Iwahashi Shinkichi, 46
Tofu Maker from Kumamoto
Mr. Iwahashi , a quiet man, found time for me during his busy day--I interviewed him in his tiny shop while he worked. He sent me home with several containers of tofu.
Could you describe your routine?
I start making tofu at 4am; on Mondays from 2am because Sunday’s a holiday. First I put the soybeans in cold water until they swell. Then the beans go through a machine and get crushed. After getting boiled, they get put in a bin, then I add gyokozai (a kind of salt-based powder) until it becomes thicker. After that it’s left in the water for about an hour; then I package and put the tofu in the refrigerator. My older brother makes the atsuage and abura-age (fried) tofu and then delivers it. We also make goma (sesame) tofu. I spend the afternoon cleaning and straightening up. I work until 7:30pm.Why did you decide to become a tofu maker?
I majored in business at university, going to nightschool after helping my father make tofu during the day. I followed my dad’s footsteps. My grandfather started the business. I’m the third generation.Could you describe the good and bad points?
Good points? There aren’t any really. I guess making the tofu... Can I make really delicious tofu? It’s like a game. But the process takes so long--all day making and cleaning. Too long. I guess the best is hearing customers tell me how delicious my tofu is.How’s your salary? Vacation?
Salary is low--about ¥250,000 a month. No bonus. Long hours, low pay. It’s not a great job. That’s my experience anyway. I don’t know about others. During the week, Sunday is the only holiday. I take four days at New Year and two or three days for Obon and golden week. Maybe I can take another day off here or there during the year.Does the government bother you much with taxes and rules?
Taxes are pretty low. An inspector comes once a year, checks the equipment and takes a tofu sample. That’s all.What about the future?
The equipment is old, about 20 years old, so it’ll have to be replaced soon. That’s expensive. I’d like to get more customers, make more delicious tofu, find higher quality water, We used to put an ad on city busses, but don’t anymore. I don’t know if my son will take over the business. He’s only in elementary school.the end