The "Black Diamond" of Kochi

May 30, 2025

「EP.41」土佐備長炭

TOSA BINCHOTAN
Kochi Prefecture

「transcript」

In 804, the Buddhist monk Kukai traveled to China and returned to Japan with many teachings, including advanced charcoal-making techniques. Over time, these methods were perfected in Wakayama and eventually spread to Kochi Prefecture, giving rise to the legendary Tosa Binchotan.

This premium charcoal begins with ubamegashi, a dense hardwood that grows along Kochi’s coast. The wood is harvested and stacked horizontally in large kilns for 10 days of drying, followed by 10 days of carbonization at over 1,000°C.

When glowing red, the charcoal is pulled and quickly smothered in ash, giving it its signature white surface. The final product is so dense and dry that two pieces clink like metal.

Tosa Binchotan burns longer and hotter with almost no smoke, ash, or odor. Its intense, steady heat crisps the surface of food to lock in flavor, while far-infrared rays cook the inside evenly, perfect for dishes like yakitori and unagi.

The charcoal can also be reused, making it an essential in top-level Japanese restaurants. It's truly the black diamond of Japan.

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