Tuna Cutting Show: Tokyo Travel Tips
Updated: Sep 18
Tuna Cutting Show is an event in which a huge tuna is brilliantly cut by a professional dismantler, and the process is shown to the audience.
The tuna cutting show is popular with tourists and foreign visitors, and provides an excellent opportunity to learn about traditional Japanese food culture. The show is a valuable experience for those interested in fish processing methods.
First, learn about tuna in this blog. Next, discover the process and attractions of the tuna cutting show. In addition, we will introduce you to 2 best shows in Tokyo that are held in English, so when you come to Japan, you will be able to experience something that only Japan can offer!
Table of Contents
About Tuna
Tuna is a large fish, widely consumed throughout the world. Major species include bluefin tuna, bigeye tuna, and yellowfin tuna. In Japan, tuna is often served as sushi or sashimi, but it is also popular in cuisines around the world.
The taste of tuna is generally rich and meaty with a deep flavor. The lean part is firm, thick, and slightly sweet, but at the same time rich in umami. The fatty parts (such as Otoro and Chutoro) have a texture and richness that melts in the mouth. The flavor of tuna is most pronounced when it is raw, but it can also be enjoyed grilled or broiled to give it a different flavor.
Tuna Nutrition
Tuna is one of the most nutritious foods available. Here are some of the main nutrients found in tuna.
EPA & DHA
EPA and DHA are components that are attracting attention for their ability to prevent diseases such as arteriosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and stroke, and to reduce the level of neutral fat in the blood. Since DHA is not synthesized in the human body, it is necessary to obtain it from food to avoid deficiency.
In fact, tuna has the highest content of DHA among fish, and since EPA and DHA are components of fat, they are abundantly contained in the fatty parts of tuna. Of course, it is also found in the lean part of the tuna, so it can provide a good supply of DHA and EPA.
Protein
Protein is the material for muscles and cells and is essential for our body to be built. It is also known that an extreme lack of protein can cause a decline in immune function. It is a nutrient that should be supplemented without deficiency in various age groups, including growing children, those in training to build muscle, dieters, and the elderly whose dietary intake has declined.
Iron
Iron is necessary to prevent iron deficiency anemia. Iron contained in tuna is called "heme iron" and is known to have a high absorption rate of about 65%. Anemia caused by iron deficiency can lead to various ailments such as fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, and headaches. Women who are menstruating in particular are prone to iron deficiency and need to actively consume iron.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps calcium absorption and is necessary for healthy bones. A deficiency of vitamin D is known to increase the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures.Vitamin D is not found in vegetables, but is abundant in mushrooms and seafood, so it is necessary to make a conscious effort to consume it.
Potassium
Potassium is a nutrient whose intake is recommended for the prevention of high blood pressure. It helps to lower blood pressure by eliminating excess sodium (salt), which causes high blood pressure. Potassium is a nutrient that is abundant in vegetables, but it is also surprisingly found in animal products such as fish like tuna.
References
Report of the Subdivision on Resources (2020). STANDARD TABLES OF FOOD COMPOSITION IN JAPAN 2020 (Eighth Revised Edition). Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan.
Health Service Bureau (2019). Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese. Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan.
Flow of Tuna Cutting Show
Tuna cutting show is an event that shows the audience the process of dismantling a tuna and cooking it on site. Here is a description of the general process and attractions.
1. Tuna Selection
First, a fresh tuna is selected. This is important to provide the audience with a spectacular show.
2. Beginning of the disassembly
The tuna is placed on a disassembly table and a professional disassembler begins the disassembly procedure. Dismantling is done using special knives and techniques.
3. Dismantling by section
The tuna is dismantled from head to tail and divided into different sections: meat, lean, medium fatty tuna, and fatty tuna. Spectators will be able to see up close how each part is removed.
4. Cooking Demonstrations
Some of the dismembered tunas will be prepared on site and a variety of cooking demonstrations will take place. The audience will see how various dishes are prepared, including sashimi, sushi, and grilled fish.
4. Tasting
At the end of the disassembly show, the audience will be given the opportunity to taste the disassembled tuna dishes. This is a great way to enjoy the taste of fresh fish.
2 Best Tuna Cutting Shows in Tokyo
Here are 2 best shows to go in Tokyo. The following information below is current as of June 2024. These are subject to change, so please check each official websites in advance.
Tokyo Tuna Cutting Show by Tokyo Localized
Source: Tokyo Localized
On the Tuna Cutting Show Tour, you will see tuna being dismembered in the traditional Japanese way, right in front of your eyes. The dismantler will explain how the tuna is cut and you will also hear stories about tuna, sushi, and Japanese food culture. After this show, enjoy fresh tuna sashimi, tuna sushi, and a variety of tuna dishes and sake. All-you-can-drink and all-you-can-eat are included; children under 10 years old are free, so this is a great option for those with young children.
Durations: 2.5 hours
Participants: Up to 25
Price: 25,000 JPY per person (under 10's go FREE - ID Check required)
Tuna Cutting Show with All-You-Can-Eat Fresh Tuna Sushi by Dai Miyamoto
Source: byFood
This dismantling show is very popular and highly rated by byFood. It is highly recommended for those who want to gain in-depth knowledge of tuna and eat a full meal of delicious tuna dishes.
The Tuna cutting event I attended was an amazing experience that I highly recommend. Not only does the staff and chef explain the process of cutting up the fish but also tells you how the fish was raised and the process it’s takes to get it to their restaurant. The staff and chef were very knowledgeable and kind and I left this event very full since it was an all you can eat and drink event. 10/10 Arigatō! - byFood "Tuna Cutting Show with All-You-Can-Eat Fresh Tuna Sushi"
Duration: 2.5 hours
Participants: Up to 25
Price: 30,000 JPY per person
Attractions of Tuna Cutting Show
The attractions of a tuna cutting show are manifold. First, there is the powerful performance. The sight of a skilled craftsman deftly dismantling a large tuna is a spectacular sight to behold and draws in the audience. Another attraction is that visitors can taste the freshly dismantled tunas right on the spot, enjoying the best freshness and taste. Furthermore, it is a rare opportunity to experience firsthand traditional Japanese food culture. For foreign tourists, it is a great opportunity to learn about and deepen their understanding of Japanese food culture. When you come to Tokyo, be sure to experience a tuna cutting show!
Patia's Japanese Cooking Class in Tokyo
We are operating a clean and spacious kitchen studio in Tokyo. We offer classes here for foreign tourists to learn how to make Japanese food with English-speaking instructors. We hope you will participate in Patia's Japanese Cooking Class when you come to Tokyo.
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