0:00:43.460,0:00:46.420 What defines[br]"deliciousness"? 0:00:46.588,0:00:50.966 Taste is tough[br]to explain, isn't it? 0:00:52.302,0:00:54.595 I would see ideas[br]in dreams. 0:00:54.763,0:00:59.600 My mind was bursting[br]with ideas. 0:00:59.768,0:01:03.020 I would wake up[br]in the middle of the night. 0:01:03.188,0:01:07.566 In dreams, I would have[br]visions of sushi. 0:02:18.638,0:02:22.558 Once you decide[br]on your occupation, 0:02:22.725,0:02:25.894 you must immerse yourself[br]in your work. 0:02:26.062,0:02:30.691 You have to fall in love[br]with your work. 0:02:30.859,0:02:36.238 Never complain[br]about your job. 0:02:36.406,0:02:42.786 You must dedicate your life[br]to mastering your skill. 0:02:42.954,0:02:46.582 That's the secret[br]of success 0:02:46.749,0:02:52.713 and is the key to being[br]regarded honorably. 0:03:00.722,0:03:05.184 I have published several[br]restaurant guidebooks. 0:03:05.351,0:03:08.937 I went to every sushi, soba,[br]tempura, and eel restaurant in Tokyo. 0:03:09.105,0:03:11.190 Nobody has eaten more[br]of these foods than I have. 0:03:24.162,0:03:26.413 Out of the hundreds[br]of restaurants that I ate at, 0:03:26.581,0:03:29.541 Jiro's was the best by far. 0:03:31.419,0:03:34.004 When I went to Jiro[br]the first time, I was nervous. 0:03:35.757,0:03:38.175 After going for years,[br]I am still nervous. 0:03:50.897,0:03:54.191 Jiro has a very stern look[br]on his face when he's making sushi. 0:03:54.359,0:03:56.401 It's comfortable for people 0:03:56.569,0:03:59.112 who like to have sushi[br]served at a fast pace. 0:03:59.280,0:04:03.033 But for people who want[br]to drink and eat slowly while chatting, 0:04:03.201,0:04:05.786 it won't be a comfortable[br]eating experience. 0:04:09.707,0:04:12.626 All of the sushi is simple.[br]It's completely minimalist. 0:04:15.004,0:04:17.964 Master chefs from around the world[br]eat at Jiro's and say, 0:04:18.132,0:04:22.719 "How can something so simple[br]have so much depth of flavor?" 0:04:22.887,0:04:26.598 If you were to sum up[br]Jiro's sushi in a nutshell... 0:04:26.766,0:04:30.394 "Ultimate simplicity[br]leads to purity." 0:04:43.366,0:04:45.826 - Excuse me.[br]- Yes? 0:04:45.994,0:04:47.786 Do you have a pamphlet[br]for this restaurant? 0:04:47.954,0:04:50.664 We don't have pamphlets.[br]We only have business cards. 0:04:50.832,0:04:52.249 Could I have one, please? 0:04:52.417,0:04:53.875 May I have one? 0:04:55.169,0:04:57.754 I came all the way[br]from Shizuoka. 0:04:57.922,0:04:59.965 Here are a few cards. 0:05:00.133,0:05:02.342 - Can I make reservations?[br]- Reservations are mandatory here. 0:05:02.510,0:05:03.927 How early do I need[br]the reservation? 0:05:04.095,0:05:05.429 - One month in advance.[br]- One month in advance? 0:05:05.596,0:05:07.097 Yes. 0:05:07.265,0:05:08.682 Since it's February now, 0:05:08.850,0:05:11.476 we're taking reservations[br]for March. 0:05:11.644,0:05:13.186 I see. 0:05:14.731,0:05:17.607 Reservations can be made[br]for lunch and dinner? 0:05:17.775,0:05:21.111 Yes, for both.[br]The price starts at 30,000 yen. 0:05:21.279,0:05:23.780 - 30,000 yen?[br]- It starts at 30,000 yen. 0:05:23.948,0:05:27.200 - Okay.[br]- The sushi and prices vary, 0:05:27.368,0:05:29.578 depending on what's[br]available at the market. 0:05:29.746,0:05:31.830 - I see.[br]- So it starts from 30,000 yen. 0:05:31.998,0:05:36.543 Can we order drinks[br]and appetizers to start? 0:05:36.711,0:05:39.379 We only serve sushi.[br]We don't have appetizers. 0:05:39.547,0:05:41.131 - Really?[br]- Yes. 0:05:41.299,0:05:42.758 - You don't have any other dishes?[br]- No. 0:05:42.925,0:05:44.009 - Only sushi.[br]- Yes. 0:05:44.177,0:05:46.011 - Okay, thank you.[br]- Thank you. 0:05:52.393,0:05:54.978 For fast eaters, a meal there[br]might last only 15 minutes. 0:05:55.146,0:05:57.981 In that sense, it's the most expensive[br]restaurant in the world. 0:05:58.149,0:06:01.818 But people who eat there are[br]convinced it's worth the price. 0:06:15.708,0:06:19.419 We're not trying[br]to be exclusive or elite. 0:06:19.587,0:06:25.175 The techniques we use[br]are no big secret. 0:06:26.469,0:06:28.261 It's just about[br]making an effort 0:06:28.429,0:06:31.556 and repeating[br]the same thing every day. 0:06:31.724,0:06:37.604 There are some who are born[br]with a natural gift. 0:06:39.190,0:06:43.777 Some have a sensitive palate[br]and sense of smell. 0:06:45.279,0:06:47.614 That's what you call[br]"natural talent." 0:06:47.782,0:06:50.200 In this line of business, 0:06:50.368,0:06:53.912 if you take it seriously,[br]you'll become skilled. 0:06:54.080,0:06:57.707 But if you want[br]to make a mark in the world, 0:06:57.875,0:07:00.001 you have to have talent. 0:07:00.169,0:07:04.756 The rest depends[br]on how hard you work. 0:07:19.564,0:07:22.607 He repeats the same[br]routine every day. 0:07:22.775,0:07:25.277 He even gets on the train[br]from the same position. 0:07:29.740,0:07:32.868 He has said that[br]he dislikes holidays. 0:07:33.035,0:07:35.036 The holidays are too long for him. 0:07:36.581,0:07:38.415 He wants to get back[br]to work right away. 0:07:38.583,0:07:40.333 It's unthinkable[br]for most people. 0:08:16.454,0:08:19.122 Is it good?[br]Is it too firm? 0:08:19.290,0:08:21.124 - Overall it's a little tough.[br]- Is it? 0:08:21.292,0:08:23.376 Probably because[br]it is young. 0:08:25.213,0:08:27.130 But the toughness[br]isn't that bad. 0:08:30.134,0:08:33.178 If it doesn't taste good,[br]you can't serve it. 0:08:33.346,0:08:35.722 It has to be better[br]than last time. 0:08:35.890,0:08:38.767 That's why I always taste the food[br]during preparation. 0:09:03.543,0:09:06.461 - It hasn't marinated enough.[br]- It is a bit fatty. 0:09:17.014,0:09:19.266 This doesn't taste[br]right either. 0:09:23.229,0:09:26.398 - How long has this marinated?[br]- For about five hours. 0:09:26.566,0:09:29.609 - Put it back in.[br]- It needs work. 0:09:29.777,0:09:31.236 Let's marinate it[br]in vinegar a little longer. 0:09:31.404,0:09:33.071 My father is right. 0:09:33.239,0:09:36.241 - Let's marinate it again.[br]- Put it in the vinegar again. 0:09:36.409,0:09:38.827 Put that one in the vinegar too. 0:09:39.954,0:09:43.164 - We'll try it again before serving.[br]- Okay. 0:09:58.556,0:10:02.267 I've seen many chefs[br]who are self-critical, 0:10:02.435,0:10:05.979 but I've never seen another chef[br]who is so hard on himself. 0:10:14.655,0:10:17.157 He sets the standard[br]for self-discipline. 0:10:17.325,0:10:20.327 He is always looking ahead. 0:10:20.494,0:10:22.370 He's never satisfied[br]with his work. 0:10:22.538,0:10:24.205 He's always trying to find ways 0:10:24.373,0:10:26.499 to make the sushi better[br]or to improve his skills. 0:10:26.667,0:10:29.586 Even now, that's what[br]he thinks about every day. 0:10:35.217,0:10:39.387 A great chef has[br]the following five attributes. 0:10:39.555,0:10:42.849 First, they take their work[br]very seriously 0:10:43.017,0:10:46.478 and consistently perform[br]on the highest level. 0:10:48.522,0:10:53.610 Second, they aspire[br]to improve their skills. 0:10:55.780,0:10:57.280 Third is cleanliness. 0:11:02.536,0:11:04.537 If the restaurant[br]doesn't feel clean, 0:11:04.705,0:11:08.083 the food isn't[br]going to taste good. 0:11:08.250,0:11:11.127 The fourth attribute[br]is impatience. 0:11:11.295,0:11:17.342 They are not prone[br]to collaboration. 0:11:17.510,0:11:20.804 They're stubborn and insist[br]on having things their own way. 0:11:22.348,0:11:24.474 What ties these attributes together 0:11:24.642,0:11:26.768 is passion. 0:11:26.936,0:11:28.812 That's what makes a great chef. 0:11:28.979,0:11:32.232 Jiro has all of these attributes. 0:11:32.400,0:11:33.942 He's a perfectionist. 0:11:38.906,0:11:42.075 The difference between Jiro today[br]and Jiro 40 years ago 0:11:42.243,0:11:44.077 is only that he stopped smoking. 0:11:44.245,0:11:46.454 Other than that,[br]nothing has changed. 0:12:07.309,0:12:11.396 When I apprenticed for him,[br]he wasn't famous yet. 0:12:11.564,0:12:17.152 But he always worked[br]incredibly hard. 0:12:18.988,0:12:23.324 He would only take a day off[br]if it was a national holiday. 0:12:24.869,0:12:27.579 The only time[br]he wasn't at the restaurant 0:12:27.747,0:12:32.125 was when there was[br]an emergency, like a funeral. 0:12:32.293,0:12:35.128 But he would still keep[br]the restaurant open. 0:12:35.296,0:12:37.839 I would say to the customers,[br]"Jiro is at a funeral, 0:12:38.007,0:12:41.301 so I will be your chef today." 0:12:41.469,0:12:43.928 I've worked hard,[br]so I have no regrets. 0:12:44.096,0:12:45.597 Seriously. 0:12:45.765,0:12:47.724 If Jiro has any regrets,[br]then he's crazy! 0:12:49.393,0:12:51.311 I feel sorry for his older son. 0:12:51.479,0:12:53.605 He should let[br]Yoshikazu take over. 0:12:53.773,0:12:55.982 Don't you think? 0:12:56.150,0:12:58.151 Yoshikazu is already 50. 0:12:58.319,0:13:00.737 Yes, he's only[br]12 years younger than I am. 0:13:12.583,0:13:15.293 Yoshikazu,[br]you probably didn't think 0:13:15.461,0:13:18.129 you'd be working[br]with your father so long. 0:13:18.297,0:13:20.256 I thought he was going[br]to retire long ago. 0:13:20.424,0:13:22.926 Everyone thought Jiro might[br]retire 10 years ago. 0:13:23.093,0:13:25.887 He was hospitalized once[br]when he was 70. 0:13:26.055,0:13:29.057 Then the Roppongi Hills[br]branch was opened. 0:13:29.225,0:13:32.644 Those were the two times[br]when he might have retired. 0:13:32.812,0:13:37.607 After he was hospitalized, we weren't[br]sure he could continue working. 0:13:37.775,0:13:40.193 How old were you when[br]you started training? 0:13:40.361,0:13:42.529 I started when I was 19. 0:13:42.696,0:13:44.280 You didn't like it at first? 0:13:44.448,0:13:46.157 I hated it at first. 0:13:48.118,0:13:52.872 For the first two years,[br]I wanted to run away. 0:13:55.042,0:13:58.169 We can have them[br]sit here and here. 0:13:58.337,0:14:01.840 But that way, Mr. Taniguchi[br]would have to sit at seat nine. 0:14:09.932,0:14:12.433 Have these guests[br]on seats one, two and three. 0:14:12.601,0:14:14.811 No, that won't work. 0:14:14.979,0:14:20.024 It wouldn't be fair to the people[br]who reserved last year. 0:14:20.192,0:14:24.821 Have them sit close together[br]to fit the other party. 0:14:26.323,0:14:30.243 It's essential[br]to check every detail. 0:14:32.121,0:14:35.582 What the staff might not notice, 0:14:35.749,0:14:38.459 I notice because I have been[br]doing it for so long. 0:14:38.627,0:14:42.922 I give them detailed[br]instructions on what to do. 0:14:43.090,0:14:45.508 Working there wasn't easy. 0:14:45.676,0:14:48.177 I worked for him[br]until he was 60. 0:14:48.345,0:14:52.765 I wouldn't say[br]he is eccentric. 0:14:52.933,0:14:57.437 He just works[br]relentlessly every day. 0:14:57.605,0:14:59.981 That's how shokunin are. 0:15:00.149,0:15:04.027 The way of the shokunin is[br]to repeat the same thing every day. 0:15:04.194,0:15:07.196 They just want to work. 0:15:07.364,0:15:10.450 They aren't trying to be special. 0:15:10.618,0:15:13.411 I could always tell[br]from his facial expressions 0:15:13.579,0:15:15.872 if he was in a good mood[br]or a bad mood. 0:15:17.458,0:15:19.792 And when it was best[br]not to bother him. 0:15:22.254,0:15:24.172 Once your boss,[br]always your boss. 0:15:24.340,0:15:26.132 Let's just say 0:15:26.300,0:15:29.594 I don't sleep with my feet[br]in his direction. 0:15:35.809,0:15:38.269 Remove the part[br]with tough meat. 0:15:45.527,0:15:50.531 We'll age a small tuna[br]for about three days. 0:15:50.699,0:15:54.911 We'll age a larger tuna[br]for up to 10 days. 0:15:55.079,0:15:58.665 When you compare[br]fatty tuna and lean tuna, 0:15:58.832,0:16:03.211 these days most people[br]prefer the taste of fat. 0:16:07.716,0:16:12.512 Before World War ll,[br]they used to cook fatty tuna. 0:16:12.680,0:16:16.891 The taste of the fatty tuna[br]is simple and predictable. 0:16:17.059,0:16:22.397 But the flavors of leaner cuts[br]are subtle and sophisticated. 0:16:33.784,0:16:37.203 Each tuna has[br]its own unique taste, 0:16:37.371,0:16:42.500 but it is the leaner meat that carries[br]the essence of the flavor. 0:16:50.801,0:16:52.802 We can't buy[br]just any tuna. 0:17:16.452,0:17:20.246 The tuna vendor works[br]exclusively with tuna. 0:17:27.463,0:17:29.380 Our shrimp vendor[br]only sells shrimp. 0:17:33.510,0:17:36.679 Each vendor is[br]a specialist in his field. 0:17:36.847,0:17:39.140 We are experts in sushi, 0:17:39.308,0:17:45.021 but in each of their specialties,[br]the vendors are more knowledgeable. 0:17:45.189,0:17:48.316 We've built up a relationship[br]of trust with them. 0:18:04.833,0:18:07.376 Sushi was originally sold[br]from street stands. 0:18:07.544,0:18:10.254 In New York, there are[br]food vendors on the street. 0:18:10.422,0:18:12.840 Sushi was once served[br]the same way. 0:18:15.052,0:18:17.220 It is said that[br]the "California" roll 0:18:17.387,0:18:20.473 was invented[br]between 1983 and 1985. 0:18:22.392,0:18:25.812 Sushi's popularity spread[br]quickly to New York... 0:18:27.314,0:18:29.524 and then spread to Europe. 0:18:33.987,0:18:37.949 In France, the first Michelin guide[br]was published in 1900. 0:18:38.117,0:18:41.744 Michelin inspectors[br]look first for quality. 0:18:41.912,0:18:43.496 Next they look for originality, 0:18:43.664,0:18:45.998 and finally[br]they look for consistency. 0:18:46.166,0:18:49.919 Jiro's restaurant easily[br]meets their standards. 0:18:50.087,0:18:52.964 A perfect three-star[br]Michelin rating means 0:18:53.132,0:18:55.049 it is worth making[br]a trip to that country 0:18:55.217,0:18:58.094 just to eat at that restaurant. 0:18:58.262,0:19:02.098 When Jiro got three stars,[br]everyone was astonished. 0:19:02.266,0:19:05.143 There are only 10 seats there![br]The restroom is outside the premises. 0:19:05.310,0:19:07.895 There's not another three-star[br]restaurant in the world like that. 0:19:08.063,0:19:10.565 But the Michelin[br]investigators say, 0:19:10.732,0:19:12.608 "No matter how many times[br]you eat at Jiro's, 0:19:12.776,0:19:15.319 the sushi there is incredible."[br]They said that three stars 0:19:15.487,0:19:17.822 is the only rating adequate[br]for the restaurant. 0:19:17.990,0:19:21.742 I've never had[br]a disappointing experience there. 0:19:21.910,0:19:24.954 That's nothing short[br]of a miracle. 0:20:06.914,0:20:08.915 The layout of this second[br]restaurant is different 0:20:09.082,0:20:11.417 because I'm right-handed[br]and my father is left-handed. 0:20:11.585,0:20:14.629 The interiors are reversed. 0:20:14.796,0:20:17.924 The photo on the right[br]is Jiro's Sukiyabashi. 0:20:18.091,0:20:19.592 This is my Roppongi. 0:20:19.760,0:20:23.471 Together, they are symmetrical. 0:20:23.639,0:20:25.473 My father's skill is incomparable. 0:20:25.641,0:20:28.142 He's been making sushi[br]since before I was born, 0:20:28.310,0:20:30.269 so there's nothing[br]I can do to top him. 0:20:30.437,0:20:36.067 I have to lower my prices[br]to satisfy my customers. 0:20:37.069,0:20:38.861 Some of his customers say 0:20:39.029,0:20:41.822 they get nervous eating in front[br]of my father at his place. 0:20:41.990,0:20:46.202 They say I serve the same sushi[br]in a more relaxed atmosphere. 0:20:46.370,0:20:49.413 That's why they like coming here. 0:20:54.586,0:20:56.712 When l opened this restaurant,[br]my father said, 0:20:56.880,0:20:58.965 "Now you have no home[br]to come back to." 0:20:59.132,0:21:01.342 He said that I would be[br]buried in Roppongi. 0:21:02.511,0:21:07.598 Failure was not an option. 0:21:07.766,0:21:10.977 When you open your own restaurant,[br]you need to be tough. 0:21:11.144,0:21:14.730 I told him to leave[br]and open this restaurant 0:21:14.898,0:21:18.818 because I knew he could do it. 0:21:18.986,0:21:24.156 If he weren't ready,[br]I wouldn't have made him go. 0:21:24.324,0:21:26.450 But I felt he was ready, 0:21:26.618,0:21:28.411 so I gave him a gentle push[br]out the door. 0:21:28.578,0:21:31.455 But I told him,[br]"There is no turning back. 0:21:31.623,0:21:34.250 You must make your own way." 0:21:34.418,0:21:37.086 When I say things like this, 0:21:37.254,0:21:39.338 people often disagree. 0:21:39.506,0:21:43.259 But when I left home at the age of nine,[br]that's what I was told. 0:21:44.594,0:21:47.805 When I was in the first grade,[br]I was told 0:21:47.973,0:21:50.975 "You have no home[br]to come back to. 0:21:51.143,0:21:53.019 That's why you have[br]to work hard." 0:21:53.186,0:21:56.147 I knew that[br]I was on my own. 0:21:56.315,0:21:59.984 And I didn't want to have to sleep[br]at the temple or under a bridge, 0:22:00.152,0:22:03.654 so I had to work[br]just to survive. 0:22:03.822,0:22:06.741 That has never left me. 0:22:06.908,0:22:11.287 I worked even if the boss[br]kicked or slapped me. 0:22:11.455,0:22:16.459 Nowadays, parents tell their children, "You can[br]return if it doesn't work out." 0:22:16.626,0:22:19.462 When parents say[br]stupid things like that, 0:22:19.629,0:22:22.506 the kids turn out[br]to be failures. 0:22:33.143,0:22:35.436 I don't know much[br]about my parents. 0:22:35.604,0:22:37.438 I don't know[br]much about my father. 0:22:38.982,0:22:40.900 This is me. 0:22:44.738,0:22:47.239 It's 1927 or 1928. 0:22:47.407,0:22:49.909 They had a professional[br]photographer come 0:22:50.077,0:22:52.411 just to take this picture. 0:22:52.579,0:22:55.206 So, back then,[br]my father was making money. 0:22:57.501,0:23:01.462 He made good money taking[br]people on boat rides. 0:23:01.630,0:23:06.342 But his business failed[br]and his life fell apart. 0:23:07.552,0:23:11.680 All he did was drink. 0:23:11.848,0:23:16.102 Later, he went to work[br]at a military factory in Yokohama. 0:23:16.269,0:23:22.316 I heard that he died. 0:23:22.484,0:23:25.194 But I didn't go to the funeral. 0:23:26.822,0:23:30.366 I lived with him until I was seven. 0:23:30.534,0:23:32.952 I never heard from him again. 0:23:36.039,0:23:39.375 I was on my own after that. 0:23:49.261,0:23:52.847 Our father started as an apprentice[br]and was paid almost nothing. 0:23:53.014,0:23:56.517 According to our mother,[br]when they got married 0:23:56.685,0:23:59.311 they only had 10 yen[br]in their bank account. 0:24:00.897,0:24:02.982 That's how poor we were. 0:24:03.150,0:24:06.944 I remember when Coca-Cola[br]in cans first came out. 0:24:07.112,0:24:08.946 All the other kids[br]were drinking Coke, 0:24:09.114,0:24:11.115 but we were so poor[br]we didn't get to drink it. 0:24:11.283,0:24:14.076 Back then, in most[br]canned drinks 0:24:14.244,0:24:17.580 the flavors[br]were on the bottom. 0:24:17.747,0:24:21.167 I thought you had[br]to shake the can. 0:24:21.334,0:24:25.087 I shook it, and when l opened it[br]the liquid burst out. 0:24:25.255,0:24:28.174 We had saved up for months![br]My brother was furious. 0:24:28.341,0:24:31.093 Less than half the liquid[br]remained in the can. 0:24:31.261,0:24:34.138 I felt so sorry. 0:24:34.306,0:24:38.392 Even now, he probably[br]thinks about it. 0:24:38.560,0:24:41.729 I still feel guilty. 0:24:43.648,0:24:46.775 When the kids were small,[br]Takashi would say, 0:24:46.943,0:24:49.862 on the rare occasion that I was[br]at home sleeping in on a Sunday, 0:24:50.030,0:24:53.032 "Mom, there's a strange man[br]sleeping in our house!" 0:24:55.410,0:24:57.119 It's a true story. 0:24:57.287,0:24:59.872 I would get up at 5:00[br]in the morning and go to work. 0:25:00.040,0:25:03.417 I would get home after 10:00[br]at night when he'd be asleep. 0:25:03.585,0:25:06.170 When they were young,[br]I didn't get to see them often. 0:25:07.589,0:25:10.174 I wasn't much of a father. 0:25:10.342,0:25:13.177 I was probably more[br]like a stranger. 0:25:17.349,0:25:19.892 Our father was always[br]strict with himself. 0:25:20.060,0:25:24.522 We hold ourselves[br]to the same standard. 0:25:40.997,0:25:43.958 I let them graduate[br]from high school. 0:25:44.125,0:25:46.210 Then they wanted[br]to go to college, 0:25:46.378,0:25:49.713 but I convinced them[br]to help out at my restaurant. 0:25:49.881,0:25:53.342 They didn't go to college. 0:26:05.188,0:26:08.440 It's difficult to maintain a restaurant 0:26:08.608,0:26:10.985 and it's difficult to leave[br]and start your own. 0:26:12.404,0:26:17.032 It's normal to be competitive[br]when you're younger. 0:26:17.200,0:26:20.786 You need competition[br]in order to improve. 0:26:20.954,0:26:22.955 But if we both were[br]to continue working 0:26:23.123,0:26:25.124 at our father's restaurant, 0:26:25.292,0:26:27.918 when he retires only one[br]of us could be the head chef. 0:26:28.086,0:26:29.753 And I don't think I'm inferior 0:26:29.921,0:26:32.464 to my brother just because[br]I was born later. 0:26:38.430,0:26:43.017 Were you jealous when Takashi[br]started his own restaurant? 0:26:43.184,0:26:46.270 In Japan, the eldest son 0:26:46.438,0:26:50.858 succeeds his father's position. 0:26:51.026,0:26:56.280 That's what is expected of me. 0:27:17.719,0:27:20.346 We came back to work[br]after World War ll. 0:27:22.474,0:27:26.226 The masters said that[br]the history of sushi is so long 0:27:26.394,0:27:29.188 that nothing new[br]could be invented. 0:27:30.732,0:27:32.983 They may have[br]mastered their craft, 0:27:33.151,0:27:35.861 but there's always room[br]for improvement. 0:27:37.656,0:27:40.407 I created sushi dishes 0:27:40.575,0:27:43.827 that didn't exist back then. 0:27:57.550,0:28:00.094 I would make sushi in my dreams. 0:28:00.261,0:28:02.596 I would jump out of bed[br]at night with ideas. 0:28:12.315,0:28:13.941 How did you serve shrimp before? 0:28:14.109,0:28:16.151 Like everyone else,[br]we boiled it in the morning 0:28:16.319,0:28:17.695 and put it in the refrigerator. 0:28:17.862,0:28:19.697 And then we took it out[br]when it was time to serve. 0:28:19.864,0:28:22.324 It was a lot easier back then. 0:28:22.492,0:28:25.869 Now we wait to boil the shrimp[br]until the customer arrives. 0:28:26.037,0:28:27.996 It's more work,[br]but it's worth it. 0:28:28.164,0:28:29.748 Octopus is another example. 0:28:29.916,0:28:32.292 I always felt that[br]my preparation was decent. 0:28:32.460,0:28:34.336 But I've since refined[br]my technique. 0:28:34.504,0:28:37.881 Back then, I would massage[br]the octopus for about 30 minutes. 0:28:38.049,0:28:40.050 Now it is massaged[br]for 40 to 50 minutes. 0:28:44.097,0:28:46.682 It's hard work[br]for the apprentices. 0:28:49.853,0:28:52.521 Too often,[br]octopus tastes like rubber. 0:28:52.689,0:28:54.898 It has no flavor. 0:28:57.402,0:29:00.612 We massage it to give it[br]a soft texture. 0:29:00.780,0:29:04.032 To bring out the fragrance[br]of the octopus, we serve it warm. 0:29:19.507,0:29:21.467 Shokunin try to get 0:29:21.634,0:29:24.678 the highest quality fish[br]and apply their technique to it. 0:29:28.433,0:29:32.853 We don't care about money. 0:29:49.120,0:29:54.583 All I want to do[br]is make better sushi. 0:29:54.751,0:29:58.337 I do the same thing over[br]and over, improving bit by bit. 0:29:58.505,0:30:02.216 There is always a yearning[br]to achieve more. 0:30:02.383,0:30:05.302 I'll continue to climb,[br]trying to reach the top, 0:30:05.470,0:30:09.264 but no one knows[br]where the top is. 0:30:26.699,0:30:28.784 Even at my age,[br]after decades of work, 0:30:28.952,0:30:31.912 I don't think I have[br]achieved perfection. 0:30:38.753,0:30:41.129 But I feel ecstatic all day. 0:30:41.297,0:30:43.632 I love making sushi. 0:30:43.800,0:30:46.969 That's the spirit[br]of the shokunin. 0:31:03.570,0:31:05.445 When to quit? 0:31:05.613,0:31:08.198 The job that you've worked[br]so hard for? 0:31:08.366,0:31:12.619 I've never once hated this job. 0:31:12.787,0:31:15.873 I fell in love with my work 0:31:16.040,0:31:20.502 and gave my life to it. 0:31:20.670,0:31:23.797 Even though I'm 85 years old, 0:31:23.965,0:31:28.218 I don't feel like retiring. 0:31:31.014,0:31:32.598 That's how I feel. 0:31:32.765,0:31:35.517 When Jiro retires 0:31:35.685,0:31:39.187 or when the inevitable[br]happens, 0:31:39.355,0:31:44.401 sushi may never reach[br]that level again. 0:31:44.569,0:31:50.282 But if Yoshikazu carries on[br]his father's legacy 0:31:50.450,0:31:55.662 and continues Jiro's style[br]of only making the finest sushi, 0:31:55.830,0:31:59.750 other chefs may follow his lead 0:31:59.918,0:32:04.880 and restaurants that focus only[br]on sushi may still flourish. 0:32:05.048,0:32:06.882 It's not going to be easy 0:32:07.050,0:32:10.969 for Yoshikazu to succeed his father[br]at the same restaurant. 0:32:14.432,0:32:16.308 Even if Yoshikazu makes[br]the same level of sushi, 0:32:16.476,0:32:18.143 it will be seen as inferior. 0:32:18.311,0:32:20.812 If Yoshikazu makes sushi[br]that's twice as good as Jiro's, 0:32:20.980,0:32:22.648 only then will[br]they be seen as equals. 0:32:22.815,0:32:26.068 That's how influential[br]his father is. 0:32:29.197,0:32:31.907 Sometimes, when the father[br]is too successful, 0:32:32.075,0:32:35.494 the son can't surpass him. 0:32:35.662,0:32:40.707 The first place I worked at[br]was a famous restaurant. 0:32:40.875,0:32:44.503 But when the son took over, all[br]the customers left and didn't come back. 0:32:47.757,0:32:49.174 It will be difficult. 0:32:49.342,0:32:53.595 I don't have anyone[br]to take over for me. 0:32:59.978,0:33:05.816 Jiro's ghost will always[br]be there, watching. 0:33:05.984,0:33:10.445 I think it will be difficult[br]when Jiro departs. 0:33:23.876,0:33:28.505 I wish my father could[br]make sushi forever. 0:33:28.673,0:33:30.757 But at some point 0:33:30.925,0:33:33.719 I'm going to have[br]to take his place. 0:33:33.886,0:33:38.890 People tell me that I should preserve[br]what my father has built. 0:33:39.058,0:33:43.770 We've gone through a lot to maintain[br]the integrity of this restaurant. 0:33:43.938,0:33:47.149 I must continue[br]my father's tradition. 0:34:13.134,0:34:15.844 Jiro stopped going to the[br]fish market at the age of 70. 0:34:16.012,0:34:18.847 He collapsed[br]while smoking a cigarette. 0:34:20.099,0:34:21.850 He had a heart attack. 0:34:23.728,0:34:26.772 It was after that he stopped[br]going to the market. 0:34:29.400,0:34:31.610 He felt that if he continued to go, 0:34:31.777,0:34:33.779 he wouldn't be able to pass[br]the torch to his son. 0:34:33.946,0:34:37.657 So the heart attack[br]was a catalyst 0:34:37.824,0:34:40.243 for Yoshikazu to start[br]going to the market. 0:35:44.725,0:35:48.812 - He's the undisputed champ.[br]- That's not true. 0:35:48.980,0:35:54.234 They did a TV special about him[br]and even showed a re-run! 0:35:54.402,0:35:56.820 I'm humbled that[br]Jiro respects my taste. 0:35:56.988,0:36:02.701 My methods[br]and standards are 0:36:02.869,0:36:05.912 a little unusual compared[br]to other vendors. 0:36:06.080,0:36:08.915 It is encouraging[br]that he trusts me. 0:36:09.083,0:36:12.627 I'm what you might call[br]"anti-establishment." 0:36:12.795,0:36:18.008 I either buy my first choice,[br]or I buy nothing. 0:36:19.802,0:36:24.556 If 10 tuna are for sale,[br]only one can be the best. 0:36:24.724,0:36:27.350 I buy that one. 0:36:46.829,0:36:49.414 The first impression[br]is very important. 0:36:51.709,0:36:53.585 We have to predict what[br]a fish will be like 0:36:53.753,0:36:55.670 based on experience and instinct. 0:36:57.757,0:37:00.217 I dig out a piece of the tail[br]and examine it. 0:37:01.761,0:37:04.763 By checking the texture[br]with my fingers, 0:37:04.931,0:37:07.557 I can tell how good it will taste. 0:37:20.029,0:37:22.322 This is the basic process[br]of choosing the fish. 0:37:33.251,0:37:34.542 Not good. 0:37:38.047,0:37:40.882 People are saying there are[br]a lot of tuna here. 0:37:45.513,0:37:47.264 This is nothing. 0:39:13.267,0:39:15.435 - How is the halibut?[br]- Good and fresh. 0:39:15.603,0:39:17.312 Okay, good. 0:39:17.480,0:39:23.109 His grandfather was known[br]as "the god of sea eel." 0:39:23.277,0:39:25.445 He was a legend. 0:39:25.613,0:39:28.490 I never met him in person, 0:39:28.657,0:39:30.575 but that's what I've heard. 0:39:33.454,0:39:35.330 - Do you have octopus?[br]- Yes. 0:39:35.498,0:39:38.041 Today's octopus is from... 0:39:38.209,0:39:40.668 - Sajima?[br]- It's from Yokosuka. 0:39:42.463,0:39:44.214 Was the color too dark? 0:39:44.382,0:39:47.467 I don't care about the color. 0:39:47.635,0:39:49.552 It just has to taste good. 0:39:49.720,0:39:51.471 The flavor is all that matters. 0:39:53.724,0:39:55.600 This one is two kilograms, 0:39:55.768,0:39:58.895 and this one is a little smaller. 0:40:23.671,0:40:28.216 We are picky[br]about who we sell to. 0:40:28.384,0:40:31.177 We want customers[br]who appreciate good fish. 0:40:32.972,0:40:38.810 Even at my age,[br]I'm discovering new techniques. 0:40:38.978,0:40:40.812 But just when you think[br]you know it all, 0:40:40.980,0:40:43.189 you realize that you're[br]just fooling yourself 0:40:43.357,0:40:45.358 and then you get depressed. 0:40:59.665,0:41:03.501 You must hold the shrimp firmly. 0:41:04.795,0:41:06.588 Put pressure on them. 0:41:06.755,0:41:09.799 If you hold them gently,[br]they'll try to escape. 0:41:11.594,0:41:14.679 Very few shrimp came in today. 0:41:14.847,0:41:16.222 They don't have any. 0:41:16.390,0:41:18.141 They didn't sell out.[br]No shrimp came in. 0:41:18.309,0:41:20.518 Just tell them[br]that we sold out. 0:41:20.686,0:41:23.104 There were only[br]three kilograms 0:41:23.272,0:41:26.107 of wild shrimp[br]in this whole market. 0:41:26.275,0:41:28.318 That's all. 0:41:30.237,0:41:33.907 Everybody thinks[br]we always have shrimp, 0:41:34.074,0:41:35.867 but it's hard to find them. 0:41:36.035,0:41:38.953 Sometimes, when I see[br]the shrimp in the morning, 0:41:39.121,0:41:42.373 I'll say, "Ah,[br]this is worthy of Jiro." 0:41:42.541,0:41:44.709 That's the way I do business. 0:41:44.877,0:41:47.378 It's not about the money. 0:41:49.006,0:41:51.216 These days, young people[br]want an easy job. 0:41:51.383,0:41:52.884 They want lots of free time 0:41:53.052,0:41:54.928 and they want lots of money. 0:41:55.095,0:41:58.014 But they aren't concerned[br]with building their skills. 0:41:58.182,0:42:02.560 When you work[br]at a place like Jiro's... 0:42:04.396,0:42:07.482 you are committing[br]to a trade for life. 0:42:07.650,0:42:11.069 Most people can't keep up[br]with the hard work and they quit. 0:42:11.237,0:42:13.071 Have there been[br]a lot of cases like that? 0:42:13.239,0:42:15.740 People often suddenly quit[br]and disappear. 0:42:15.908,0:42:17.867 They'll just leave[br]without notice. 0:42:18.035,0:42:20.119 What's the shortest[br]an apprentice has lasted? 0:42:20.287,0:42:22.080 One day. 0:42:24.625,0:42:28.211 Really, one day. They come in[br]the morning, but by night they are gone. 0:42:34.343,0:42:37.178 I've always loved anything fast. 0:42:37.346,0:42:39.556 I wanted to become a fighter pilot, 0:42:39.723,0:42:42.517 but they don't accept[br]people with bad vision. 0:42:42.685,0:42:44.811 Then I wanted[br]to be a race car driver, 0:42:44.979,0:42:47.855 but I didn't have enough money. 0:42:48.023,0:42:51.025 You need a sponsor because[br]race cars are so expensive. 0:42:51.193,0:42:53.444 When I was a kid, 0:42:53.612,0:42:57.490 I was sure I would be[br]an F1 racer. 0:42:57.658,0:43:00.994 - You're a speed freak?[br]- Yes, I'm crazy. 0:43:03.122,0:43:06.082 My car can go 300 kph. 0:43:12.339,0:43:14.257 Hello, Sho-chan. 0:43:14.425,0:43:18.803 They wanted nappa[br]and mulukhiya cabbage. 0:43:20.139,0:43:21.222 How are you doing? 0:43:21.390,0:43:23.057 Not doing too well. 0:43:23.225,0:43:25.184 I want to retire. 0:43:25.352,0:43:27.604 You don't want to work? 0:43:27.771,0:43:30.231 I'm exhausted, but your dad[br]is working so hard. 0:43:30.399,0:43:32.900 Yeah, he's working hard.[br]He's working harder than I am. 0:43:33.068,0:43:35.945 He's full of energy. 0:43:36.113,0:43:38.615 Thank you.[br]I hope you feel better. 0:43:55.090,0:44:00.511 When you work for Jiro,[br]he teaches you for free. 0:44:00.679,0:44:02.805 But you have to endure[br]10 years of training. 0:44:02.973,0:44:04.891 If you persevere for 10 years, 0:44:05.059,0:44:08.686 you will acquire the skills to be[br]recognized as a first-rate chef. 0:44:32.086,0:44:36.089 It's sad to see that there are no[br]very young apprentices at Jiro's. 0:44:36.256,0:44:39.676 Taking 10 years to learn[br]the necessary skills 0:44:39.843,0:44:43.471 is a long time compared[br]to other fields of work. 0:44:54.775,0:44:57.193 When did you want[br]to become a sushi chef? 0:44:57.361,0:44:59.612 I was about 17. 0:44:59.780,0:45:04.867 I needed a job but couldn't[br]decide what to do. 0:45:05.035,0:45:09.414 I wanted to do[br]something with food 0:45:09.581,0:45:11.332 and sushi is the coolest food. 0:45:11.500,0:45:13.626 That's how I decided. 0:45:13.794,0:45:18.715 I went to several restaurants,[br]but the sushi here was the best. 0:45:18.882,0:45:21.342 So I applied for the job. 0:45:21.510,0:45:23.386 The atmosphere was[br]different too. 0:45:23.554,0:45:25.430 This place has[br]an interesting vibe. 0:45:27.057,0:45:31.561 I came here to eat[br]by myself when I was 24. 0:45:31.729,0:45:33.646 The place made me nervous. 0:45:33.814,0:45:35.481 Did Jiro make you sushi? 0:45:35.649,0:45:38.151 - No, it was you.[br]- Oh, really? 0:45:38.318,0:45:40.361 I was so nervous eating here. 0:45:40.529,0:45:42.029 I don't remember that at all. 0:45:42.197,0:45:44.866 Now you guys are[br]all fulfilling your dreams. 0:45:46.910,0:45:49.245 Maybe you think you made[br]the wrong decision. 0:45:50.664,0:45:52.331 Okay, let's get to work. 0:45:59.506,0:46:02.258 Everybody works to please Jiro. 0:46:02.426,0:46:05.845 All that matters is[br]Jiro's approval. 0:46:06.013,0:46:09.724 Jiro is like the maestro[br]of an orchestra. 0:48:02.546,0:48:04.171 When you first sit down at Jiro's 0:48:04.339,0:48:06.382 they give you[br]a hand-squeezed hot towel. 0:48:06.550,0:48:09.844 An apprentice must first be able[br]to properly hand squeeze a towel. 0:48:10.012,0:48:12.847 At first the towels are so hot,[br]they burn the apprentice's hands. 0:48:13.015,0:48:15.391 It's very painful training,[br]which is very Japanese. 0:48:15.559,0:48:18.644 Until you can adequately squeeze a towel, they[br]won't let you touch the fish. 0:48:18.812,0:48:22.356 Then you learn to cut[br]and prepare the fish. 0:48:22.524,0:48:26.193 After about 10 years,[br]they let you cook the eggs. 0:48:33.911,0:48:37.747 I had been practicing making[br]the egg sushi for a long time. 0:48:39.875,0:48:42.960 I thought I would be good at it. 0:48:45.714,0:48:48.341 But when it came[br]to making the real thing, 0:48:48.508,0:48:50.217 I kept messing up. 0:48:55.807,0:48:59.101 I was making up to four a day. 0:49:00.938,0:49:04.273 But they kept saying,[br]"No good, no good, no good." 0:49:04.441,0:49:07.568 I felt like it was[br]impossible to satisfy them. 0:49:07.736,0:49:09.987 After three or four months, 0:49:10.155,0:49:13.950 I had made over 200[br]that were all rejected. 0:49:26.380,0:49:29.298 When I finally did[br]make a good one 0:49:29.466,0:49:31.884 Jiro said, "Now this is[br]how it should be done." 0:49:32.052,0:49:34.470 I was so happy I cried. 0:49:36.932,0:49:42.395 It was a long time before Jiro[br]referred to me as a shokunin. 0:49:54.992,0:49:58.035 I wanted to shout, "You just called me[br]a shokunin, didn't you?" 0:50:00.038,0:50:02.456 I was so happy that I wanted[br]to throw my fist into the air! 0:50:02.624,0:50:04.792 But I tried not to let it show. 0:50:06.920,0:50:10.172 That's what you strive for[br]after all these years. 0:50:36.199,0:50:39.660 After Nakazawa opens[br]his own place, 0:50:39.828,0:50:41.996 Takeshita and Masuda 0:50:42.164,0:50:46.250 will be promoted to[br]Nakazawa's position. 0:50:46.418,0:50:50.337 The work that Takeshita[br]and Masuda were doing 0:50:50.505,0:50:56.052 will be taken over[br]by newcomers. 0:50:58.847,0:51:00.848 I'm in charge of tasting. 0:51:10.525,0:51:12.318 You should slice the fish thinner. 0:51:19.367,0:51:20.868 The rest is okay. 0:51:22.037,0:51:25.164 Make sure you slice the fish thinly. 0:51:25.332,0:51:27.958 Only apply gentle pressure. 0:51:28.960,0:51:31.504 He gives me advice.[br]Yoshikazu says, 0:51:31.671,0:51:34.048 "Press the sushi as if you are[br]pressing a little chick." 0:51:34.216,0:51:37.051 - A chick?[br]- Right, a baby chicken. 0:51:37.219,0:51:38.969 You don't want to squash it. 0:51:39.137,0:51:42.556 But there is much[br]you can't learn from words. 0:51:42.724,0:51:45.810 I have to keep practicing. 0:51:45.977,0:51:48.813 There's too much wasabi. 0:51:51.691,0:51:54.110 - It's making me cry.[br]- I'm sorry. 0:51:54.277,0:51:56.612 - You just grated the wasabi, right?[br]- Yes. 0:52:01.368,0:52:03.994 Okay, good job. 0:52:42.659,0:52:44.451 He needs time to grow. 0:52:46.037,0:52:50.207 There is still[br]a long way for him to go, 0:52:50.375,0:52:53.085 but I think he will improve. 0:52:55.213,0:52:57.798 It depends[br]on how hard he works. 0:53:34.252,0:53:38.756 In order to make delicious food,[br]you must eat delicious food. 0:53:42.385,0:53:44.511 The quality of ingredients[br]is important, 0:53:44.679,0:53:49.600 but one must develop a palate capable[br]of discerning good and bad. 0:53:49.768,0:53:53.979 Without good taste,[br]you can't make good food. 0:53:57.776,0:53:59.443 If your sense of taste is lower 0:53:59.611,0:54:02.404 than that of the customers,[br]how will you impress them? 0:54:04.783,0:54:08.744 When I think of someone with a highly[br]acute sense of taste and smell, 0:54:08.912,0:54:12.331 the first person I think of is the great[br]French chef Joël Robuchon. 0:54:13.792,0:54:17.586 I wish I were as sensitive as he. 0:54:18.797,0:54:21.590 I have a very good[br]sense of smell, 0:54:21.758,0:54:23.467 but he's on another level. 0:54:23.635,0:54:26.053 His sensitivity is very high. 0:54:27.931,0:54:30.099 If I had his tongue and nose, 0:54:30.267,0:54:32.393 I could probably make[br]even better food. 0:54:49.869,0:54:52.329 He knows everything about rice. 0:54:52.497,0:54:54.999 He's different[br]from the other dealers. 0:54:56.209,0:54:58.836 He knows so much. 0:54:59.004,0:55:02.006 That's why we trust him. 0:55:02.173,0:55:04.174 However, sometimes[br]he seems so knowledgeable 0:55:04.342,0:55:06.302 that I get suspicious[br]he's making it all up! 0:55:11.141,0:55:14.601 The hotel near Takashi's restaurant[br]came to me. 0:55:14.769,0:55:18.605 I told them certain rice can only[br]be prepared by Jiro's disciples. 0:55:18.773,0:55:21.650 - It was the Hyatt Hotel.[br]- Oh, the Grand Hyatt. 0:55:21.818,0:55:24.737 - They asked you for our rice?[br]- I told them, "No way!" 0:55:24.904,0:55:27.906 I said even if I wanted[br]to sell it to them... 0:55:30.035,0:55:34.496 only Jiro knows[br]how to cook it! 0:55:34.664,0:55:39.001 If Jiro told me to sell it[br]to them, I would, 0:55:39.169,0:55:42.629 but I can't sell it to them just[br]because they ask for it. 0:55:42.797,0:55:46.508 Everybody loves our rice. 0:55:46.676,0:55:50.220 But if they can't cook it,[br]what's the use? 0:55:50.388,0:55:55.267 It takes significant skill[br]to cook this rice. 0:55:55.435,0:56:00.606 What's the point of buying rice[br]that you can't cook? 0:56:00.774,0:56:03.650 - It's not so easy, is it?[br]- Mmm. 0:56:03.818,0:56:06.612 You can't cook rice[br]like this just with big talk. 0:56:23.630,0:56:27.966 We put a lot[br]of pressure on the rice. 0:56:30.136,0:56:33.764 The lid itself is so heavy[br]that it takes two hands to lift. 0:56:33.932,0:56:37.476 And then we place[br]a big pot of water on top. 0:56:40.313,0:56:43.774 With the type of rice we use, 0:56:43.942,0:56:46.902 you need a lot of pressure. 0:56:48.530,0:56:51.198 I can't think[br]of any other restaurant 0:56:51.366,0:56:53.909 that puts this much pressure[br]on the rice. 0:56:54.077,0:56:55.744 But that's fine with us, 0:56:55.912,0:56:58.497 because we can keep using[br]the best rice 0:56:58.665,0:57:01.291 and our rivals won't[br]be able to imitate us. 0:57:06.881,0:57:12.719 The temperature of the rice[br]is very important. 0:57:17.058,0:57:20.102 Most people think[br]sushi is cold. 0:57:20.270,0:57:24.940 But actually, the rice should be[br]served at body temperature. 0:57:25.108,0:57:29.319 We've devised techniques to maintain[br]the perfect temperature when serving. 0:57:33.324,0:57:36.660 The temperature and freshness[br]of the fish 0:57:36.828,0:57:39.371 are crucial. 0:57:45.628,0:57:49.339 Each ingredient has an ideal moment[br]of deliciousness. 0:57:49.507,0:57:53.469 Mastering the timing[br]of sushi is difficult. 0:57:53.636,0:57:58.098 It takes years of experience[br]to develop your intuition. 0:58:02.729,0:58:07.191 The sushi must be eaten[br]immediately after it is served. 0:58:10.487,0:58:12.654 To explain umami...[br]it takes more than just 0:58:12.822,0:58:15.491 a good piece of tuna to create[br]the sensation of umami. 0:58:18.328,0:58:20.037 - It's when...[br]- You eat it together 0:58:20.205,0:58:22.039 with vinegared rice[br]and soy sauce. 0:58:22.207,0:58:24.875 The umami is brought out[br]through the balance of the flavors. 0:58:29.714,0:58:33.342 For example,[br]when you drink a good beer, 0:58:33.510,0:58:36.011 you'll exclaim "Ahh!"[br]after you drink it. 0:58:36.179,0:58:38.055 That's a form of umami. 0:58:38.223,0:58:40.432 Or when you take a bath, 0:58:40.600,0:58:43.977 you say "Ahh!"[br]because it feels good. 0:58:53.071,0:58:56.532 The most important part[br]of making good sushi is this: 0:58:56.699,0:59:00.661 creating a balance between[br]the rice and the fish. 0:59:00.828,0:59:03.872 If they are not in complete harmony,[br]the sushi won't taste good. 0:59:04.040,0:59:06.750 The order is also important.[br]In traditional Japanese cuisine, 0:59:06.918,0:59:09.169 there is a progression[br]in how the dishes are served. 0:59:09.337,0:59:11.755 Heavier flavors are[br]served later in the course. 0:59:11.923,0:59:13.507 There is an ebb and flow[br]to the menu. 0:59:13.675,0:59:15.133 For 10 years,[br]Jiro pondered ways 0:59:15.301,0:59:17.594 to incorporate this[br]concept into his menu. 0:59:17.762,0:59:19.680 Seven years ago,[br]he formed the structure 0:59:19.847,0:59:21.974 of the tasting course[br]that he serves today. 0:59:22.141,0:59:25.644 From all the fish[br]at Tsukiji market, 0:59:25.812,0:59:27.688 he chooses[br]the highest quality fish 0:59:27.855,0:59:31.733 and creates[br]the course menu of the day. 0:59:31.901,0:59:36.071 I was lucky enough to be[br]the first person to try this menu. 0:59:36.239,0:59:38.824 When I ate the sushi,[br]I felt like I was listening to music. 0:59:38.992,0:59:42.244 Jiro's sushi course[br]is like a concerto. 0:59:46.165,0:59:48.625 The meal is divided[br]into three movements. 0:59:48.793,0:59:51.128 Classic items,[br]like tuna and kohada, 0:59:51.296,0:59:53.922 are presented[br]in the first movement. 1:00:51.064,1:00:53.940 The items in[br]the second movement 1:00:54.108,1:00:57.361 are fresh catches of the day. 1:01:06.829,1:01:13.418 Certain items that can only be found[br]seasonally are served. 1:01:19.550,1:01:23.512 Some of the fish is raw,[br]while some is cooked. 1:01:28.559,1:01:30.727 The second movement is[br]like an improvisation. 1:01:30.895,1:01:32.688 It's like a cadenza. 1:01:44.200,1:01:47.244 In the third movement,[br]sea eel, kanpyo 1:01:47.412,1:01:50.580 and egg comprise[br]a traditional finale. 1:02:20.820,1:02:23.113 There are dynamics in the way[br]the sushi is served, 1:02:23.281,1:02:24.990 just like music. 1:02:27.201,1:02:31.079 You're consuming[br]Jiro's philosophy with every bite. 1:03:03.905,1:03:07.157 He's watching us much more closely[br]than we're watching him. 1:03:10.286,1:03:11.995 I make the sushi different sizes 1:03:12.163,1:03:14.372 depending on[br]the customer's gender. 1:03:17.794,1:03:19.336 If I made everybody's[br]the same size, 1:03:19.504,1:03:21.296 it would disrupt[br]the pace of the meal. 1:03:21.464,1:03:24.049 So I make the sushi[br]a little smaller for the ladies 1:03:24.217,1:03:27.677 so everybody finishes[br]at the same time. 1:03:27.845,1:03:29.638 That's incredible. 1:03:29.806,1:03:32.140 If the men and women[br]are seated randomly, 1:03:32.308,1:03:35.393 does it make things difficult? 1:03:35.561,1:03:39.147 The first thing we do is memorize[br]the seating arrangement. 1:03:39.315,1:03:42.526 Man, woman,[br]woman, man, et cetera. 1:03:42.693,1:03:45.529 If Jiro notices[br]a guest using his left hand, 1:03:45.696,1:03:49.032 the next piece of sushi will be[br]placed on the left side. 1:03:49.200,1:03:52.244 So you adjust accordingly[br]for that guest. 1:03:52.411,1:03:54.371 I'm left-handed,[br]so l understand 1:03:54.539,1:03:56.540 how left-handed people feel. 1:03:57.542,1:03:59.543 That's so considerate. 1:03:59.710,1:04:02.712 Jiro is making more sushi now[br]than ever before. 1:04:05.132,1:04:06.967 Before, customers would[br]start with drinks. 1:04:07.134,1:04:08.593 And then they would[br]eat appetizers. 1:04:08.761,1:04:12.305 Then they would eat four[br]or five sushi at the end. 1:04:12.473,1:04:14.015 And then they would be full. 1:04:14.183,1:04:16.643 Now l only make sushi[br]from start to finish. 1:04:16.811,1:04:18.854 I make 20 pieces per person. 1:04:19.021,1:04:20.313 Jiro is the oldest chef 1:04:20.481,1:04:22.732 to have been awarded[br]three stars by Michelin. 1:04:24.652,1:04:27.654 He's in the Guinness Book[br]of World Records. 1:04:27.822,1:04:32.576 Nobody in their 80s[br]is working day and night like Jiro. 1:04:32.743,1:04:37.706 Jiro was given the Meikou Award[br]by the Japanese government. 1:04:37.874,1:04:41.835 He went to the award ceremony[br]during the day 1:04:42.003,1:04:44.629 and was back at work here[br]in the evening. 1:04:44.797,1:04:46.631 He said he got tired[br]of sitting around. 1:04:49.427,1:04:52.679 When we have good tuna,[br]I feel great. 1:04:54.015,1:04:56.474 While I'm making the sushi, 1:04:56.642,1:04:58.476 I feel victorious. 1:04:58.644,1:04:59.978 That's how it makes me feel. 1:05:00.146,1:05:02.731 Thank you for the delicious meal. 1:05:06.110,1:05:08.069 Take care of yourself! 1:05:09.739,1:05:13.658 - Thank you very much.[br]- The sushi was so delicious. 1:05:13.826,1:05:15.660 Thank you very much. 1:05:15.828,1:05:19.873 Until the end, l only want to work[br]with the best fish. 1:05:21.417,1:05:24.461 Yoshikazu and I have[br]meetings at night. 1:05:24.629,1:05:26.713 I tell him what I want[br]for the next day. 1:05:26.881,1:05:28.381 He sometimes tells me 1:05:28.549,1:05:30.508 that there isn't[br]any good fish available, 1:05:30.676,1:05:34.512 but he still comes back[br]with enough fish for one day. 1:05:36.223,1:05:38.850 I first noticed that good seafood[br]was becoming scarce 1:05:39.018,1:05:42.687 when the akagai started[br]to disappear. 1:05:42.855,1:05:44.773 And then the good[br]hamaguri disappeared. 1:05:44.941,1:05:48.234 It used to be easy[br]to get good anago, 1:05:48.402,1:05:50.362 but now they're gone. 1:05:50.529,1:05:53.114 If you have a sushi restaurant, 1:05:53.282,1:05:58.286 you'll have to find substitutes[br]for certain types of fish. 1:05:58.454,1:06:01.623 But is there a substitute for tuna?[br]I don't think so. 1:06:03.334,1:06:06.461 Back when I was younger, 1:06:06.629,1:06:12.425 there was never a shortage[br]of high-quality fish. 1:06:12.593,1:06:14.803 In the past, when I would[br]go to the market, 1:06:14.971,1:06:16.972 I could see the big tuna[br]that were just cut open 1:06:17.139,1:06:20.225 and I would ask them[br]to bring out the ones I liked. 1:06:20.393,1:06:21.977 That was true for any fish. 1:06:22.144,1:06:25.814 You can't find fish[br]like that anymore. 1:06:29.860,1:06:32.237 When we were kids, 1:06:32.405,1:06:35.490 sushi was too expensive[br]to eat regularly. 1:06:40.079,1:06:42.497 Now they have sushi[br]on conveyor belts 1:06:42.665,1:06:44.290 and in convenience stores. 1:06:44.458,1:06:46.292 Sushi is available[br]everywhere, 1:06:46.460,1:06:48.503 which has caused[br]a shortage of fish. 1:06:51.590,1:06:54.134 The problem is over-fishing. 1:06:54.301,1:06:56.928 The tuna stocks are[br]declining each year. 1:06:57.096,1:07:01.975 It takes 10 years for them[br]to weigh 100 kilograms. 1:07:02.143,1:07:04.853 Net-fishing[br]and bottom-trawling methods 1:07:05.021,1:07:07.272 catch everything,[br]even the young fish. 1:07:07.440,1:07:12.902 Regulations on catching only[br]bigger fish should be enforced. 1:07:13.070,1:07:15.488 Catching the smaller fish[br]before they've matured 1:07:15.656,1:07:17.866 lowers the overall numbers. 1:07:22.663,1:07:27.792 Businesses should balance profit 1:07:27.960,1:07:34.007 with preserving[br]natural resources. 1:07:49.065,1:07:51.107 Without fish, 1:07:51.275,1:07:55.236 we can't do business. 1:07:55.404,1:07:58.156 However, that doesn't mean[br]they should catch 1:07:58.324,1:08:00.617 all the fish[br]to the brink of extinction. 1:08:00.785,1:08:03.495 For posterity, 1:08:03.662,1:08:07.207 we must be conscious[br]of this issue. 1:08:32.942,1:08:34.609 Welcome! 1:08:35.778,1:08:38.363 It has been awhile.[br]How are you doing? 1:08:40.116,1:08:41.866 - How are you?[br]- I'm doing great! 1:08:42.033,1:08:44.661 - We're still alive![br]- What are you saying? 1:08:44.828,1:08:47.080 This is my oldest son. 1:08:47.247,1:08:48.957 He looks just like you. 1:08:50.960,1:08:53.795 Thank you for gathering. 1:09:01.011,1:09:04.680 When Jiro and this guy[br]were in the first grade, 1:09:04.849,1:09:07.517 they were infamous troublemakers. 1:09:07.685,1:09:10.270 I wasn't a bully. 1:09:10.437,1:09:12.063 He was. 1:09:13.439,1:09:16.442 He was the number one[br]troublemaker. 1:09:16.609,1:09:18.736 I was number two. 1:09:18.904,1:09:22.991 Later, when you were[br]at school, 1:09:23.158,1:09:26.536 I was delivering lunches[br]for military draftees. 1:09:26.703,1:09:28.872 She brought all her friends[br]to the window, 1:09:29.038,1:09:30.415 they all looked down at me 1:09:30.582,1:09:33.877 and she yelled,[br]"He's the one who bullied me!" 1:09:36.255,1:09:39.006 I said, "I'm not just bullying her,[br]I'm bullying everyone!" 1:10:01.071,1:10:04.699 They'll get mad at us[br]if we go in. 1:10:04.867,1:10:07.785 You're not supposed to clap[br]your hands at a Buddhist temple. 1:10:07.953,1:10:10.079 Of course.[br]Did you know that? 1:10:10.247,1:10:12.415 Yes, you don't clap[br]in a Buddhist shrine. 1:10:12.583,1:10:14.125 You're going[br]to get in trouble. 1:10:14.293,1:10:17.128 It's okay,[br]I'm not doing anything bad. 1:10:19.465,1:10:21.591 Where is everybody? 1:10:38.692,1:10:40.902 I haven't been here[br]for a long time. 1:10:45.574,1:10:47.492 - The flowers are dead.[br]- Yes, they are. 1:10:47.660,1:10:49.410 Just water them. 1:10:49.578,1:10:51.621 I guess we were supposed[br]to bring flowers. 1:10:51.789,1:10:53.998 Maybe next time. 1:11:00.214,1:11:01.589 I don't know why[br]I come here. 1:11:01.757,1:11:03.758 My parents[br]didn't take care of me. 1:11:03.926,1:11:06.678 You shouldn't say things like that in front of your[br]ancestors. 1:11:06.845,1:11:08.888 You'll be punished. 1:11:09.056,1:11:10.848 Lots of spider webs. 1:11:32.997,1:11:36.666 When I was in school, 1:11:36.834,1:11:41.045 I was a bad kid. 1:11:41.213,1:11:44.215 Later, when I was invited[br]to give a talk at the school, 1:11:44.383,1:11:47.468 I wasn't sure if I should tell the kids[br]that they should study hard 1:11:47.636,1:11:52.140 or that it is okay to be a rebel. 1:11:52.308,1:11:55.518 I wasn't sure what advice[br]to give the kids. 1:11:55.686,1:11:57.979 Studying hard[br]doesn't guarantee 1:11:58.147,1:12:00.982 you will become[br]a respectable person. 1:12:01.150,1:12:03.359 Even if you're a bad kid, 1:12:03.527,1:12:06.738 there are people[br]like me who change. 1:12:06.905,1:12:11.159 I thought that would be[br]a good lesson to teach. 1:12:11.327,1:12:16.122 But if I said that bad kids can succeed[br]later on like I did, 1:12:16.290,1:12:18.958 all the kids would[br]start misbehaving, 1:12:19.126,1:12:21.336 which would be a problem. 1:12:21.503,1:12:24.005 Always doing what[br]you are told 1:12:24.173,1:12:27.216 doesn't mean[br]you'll succeed in life. 1:13:11.303,1:13:14.180 There were customers today 1:13:14.348,1:13:17.350 that came to eat[br]after seeing us on TV. 1:13:17.518,1:13:22.063 I am usually the one on TV[br]and I'm the one making the sushi, 1:13:22.231,1:13:24.107 which is what[br]the customers expect. 1:13:26.443,1:13:29.404 They think that Nakazawa[br]just carries the fish from the kitchen. 1:13:29.571,1:13:32.740 Customers think that all[br]Yoshikazu does is cut the fish. 1:13:32.908,1:13:35.868 They think the staff[br]in the kitchen has it easy. 1:13:36.036,1:13:38.621 And they think the master[br]making sushi has the hardest job. 1:13:38.789,1:13:40.623 But in reality,[br]the sushi is 95% complete 1:13:40.791,1:13:42.542 before the fish[br]is brought out to me. 1:13:44.378,1:13:46.337 So the guy who is[br]doing the least work 1:13:46.505,1:13:48.339 gets to take all the limelight. 1:13:48.507,1:13:53.219 I entrust all the preparations[br]to these guys. 1:13:53.387,1:13:56.431 I'm in the luckiest[br]position right now. 1:13:56.598,1:13:59.934 Customers still think that[br]he does all the preparations. 1:14:01.228,1:14:02.395 They probably do. 1:14:02.563,1:14:04.856 They think he still[br]does everything. 1:14:05.023,1:14:06.941 But if you think about it, 1:14:07.109,1:14:09.735 they're all just doing[br]what I taught them. 1:14:09.903,1:14:12.280 Is sushi easily[br]misunderstood? 1:14:12.448,1:14:14.907 The person making the sushi[br]is almost like a performer. 1:14:15.075,1:14:16.534 It is misunderstood that way. 1:14:16.702,1:14:18.828 Compared to tempura[br]or soba chefs, 1:14:18.996,1:14:21.622 sushi chefs are[br]more interesting to watch. 1:14:21.790,1:14:24.876 - That may be true.[br]- It's like the sushi chef is on a stage. 1:14:25.043,1:14:26.919 That may be true. 1:14:27.087,1:14:28.754 My job is the easiest! 1:14:30.674,1:14:33.509 If I don't keep working,[br]my body will become worthless. 1:14:33.677,1:14:36.512 If my body stops functioning,[br]then I will have to quit. 1:14:36.680,1:14:40.224 Or if I look too hideous to be here,[br]then I will retire. 1:14:40.392,1:14:42.351 It's not up to me. 1:14:42.519,1:14:46.189 If the customers see me[br]and think that I look too senile... 1:14:48.150,1:14:50.902 if that's what people think,[br]then I will have no choice. 1:14:51.069,1:14:53.738 If I stopped working at 85, 1:14:53.906,1:14:56.824 I would be bored[br]out of my mind. 1:14:56.992,1:14:59.994 I would be kicked[br]out of the house. 1:15:00.162,1:15:02.955 My wife would kick me out[br]for being such a nuisance. 1:15:03.123,1:15:06.626 I have been able to carry on 1:15:06.793,1:15:12.131 with the same job[br]for 75 years. 1:15:12.299,1:15:15.051 It's hard to slow down. 1:15:15.219,1:15:18.262 I guess I'm in the last[br]stretch of the race. 1:15:23.268,1:15:25.394 The Michelin inspectors said, 1:15:25.562,1:15:27.438 "Jiro's sushi is[br]incredible every time." 1:15:27.606,1:15:29.774 They said, "Three stars[br]is the only rating 1:15:29.942,1:15:31.943 that is adequate[br]for the restaurant." 1:15:34.780,1:15:36.739 Later on, I heard that[br]during the first year 1:15:36.907,1:15:38.866 that Jiro's was[br]checked by Michelin 1:15:39.034,1:15:42.578 Jiro didn't make sushi[br]for Michelin even once. 1:15:42.746,1:15:44.914 Yoshikazu was the one[br]who made sushi for them. 1:16:43.724,1:16:50.229 I want both of my sons[br]to continue on. 1:16:50.397,1:16:54.150 They both will run[br]their own restaurants. 1:17:02.200,1:17:04.410 I will admit I trained my sons 1:17:04.578,1:17:07.246 more strictly than[br]the other apprentices. 1:17:07.414,1:17:10.374 But I did so for the sake[br]of their futures, 1:17:10.542,1:17:13.336 not because I wanted[br]to be mean to them. 1:17:15.505,1:17:19.383 It's something that I thought about[br]from the beginning. 1:17:20.844,1:17:24.055 Even if I were[br]to be gone right now, 1:17:24.222,1:17:26.599 I know they can go on. 1:17:39.112,1:17:43.741 Yoshikazu just needs to keep it up[br]for the rest of his life. 1:17:43.909,1:17:47.453 That's what is most important. 1:17:47.621,1:17:52.625 He should just keep[br]doing the same thing 1:17:52.793,1:17:56.962 for the rest of his life. 1:19:14.916,1:19:16.542 Always... 1:19:16.710,1:19:19.962 look beyond[br]and above yourself. 1:19:22.632,1:19:24.592 Always try... 1:19:26.678,1:19:28.888 to improve on yourself. 1:19:29.055,1:19:32.641 Always strive[br]to elevate your craft. 1:19:32.809,1:19:35.978 That's what he taught me.