A Culinary Journey: Discovering Stand-Up Soba with Drunk Tsukaji

On September 29, BS Nittere’s beloved show "Drunk Tsukaji's Stand-Up Soba" expands its airtime to one hour, much to the delight of stand-up soba fans everywhere. Hosted by the charismatic comedian Tsukaji Takeshi, the show features two must-visit soba shops renowned for their meat soba offerings.

First Stop: The Flavorful Marucho Soba in Togoshi Ginza

The first highlighted soba shop is nestled in the heart of Togoshi Ginza, Shinagawa, Tokyo. This famous shopping district is often dubbed as the birthplace of traditional tokyo shopping streets, known for its down-to-earth charm. A short detour into a quiet residential area leads Tsukaji to a long-established furniture maker, which has been crafting exquisite chairs for over fifty years, even producing pieces for luxury hotels and the Imperial Palace. Tsukaji is seen reveling in the comfort of their well-crafted seats, further showcasing Japan’s dedication to craftsmanship.

Returning to the hustle and bustle of the shopping street, Tsukaji stumbles upon a unique soba shop located right in front of the Togoshi Ginza Station on the Tokyu Ikegami Line. This spot is not only colorful with hard rock posters but is also run by a music lover and the founder of the popular motsuyaki chain .den. The shop’s signature dish is the Marucho Soba, which features premium beef motsu and a special broth made from the treasured ingredients of Sado Island. In a thrilling announcement, the shop plans to expand and open a new stand-up soba location by November 2024.

During his visit, Tsukaji and the passionate owner, who shares his love for idols and music, find common ground, both recognizing that it is the “older guys” who amplify the charm of motsu and idols. Tsukaji couldn't help but praise the Marucho Soba for its delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, calling the balance between the rich beef and broth "exquisite." Adding a secret seasoning from the motsuyaki restaurant only enhanced his experience as he enjoyed every last drop of his soba. With a satisfied smile, Tsukaji declared the Marucho Soba a big discovery and left the shop with newfound happiness.

Second Stop: The Renowned Nanten in Toshima

The second highlight is Nanten, a much-acclaimed meat soba restaurant located in Toshima, Tokyo. Situated right in front of the north exit of the Shiinamachi Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line, this popular establishment allows diners to savor a wide variety of meats, from fatty belly cuts to tender thigh meat, ensuring that visitors keep returning.

Nearby is the legendary Tokiwa-so, where the likes of Osamu Tezuka and other celebrated manga artists resided. Today, an authentic recreation of this iconic apartment serves as a museum, making for a perfect backdrop for Tsukaji's culinary exploration.

In his signature style, Tsukaji expresses his gratitude to the viewers for their unwavering support, which has allowed the show to thrive and grow, rather than ending after a single special episode as initially anticipated. He acknowledges that the program has become a collaborative effort, transforming into an enjoyable experience shaped by passionate soba lovers who contribute their recommendations and experiences. Tsukaji boldly states his ambition to expand the show to two, three, or even twenty-four hours, as he dreams of conquering the nation and even branching out internationally, all while maintaining a relaxing pace as a BS Nittere program.

Tune in to this delightful journey and uncover the charm of stand-up soba as Tsukaji Takeshi continues to explore the culinary landscape of Japan, one hearty bowl at a time.