BS Nippon TV: Drunk Dragon's Tsukaji Discovers a Hidden Standing Soba Shop in Kiyose, Akina Nakamori's Hometown! The Deliciously Chewy Natto Tempura That Left Him Speechless

The journey takes place in Kiyose City, Tokyo—the hometown of singer Akina Nakamori. At Kiyose Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line, the departure melody on the up platform is 'DESIRE -Jōnetsu-', and on the down platform, it's 'Second Love'—both iconic songs by Akina Nakamori. Tsukaji Takehaya (Drunk Dragon) even sings a line! Will his voice reach the fans?

While exploring Kiyose, Tsukaji spots a banner advertising 'raw honey harvested from the city hall rooftop' and decides to visit Kiyose City Hall. After learning that beekeeping is conducted on the rooftop, he bravely heads up, fully suited in protective gear. Though visibly nervous, he retrieves a honeycomb from the hive inside the shed—'There are so many bees! I'd normally run at just one…'—smiling despite the tension. Outside, he gets a rare chance to taste honey straight from the comb. 'So delicious! This is amazing! It's like 100% pure, rich, intense flavor. Sorry, bees, for being so scared earlier. You make something this wonderful! Fantastic!' Tsukaji is thrilled by Kiyose’s honey.

The target soba shop was recommended by a viewer: 'A hidden gem in the outskirts of Kiyose City, serving absolutely exquisite soba.' Receiving what feels like a mission from another show—'Could you investigate where the owner trained?'—Tsukaji heads straight to the shop.

The shop is about a 20-minute walk from Kiyose Station. With almost no other restaurants nearby, a lone standing soba shop appears. Its name: 'Marusu Soba Udon Center.' The word 'Center' piques curiosity, and 'Marusu' reminds Tsukaji of the Tezuka Osamu-animated series 'Getter Robo,' making him even more intrigued.

The shop, opened last year by a soba enthusiast, offers a menu that delights soba connoisseurs. The owner didn’t train at a famous shop but instead learned through self-study, guided by advice from a bonito flake wholesaler in Higashikurume, Tokyo.

From the many tempura options, Tsukaji chooses the 'natto tempura,' drawn by its unusual nature and thick batter. 'I can smell the savory aroma of fried food and natto! Crunchy on the outside, yet the inside natto is delightfully sticky—so delicious! And the thick batter holds together perfectly!' He enthusiastically praises this first-time experience with natto tempura.

The pairing of bold, rich broth with chewy thick noodles is outstanding. As he eats, enjoying the view of the outside scenery through the shop’s open design, Tsukaji says, 'It feels like eating outdoors, and the breeze passing through adds a lovely atmosphere.' He thoroughly enjoys every moment.

On his way out, he notices a large, prominently displayed autograph on the wall—written at the owner’s request.

The second stop is in Nishikasai, Tokyo.

In this neighborhood, home to many Indian residents and known as 'Little India,' Tsukaji is blown away by an exquisite plate of kakiage tempura!

Due to popular demand, this episode is being rebroadcast.

[Title]

Drunk Tsukaji's Casual Standing Soba Tour

[Program Overview]

Tsukaji Takehaya from Drunk Dragon travels across Japan in search of the beloved 'standing soba'—a staple of everyday life. At every stop, he discovers the perfect bowl and heartwarming encounters. A warm, heartfelt journey filled with dedication and human connection.

[Broadcast Date and Time]

June 22 (Mon) 10:00–11:00 PM (airing every Monday at 10:00 PM)

[Broadcast Stations]

BS Nippon TV / BS Nippon TV 4K

[Cast]

Tsukaji Takehaya (Drunk Dragon)

Narrator: Yanagiya Kyotaro

[Credit]

ⒸBS Nippon TV