Tofu for Thought

While reading through the many posts on Kyotofoodie.com, I stumbled upon this post about a brand of tofu from Japan: Kyoto Otokomae Tofu.

The entire review was incredibly interesting, from the surfboard-shaped tofu Johnny, to the way they package the original. What really caught my attention, though, was this:

"Nippon danji is the name of this tofu and it is a silky soft tofu intended for yudofu (tofu hot-pot). Nippon danji expresses the qualities in the ideal man and is based on bushido, or the samurai spirit. The Japanese notion of masculinity includes the following values:

・to always takes full responsibility for his actions (no excuses)
・to always do what he says he will do (no need to make promises)
・to not complain (not be weak)
・to protect his family, society and country
・to never betray another"

Yes, the thing that piqued my interest the most wasn't food for once.

Values. All five of the above listed are values I live and see myself dying by. There's just something inexplicably inherent about them; whenever I see someone not abiding by these values, I feel a deep sense of sorrow knowing they probably will never grasp the most honorable (hard to find the most neutral choice of words here...) way to treat others and themselves.

This is probably the most a package of tofu has ever engaged my brain; usually I just tear the packaging apart and eat the damned thing. WHY MUST YOU MAKE ME THINK?!

However, as much thinking as it'll make me thunk, Otokomae warrants a definite try.