Reviving the Historic Taisho Sausages: A Culinary Journey Through Time

The Revival of Historic Taisho Sausages

In a remarkable tribute to culinary history, the Hayari Sausage event will showcase the revival of the historic "Taisho Sausages," all in honor of Ichizo Oki, often referred to as the "Father of Sausage" in Japan. This limited-time offering will take place on April 10th and 11th, 2025, at Matsuzakaya Ginza, marking a significant milestone in the 100th anniversary of the store.

A Glimpse Into History

The story begins in 1924 in Ginza, where Ichizo Oki opened the first sausage specialty shop in Japan, paving the way for a bustling sausage culture. The following year, Matsuzakaya Ginza opened its doors just a stone's throw away, selling the acclaimed sausages crafted by Oki himself.

Recognizing the importance of this noteworthy achievement, modern sausage researcher Takeshi Murakami, a director at a leading culinary company, was inspired to create the revival of Oki's sausages as part of Matsuzakaya's anniversary initiatives.

During his career, Oki introduced and popularized sausage-making techniques derived from his studies with German butcher Martin Hertz in Yokohama. He notably showcased Japan's first domestically produced sausages, at the inaugural Kanagawa Livestock Exhibition in 1914. This dedication to craft transformed sausage from a luxury item to a staple of everyday Japanese cuisine, especially during an era when the country faced a lack of food processing technology.

Following the tumultuous years after World War II, Oki advocated for quality standards that led to the establishment of the current Japanese Agricultural Standard (JAS). His tireless efforts laid the groundwork for the modern sausage scene in Japan.

The Revival of Flavors

The revival sausages are crafted based on recipes from Oki's own book, Practical Pork Processing. These stunning frankfurters utilize a blend of pork and beef, seasoned only with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, exemplifying a minimalist yet profound flavor profile that focuses on the quality of ingredients, devoid of synthetic additives.

The meat used in these sausages boasts a rich flavor, coming from free-range cattle raised in Oita Prefecture, paying homage to the traditional production methods of the era. The preparation retains the essence of the original recipes, carefully adjusting saltiness and meat ratios to suit contemporary palates.

Interestingly, the term 'Sashizu' stems from a nostalgic translation of 'sausage' pronounced in an almost whimsical way.

Connecting Through Culinary Heritage

The event is part of Matsuzakaya's overarching theme of "Connecting, Intertwining, Linking" as they celebrate their 100-year journey. Through Hayari Sausage, the historical achievements of Ichizo Oki are respected and brought back to life to inspire future generations of sausage makers.

This initiative is backed by the Yoshikawa City Chamber of Commerce, the birthplace of Oki, who offers his unique take on sausage making. The local chamber has created a dedicated WEB memorial site where visitors can delve into Oki's life, achievements, and the history surrounding Japanese sausages.

Event Details

Mark your calendars for two exclusive days on April 10 and 11, 2025. The event will take place at the Matsuzakaya Food Exhibition Area in Ginza, Tokyo, from 11 AM to 8 PM. Attendees will enjoy the opportunity to sample not only the resurrected Taisho Sausages but also various other sausage-based dishes, such as currywurst, through a delightful culinary journey featuring selections inspired by five countries.

Visitors can also look forward to a selection of frozen options to enjoy at home, thus broadening the reach of traditional sausage flavors.

As we bridge the past with the future, we invite everyone to savor the rich flavors, histories, and cultural significance embedded in these sausages. Together with Matsuzakaya, we aim to foster a new sausage culture as we celebrate 100 years of tradition and innovation.

To keep up to date with this exciting event, check out Hayari Sausage's official website.