'Wasabia Japonica' - A story of real wasabi

Описание: (Viewable in 4K)

The wasabi plant is one of the world's most expensive vegetables, and also one of the most difficult to grow. Many people may not think that since wasabi paste is widely available in cheap sushi restaurants or grocery stores. But they may also not know that 99% of tube or powdered wasabi does not contain real wasabi - they are a mixture of horseradish, mustard and food colouring.
Real wasabi, officially known as the 'Wasabia Japonica' plant, is grown primarily in the mountain river valleys of Japan where they thrive best. The discovery of wasabi as a food was once a tightly held secret by the Shogun lord Ieyasu Tokugawa in the 16th century, who banned anyone from taking it out of his territory. It was not until the early 1800s when the masses began using wasabi into their food culture. Mainly paired with sushi, wasabi plants must be grounded using a special grate and consumed within 15 minutes before the taste disappears.
75-year-old Shigeo Iida from Izu, Shizuoka province, is the 8th generation owner of Iriya Manaka wasabi farm. It's a unique farm based on the 'tatamiishi' method invented in the late 19th century. By harnessing nature and eschewing any chemicals or machinery, Iida grows some of the world's best wasabi. It also recognised by UNESCO as an "intangible cultural heritage".
Iida's story in this film stems from a family tragedy, where he must come out of retirement and once again take lead of his wasabi business.

Special thanks to:
Shigeo Iida & family, Terumi Nishimoto, Izu City Hall, Tomokazu Shigeshima


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Music: Licensed from Premium Beat
Gear: Sony A7Sii, Atomos Ninja V, Zeiss ZF lenses, Laowa 60mm, Edelkrone Motion Kit, DJI Mavic Pro

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'The Japanese Artisan Series' is a non-commercial project by Edwin Lee (Hong Kong) in collaboration with One Ocean Partners (Singapore). It focuses on documenting little-known but highly skilled artisans and tradespeople across Japan centering on themes of tradition and succession. With Japan's ageing population, low birth rate and reluctance of young workers to enter such niche industries, these people's traditional skills are in danger of being lost.