Knife Ceremony in Japan

Knife Ceremony in Japan

You’ve probably never seen a chef perform a culinary tradition quite like this. Here at Japan’s only shrine dedicated to the god of cooking. This nice ceremony or Ho Chosiki takes place three times per year. Last May, we witness chef Nagashima prepare a seabbream while adhering to this centuries old ritual’s golden rule. He never touches the sacred fish with his hands, not even once. Since the hands are considered unpure, the chef employs carefully choreographed maneuvers as to only touch the fish with a knife and chopsticks. The ceremony originated in the 9th century and is now carried out here at Takabi Ginga where the god of cooking is enshrined. Would you take a trip here to pay respects to the god of cooking? Location information in the description. [Music]

Here at Takabe Jinja, Japan’s only shrine dedicated to the God of Cooking, this Knife Ceremony, or Hōchōshiki, takes place three times per year. Last May, we witnessed Chef Hakushin Nagashima prepare a sea bream while adhering to this centuries-old ritual’s golden rule: he never touches the sacred fish with his hands, not even once. Since the hands are considered impure, the chef employs carefully choreographed maneuvers as to only touch the fish with a knife and chopsticks.

This ritual originated in the 9th century imperial court, but the history of how this shrine came to honor the god of cooking is said to date back 1,800 years, long drawing aspiring chefs and food makers to its hallowed grounds.

The ceremony is held every year on May 17, October 17, and November 23, so you still have two more chances to see it this year.

Location:
Takabe Shrine 高家神社
164 Chikuracho Minamiasai, Minamiboso, Chiba
千葉県南房総市千倉町南朝夷１６４
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Chiba Prefecture, the home of Narita International Airport, is conveniently located next to Tokyo. Explore Chiba and discover its hidden gems on your next trip to Japan.
#chiba #千葉 #japan #cooking #knifeskills