In the heart of Tokyo, I had the privilege of visiting Akila Inouye’s cooking studio, where he demonstrated the intricate art of making soba noodles. Akila is a renowned soba master, a true embodiment of the Japanese concept of "Shokunin"—a word often translated as "artisan" or "craftsman", but carrying a far deeper meaning.
Watching him work was mesmerizing. Every step of his soba-making process was executed with unwavering precision, honed through decades of practice. His approach wasn’t just about making noodles—it was a disciplined ritual, a showcase of the "Shokunin" mindset in action.
The Precision of Akila’s Soba-Making Technique
Akila’s method of making soba noodles from scratch is a masterclass in precision, broken down into three key stages:
Mixing & Kneading – He carefully hydrates the buckwheat flour, kneads it until smooth, and shapes it into a disk.
Rolling & Flattening – Through a series of precise rolling techniques, he transforms the dough from a round shape to a perfectly thin, square sheet.
Cutting – Using a $2,000 soba-cutting knife, he slices the dough into perfectly uniform noodles—each cut identical to the last.
Every movement was deliberate, reflecting years of dedication. It was a powerful reminder that "Shokunin" is not just about skill—it’s about discipline, mindfulness, and an unrelenting pursuit of perfection.
What is "Shokunin"? Beyond Craftsmanship
The term "Shokunin" (職人) signifies more than just expertise—it embodies a mindset that can be applied far beyond Japanese cuisine. It represents:
Unwavering attention to detail – Taking pride in getting every aspect right, no matter how small.
A relentless pursuit of excellence – Striving to improve, even after mastering a skill.
Deep passion for one’s craft – Whether making soba, designing software, managing finances, or leading a team.
Bringing "Shokunin" into Corporate Leadership & Teamwork
"Shokunin" is a concept that belongs not only in the kitchen but in every profession. It’s the mindset of excellence—whether in engineering, finance, customer experience, or leadership.
That’s why a ramen-making team-building class is more than just a fun activity—it’s a living example of how to embrace "Shokunin" in action:
Precision & Collaboration – Just like in business, making great ramen requires teamwork and attention to detail.
Striving for Excellence – There’s always a way to improve, whether in perfecting a broth or refining a business strategy.
Passion & Craftsmanship – Success comes when people take pride in their work, no matter their field.
At The Story of Ramen, our team-building ramen workshops allow teams to experience "Shokunin" firsthand—learning how small details lead to excellence while working together to create the perfect bowl.
Want your team to experience "Shokunin" in action? Book a team-building ramen class today: https://www.ramenpartysf.com/team-building
 | Manville Chan is the Founder and Chief Experience Officer at The Story of Ramen. |
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