Tofu Man (TOFU-YA-SAN)

Tofu is a boom in Europe and the US these days as healthy food. Made of soybeans*, it includes high quality protain, with low calorie and cholesterol. Tofu is noticed for its possibility to prevent cancer, arterial sclerosis, heart desease and obesity-related diabetes.

But do you know how Tofu is sold in Japan?
Of course a large share is sold in supermarkets or normal Tofu stores, but Tofu is traditionally sold by a Tofu-Man**, who comes around your nabourhood on a bicycle. Tofu-Man always comes with a distinctive sound of a horn. You will be able to hear the sound in many movies from the 1960s and 70s. most Japanese will recall Tofu from this sound. He will stroll slooowly down the road on a bicycle with a box full of Tofu, and people come running out of houses to catch him, with an empty bowl in hand. Tofu-Man will cut a loaf of Tofu and scoop it into your bowl, so no package is necessary.

It is such a pity that there are less Tofu-Man these days. They are a great example of how many things were sold in Japan in the past. No package, no trash. Maybe you can start a Tofu-Man system in your country too!

The picture is a Tofu-Man around our neighbor in Kunitachi.

*It is said that the English word "Soybean" originally comes from the Japanese word "Shoyu" (soy sauce).
**The Japanese word will be TOFUYASAN.