Japan's B-grade food champion: Authentic Yokote yakisoba :: Idobata-ya :: Akita

Text & Photos: Chi Hsien-hui

Yakisoba is a beloved dish among the Japanese, with many office workers enjoying it after work in small eateries, paired with gyoza and washed down with beer—delicious food that doesn't break the bank. Meanwhile, Yokote yakisoba, once crowned the champion of B-grade cuisine, hails from the birthplace of Japanese yakisoba. Not only is it affordable, but its taste is also top-notch, making it popular across all age groups.

In Japan, "B-grade cuisine" is often more appealing than luxury dishes, with its enticing aroma making mouths water. Japanese food can be divided into A-grade and B-grade: A-grade refers to high-end cuisine with expensive ingredients, while B-grade includes affordable, everyday dishes enjoyed by the masses. That’s why dishes like oden, gyoza, ramen, and tonkatsu have all been hailed as B-grade delicacies.

The most famous B-grade food in Yokote City, Akita Prefecture, is none other than Yokote yakisoba. Every year, a competition called the "Four Heavenly Kings" is held, where all yakisoba shops in Yokote participate. The preliminary round selects 10 finalists, who then offer samples for public voting. The top four shops with the most votes are awarded the title of "Four Heavenly Kings," proudly displaying flags and certificates at their storefronts.