Naoki Yoshizawa×Yusuke Yoshizawa×Chisako Takashima

Brand beef isn’t everything. How do you distinguish good meat?

Takashima

Wagyu beef has become popular all over the world.

Naoki

Yes. I have tried beef from worldwide but my impression is that nothing can equal Wagyu beef.

Yusuke

I don’t think people anywhere else can take such good care of cows.

Takashima

How would you define savory beef?

Naoki

It is beef with good fat. Meat is savory because of the sweet taste of the fat. Cow fat is the best because its melting point is lower than that of oxen or bulls. It is so low that it melts at body temperature, and therefore, it doesn’t sit heavy on your stomach. Sometimes I hear people saying, “The beef was so beautifully marbled that I had two or three slices and it sat on my stomach.” However, that only means that it was not good-quality meat.

Takashima

I see. Then, it does not matter if you are having brand beef or not?

Naoki

Each animal is individually different, so brand beef does not always taste the best. It is the same with humans, isn’t it? We were born from the same parents and yet we are so different (laughs). But that does not mean that one is better than the other. Different qualities are valued in different places. It is the same with beef. Grade A5 or brand names are not necessarily the best choice. There is a balance of marbling that is perfect for cooking meat on a teppan (iron griddle) and some cuts are especially good for shabu-shabu. It is best to choose the cooking method that best suits the meat.

Yusuke

Even with meat, there is a right place or the right method of cooking for the right portion. A balanced combination brings the best out of the meat.

Takashima

I know exactly what you mean. I love beef so much that I have my butcher order specialty meat for me and I always ask the store how I should cook it. Even if I get the same cut as the previous time, they might tell me that this time it would best to make beef cutlets. I have learned so much that I have gradually developed a selective eye for beef. I can tell by looking at the meat how I should cook it.

Naoki

I wish we could have more people eat beef by letting them know that marbled meat and brand meat are not always the best and proposing the many different ways to enjoy different meat.

Takashima

I only eat beef. When go to doctor for a check-up, I am always to have more vegetables, but even if I don’t, there is no problem with my data. My theory is that it is because the cows eat my vegetables for me.

Naoki & Yusuke

Really!? (gales of laughter)

Naoki

I drink green juice to be on the safe side (laughs).

Takashima

I only eat beef and pastries (laughs). Beef gives me a lot of energy.

Yusuke

We have many elderly clients, who look very young and healthy, too.

Naoki

It is also true that the Japanese came to live longer lives after they began having beef in their diet. The fat from beef includes a lot of unsaturated fatty acid, which balances your hormones and controls cancer-inducing agents.

Takashima

Then I will continue to pursue a life with only beef (laughs).

Dedicated to business in Ginza, where only authentic goods gather.

Takashima

Please tell me how you feel about Ginza.

Yusuke

When you look at Ginza from the outside, it has so many wonderful features that are unique to the town. It is a fascinating place.

Naoki

Ginza is home not only to the latest high fashion brands but also to meat shops and kimono shops, which are located on the narrow back streets. There are few towns with this kind of mixture. We have a strong relationship with other storeowners, including many who are more experienced than us, regardless of the business field.

Takashima

Ginza is a very fashionable shopping town.

Naoki

When I chaired the Ginmikai during its 60th anniversary year, I learned quite a lot from the older members. One member said, “Many different stars together form a cluster large than the moon. Even the smallest stars can shine like the milky way when they are together.” I feel exactly the same way. For Ginza to shine, individual stores have to be dedicated to our busineses.

Yusuke

Ginza is open to everything but only the authentic can survive. Therefore, it is a very attractive place for people devoted to their business.