    So informative and his personal story told so well.

  • @wiseguyisyy4u
    @wiseguyisyy4u5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for making me tear up... great video.

  • @oakstrong1
    @oakstrong15 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, I learned a lot while the scenery made me feel very happy. I never knew what wasabi is, it is a new and still somewhat strange flavour for me, so I enjoyed seeing what the plant looks like and how it is farmed and harvested. To see views of the beautiful scenery is big bonus: if I was a farmer there I think I would also be content and healthier than living in a middle of a polluted city - I wouldn't change places with my actual self.

  • @catface
    @catface5 жыл бұрын

    so beautiful and well made! thank you!

  • @PlaceStillMatters
    @PlaceStillMatters5 жыл бұрын

    A very interesting story, well told, with beautiful scenery.

  • @JohnDrummondVA
    @JohnDrummondVA5 жыл бұрын

    What a lovely film. Lovely place, lovely man. I hope he indeed keeps working hard for many years.

  • @Pandonaut
    @Pandonaut5 жыл бұрын

    Amazing music! Amazing story!

  • @elianekeller8504
    @elianekeller85045 жыл бұрын

    The music was perfectly chosen!

  • @MGSBESTProductions
    @MGSBESTProductions5 жыл бұрын

    A strong working man making his difference in the world. Very inspirational!

  • @TOMKHOMION
    @TOMKHOMION5 жыл бұрын

    Such a beautiful and touching video..........Thank you

  • @jaioxung
    @jaioxung5 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful film!

  • @memofrf
    @memofrf2 жыл бұрын

    The definition of a strong man. Thank you for sharing your work.

  • @dajiban9325
    @dajiban93255 жыл бұрын

    I really enjoyed this video.

  • @ThatFreikugel
    @ThatFreikugel5 жыл бұрын

    Just beautiful. I wish their family the best.

  • @pedxing
    @pedxing5 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful work.

  • @linengray
    @linengray5 жыл бұрын

    It was a wonderful film. My thoughts were "will this continue for further generations?". I hope he passes on his passion to his grandson. Beautifully shot and very touching.

  • @nsbd90now
    @nsbd90now5 жыл бұрын

    Wow! That place is amazingly beautiful! And yeah... I knew I've probably never actually had wasabi, but I do like the spicy green stuff I get, so there's that! lol! And the generations... Amazing vid. Thanks!

  • @longle956
    @longle9565 жыл бұрын

    Beautifully done

  • @LakaCamargoDias
    @LakaCamargoDias5 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful! Thank you!!!

  • @Miralee01
    @Miralee014 жыл бұрын

    I wish there was some way to help...so much knowledge is lost every day, and to see this traditional farm still going is amazing. The environment around it is lovely. Thank you for sharing this video.

  • @liquidtunes
    @liquidtunes5 жыл бұрын

    *** Official petition for more details about the soundtrack ***

  • @nopejoeandangie

    @nopejoeandangie

    4 жыл бұрын

    You found aynthing about this soundtrack? On Vimeo it just says he licensed it from Premium Beat. vimeo.com/317955061 The fact that he won't respond to questions kinda puts me off

  • @nopejoeandangie

    @nopejoeandangie

    4 жыл бұрын

    @liquidtunes Okay, the song is on Premium Beat, looks like Daniel Phillipson - All That Remains www.premiumbeat.com/royalty-free-tracks/all-that-remains But I can't find it anywhere else, like on KZread.

  • @ningjiecao6252

    @ningjiecao6252

    4 жыл бұрын

    ​@@nopejoeandangie Curious if you are able to find the second track? The more japanese sounding one, with a slower tempo.

  • @nopejoeandangie

    @nopejoeandangie

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@ningjiecao6252 That I don't know. The maker of the video responded at one point and confirmed I was right about the first song, but he isn't very good at responding to questions about soundtracks or labeling soundtracks in his actual videos like a real producer. I hope he isn't caught in the violence in Hong Kong or something. Otherwise he may just be busy.

  • @budweiser416
    @budweiser4165 жыл бұрын

    I am Filipino and I admire the Japanese people for being such great people staying efficient at what they do and not let emotion take over.. amazing how they are the number 1 people on earth to have longer life span because everything they do is calculated and they have strong will.

  • @mmmk1616
    @mmmk16165 жыл бұрын

    Great video! I had no idea, all these years... I even named my cat Wasabi because I love the taste! Now I'm curious to taste the real thing.

  • @mordant221

    @mordant221

    5 жыл бұрын

    Good luck friend, getting your hands on real wasabi is harder than getting real Kobe beef.

  • @mmmk1616

    @mmmk1616

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@mordant221 Yes, sounds like it. And in the description they said "Grated wasabi root loses its flavor within 15 minutes." I think that if I ever want to taste the real thing I am going to have to go to Japan. So, never going to happen. Because I'm too poor. Oh well, one can dream though, can't one?

  • @vir042

    @vir042

    5 жыл бұрын

    If you are just looking for the paste and not the root its not that bad, you can order small tubes pretty cheap from japan on ebay etc, also you can easily find wasabi powder that contain more or less real wasabi, if its a mix with a lot of real wasabi it should be somewhat close to the real taste since if its just a bit of horseradish it wont matter much, horseradish and wasabi is very close in the family three but very far apart in price ;)

  • @psifigal8229

    @psifigal8229

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@vir042 Thanks!

  • @rgarlinyc
    @rgarlinyc5 жыл бұрын

    Heart warming story - gentle man in peaceful nature - and beautifully filmed. I hope his art lasts at least another 400 years, well into the 20th generation and beyond!

  • @369jwillow
    @369jwillow5 жыл бұрын

    WOW! Thank you, I nearly cried. The taste of real wasabi is simply divine and I am so glad there are people carrying on this wonderful tradition.

  • @hautakleightontam771
    @hautakleightontam7715 жыл бұрын

    His story is like his wasabi. Bitter and harsh with tears, yet also warm and sweet, stirring the appetite for life.

  • @FalloutMediaHK

    @FalloutMediaHK

    5 жыл бұрын

    quite the analogy... thanks!

  • @jansteinvonsquidmeirsteen2256
    @jansteinvonsquidmeirsteen22565 жыл бұрын

    Excellent!

  • @ItsMe-yn6ql
    @ItsMe-yn6ql5 жыл бұрын

    MORE DOCUMENTARY STUFF please

  • @lisamay6769
    @lisamay67695 жыл бұрын

    What an incredible inspirational man!

  • @treyweeeee
    @treyweeeee5 жыл бұрын

    Bless this man and his work. 💖

  • @jonlocke7112
    @jonlocke71125 жыл бұрын

    That was beautiful, thank you for that.

  • @karin-gailaris6034
    @karin-gailaris60345 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful video 🌱

  • @popstage101
    @popstage1015 жыл бұрын

    A lovely beautiful livelihood, sending much love to this wonderful Japanese man. Condolences for his loss

  • @JoshMarshain
    @JoshMarshain2 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful video

  • @ebbeb9827
    @ebbeb98275 жыл бұрын

    Love videos like these

  • @chauniquemartinez
    @chauniquemartinez5 жыл бұрын

    This ❤️ very good video

  • @TriggerHappy923
    @TriggerHappy9235 жыл бұрын

    Actually was a beautiful video. It makes me want to cry while eating wasabi even more.

  • @FLASH-MATT
    @FLASH-MATT2 ай бұрын

    Great story 👍

  • @gasperkosmac7672
    @gasperkosmac76725 жыл бұрын

    beautiful video!

  • @nattaggart6145
    @nattaggart61455 жыл бұрын

    Such a beautiful video

  • @WubzMegaplier
    @WubzMegaplier5 жыл бұрын

    I would love to have this career. Living in a beautiful place growing beautiful plants.

  • @ptorx1036
    @ptorx10365 жыл бұрын

    just brilliant!

  • @chrishaynesusa
    @chrishaynesusa5 жыл бұрын

    I lived in Japan for three years. Most of the sushi bars on the Izu peninsula(Manazuru, Ito, Atami, Kawazu, Numazu & Shimoda....) serve a small piece of wasabi root with your fish. And when you go back to the Kanagawa-ken area you always try to bring a little back as Omiyage for your Japanese friends. I watched a video on KZread a few weeks ago that had an Oregon Wasabi farm.

  • @okrajoe
    @okrajoe5 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful!

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