Behind the Counter at a Japanese Bakery with 80-Year-Old Grandmas

This is behind the counter at a local Japanese bakery. Yeah, it's early so I

Japanese bakery. Yeah, it's early so I can't wake up the neighbors, but this bakery had me [music] scratching my head. Located in Oshiag called Moi

head. Located in Oshiag called Moi Pansa, just around the Tokyo Skytree area, this bakery crafts its own unique Japanese deli style baked breads. But

here's the thing, it's helpun [music] by three 80-year-old grandmas. How's this

possible? And how does it work? So, I

decided to come see it for myself. And

I'm here at 4:30 in the morning to get to the bottom of this.

She's the owner, Aki Kosani.

She does the baking and is [music] always the first one to arrive. I think

the grandmas will come a little bit later though.

Do you always come this early?

>> Really? You don't get tired?

>> Oh, how do you get your sleep?

She opened this bakery 3 years ago as it's been a longtime dream of hers. She

called it samba. Sam meaning three and ba meaning grandmas after the three grandmas that work here to express her gratitude for all they do. It's a bakery that was born of love for family and a

passion for the craft. You already have bread in there.

Ah, got it.

First, she starts prepping the shop's croissants. In total, each day, the shop

croissants. In total, each day, the shop makes around 30 different types of bread. So, she must make use of her time

bread. So, she must make use of her time wisely in the morning to get everything ready before the grandmas arrive.

That's the dough for their baguettes.

Also known in Japanese as Franupan, short for French bread. Akiosan's love

for baking started simply from a bagel gifted from a friend. It was so delicious that it prompted her to take a baking class from that very shop despite working at an interior construction company. As she learned more, it led her

company. As she learned more, it led her to explore different styles and techniques, evolving into a decadel long journey to hone and perfect her craft.

Little did she know it would eventually bring her family even closer together.

By the way, what kind of bread do you like?

>> What about other food?

[laughter] >> Nice. What kind?

>> Nice. What kind?

>> Oh, yeah. That's good. So, how did you start this bakery exactly?

Apparently, her family was thinking about selling the building, which would have forced her aunt to move away.

That's when it hit Akigosan. Part of the building could be renovated into a private living space for her aunt while the rest of it could become a bakery.

She could pay rent to her aunt so she wouldn't need to move while also giving her the opportunity to watch over her and help her with her daily needs like ensuring she takes her medicine and makes it to all of her doctor

appointments. A chance for her dream

appointments. A chance for her dream while also helping out her family.

[laughter] Good morning.

>> So, this is Ako's aunt. She always comes in early to take out the trash.

>> Is it heavy?

Is that bock root?

>> Yeah, it's a Japan thing. She actually

got the idea from a French baguette that had gobo, bock root, inside, although it was much thinner. She tested the recipe many times until she finally created the version she crafts now. Packed with

plenty of gobo, today it's the most popular item in a bakery.

What are you doing?

>> She sets up the register so it's easier for the grandmas to use. So, what do you do when you're not working?

>> Oh, do you watch TV at all? Cool.

[laughter] What do you watch?

>> Oh, let's go see what the other lady's doing upstairs.

>> Hi. What are you doing now?

>> Cool. By the way, can I ask your age?

>> Wow, you're so full of energy.

>> Hey.

So, she's the original owner of the building and lives just next door. You

must appreciate the commute here.

>> Awesome.

So, what do you do outside of work?

Oh, you like sports?

Jeez. you know your stuff. Back in the day, she used to work as a tailor in the garment industry. [music] And about 10

garment industry. [music] And about 10 years ago, her husband unfortunately passed away. And as she got older, the

passed away. And as she got older, the family had to make some decisions.

Luckily, the bakery allowed her to stay in the neighborhood where she knows everyone and is considered by many in the area as their sweetheart grandma.

Now, grandma prepares yakisoba for their sandwiches, one of her daily bakery responsibilities, something she didn't have just a few years back. Through all

of this, she's found more meaning in her days, helping serve customers while building a stronger bond with Akioan. In

fact, of the three grandmas, she's the one that works the most.

>> What are they?

My son loves shibbat, [laughter] >> I guess. So, these sandwich toppings are a mix of potato salad and Japanese pickles, a combination that's unique even in Japan. Apparently, Akosan used

to make potato salad with shibas pickles at home, and that inspired her to turn it into a sandwich. It quickly became a popular item, so she began creating different colors and flavors to expand their menu.

>> Good morning. That's Aki Kosan's mom, the second grandma.

So, do you live close by?

2 hours. She says that the train is usually crowded, so she takes a longer [music] route so that she can sit. Hey,

but can't you use the priority seats?

A that's terrible. At least she gets to spend the day together with her daughter.

Japan these days is facing a rapidly aging population and the number of older workers has been rising along with it.

As of now, 9.15 million people aed 65 and over still remain employed, the highest ever with an employment rate of 25%. With a younger population shrinking

25%. With a younger population shrinking and the overall employment rates declining, many businesses embrace the experience and steady support of older workers. So, do you have a hobby?

workers. So, do you have a hobby?

Wow.

>> Crazy. You're into everything.

>> Oh, really? Are you still doing it?

[laughter] Oh, she's so sweet. I can't believe she's 87. Unfortunately, it looks like

she's 87. Unfortunately, it looks like the third grandma, 83, won't be coming today as she has another appointment.

But that's what makes this bakery so special is that Akioan adapts to [music] their schedules. It's a place that's

their schedules. It's a place that's always here for them where they can contribute and find meaning in their day. Hey, before we continue on, I want

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So get $5 off today with your first order by using my code Paulo in link in the description. It's so cool that she's

the description. It's so cool that she's baking so many types of bread.

>> So, did you have any struggles when you started?

[laughter] >> Oh, really?

Although she loves the fact that she's been able to connect her family with their passion, the grandmas sometimes aren't the most consistent workforce, the reality is they often forget task details like how to make sandwiches or

how to use the shop's register. But for

her, being able to care for family is worth any additional struggle caused.

Fortunately, she has a friend that helps twice a week. And most importantly, her customers are quite understanding of their situation and are always so patient and supportive. At least your

business is doing well, right?

Oh.

Eventually, her goal is to open the shop for more days. But as she does all of the baking on her own, she's a bit overwhelmed with what's already on her plate. What's this?

plate. What's this?

>> Nice. She's now working on her signature soai pun, a unique Japanese style savory bread. Sozai means prepared side dishes

bread. Sozai means prepared side dishes usually savory. So pon is generally

usually savory. So pon is generally filled or topped with ingredients creating a heartier bread. Examples of

fillings and toppings include curry, potato salad by katu or even yaki soba.

The bread is usually soft, comforting, and designed for the local Japanese palette. What's this?

palette. What's this?

Sounds delicious.

Have you ever tried other breads from different countries?

Oh, so did you notice the difference?

As she mentioned, in Japan, you'll find many kinds of bread that are in between what many Westerners consider a meal type bread or dessert type bread, as a large part of Japanese culture [music]

is to eat bread here as a snack between meals or as a light meal. An example of this in Western countries may be something like pepperoni rolls or meat pie. The only difference is that Japan's

pie. The only difference is that Japan's variety is on a different level.

Now she bakes non-stop until the shop opens to ensure her customers have the freshest bread possible.

Look at all of this bread. It smells so good.

>> Hey, what else do you like other than bread?

That's cool. What's your favorite?

>> Yeah, for sure.

Oh, this is crazy. I didn't expect to find this here. This is a full-on collection. This makes it even better.

collection. This makes it even better.

This would like honestly be the best speak easy. No one would know about it.

speak easy. No one would know about it.

You have to go through a bakery to get here. Would you guys come here yourself?

here. Would you guys come here yourself?

Seriously, I am blown away with that bar. It's pretty crazy.

bar. It's pretty crazy.

Now that all the bread is wrapped, they place them in the display ready for the customers when they arrive.

Everything looks so delicious.

>> No.

So, which one is your favorite?

[music] >> I want to try that. How about you?

That sounds now the grandma's double check the registry system prices match the floor display prices.

It sure does.

At 11:30 in the morning, the shop finally opens for the day and the street fills with a sweet aroma of freshly baked bread.

>> [laughter] >> Nice. The first customers here.

>> Nice. The first customers here.

>> While they're attending to a customer, let's go see if they can talk to someone.

>> Hello.

>> Can I ask, do you come here often?

>> Cool. What do you recommend?

Oh, and why do you come here so much?

Thanks.

Are you taking a break? [laughter]

>> Hey, is that your initial So, there you have it. One of the most unique bakeries in Japan, helped run by 80year-old grandmas, the heart of the business and why so many customers love

coming here. I would have never believed

coming here. I would have never believed it could work if I didn't see it firsthand. Thanks to Ako's passion for

firsthand. Thanks to Ako's passion for baking and her deep love for her family, she's been able to create a space where they can all spend their valuable time together while serving their customers

with freshly baked bread. And that's

another one in the books. If you want to visit this place for yourself, I'll be sure to leave a link in the description.