takoyaki business plan introduction

LEGO and Star Wars mark 25-year partnership with a colossal May 4th event

‘let them eat cake’ trend on tiktok causes uproar, births ‘digital guillotine’ movement, students expelled after ‘mistakenly’ accused of doing ‘blackface’ receive us$1 million, kim ji won’s airport arrival sparks dating rumors with fellow ‘queen of tears’ lead, kim soo hyun, k-pop star ailee reportedly set to marry ‘single’s inferno’ contestant choi si hoon.

• POP! Culture
• Entertainment
• Special Feature
• INQUIRER.net

POP! is INQUIRER.net’s premier pop culture channel, delivering the latest news in the realm of pop culture, internet culture, social issues, and everything fun, weird, and wired. It is also home to POP! Sessions and POP! Hangout, OG online entertainment programs in the Philippines (streaming since 2015).

As the go-to destination for all things ‘in the now’, POP! features and curates the best relevant content for its young audience. It is also a strong advocate of fairness and truth in storytelling.

POP! is operated by INQUIRER.net’s award-winning native advertising team, BrandRoom.

Email us at [email protected]

MRP Building, Mola Corner Pasong Tirad Streets, Brgy La Paz, Makati City

This 22-year-old entrepreneur is the mind behind the viral cheesy takoyaki

• 09 August, 2021
• No Comments

The quarantine has greatly aided the creation of experimental cuisines in the Philippines. The newest one to go viral is the cheesy takoyaki, which everyone seems to be obsessed with.

This tasty Japanese dish had gained traction in the Philippines as a go-to snack or appetizer way before the pandemic, but with the Filipinos’ incessant craving for new flavors especially during lockdown, more and more people are drawn to the irresistible taste of cheesy takoyaki made by Kazoku Takoyaki.

https://www.facebook.com/kazokutakoyaki/photos/a.1005497809841536/1459809124410400/

Bacon Cheezus starts at Php 90 for 4 pieces

This frenzy all began when the 22-year-old co-owner of Kazoku Takoyaki posted a picture of their product, Bacon Cheezus. The post has earned around 29k reactions, 18k comments, 80k shares as of writing, and is continuously making waves on Facebook.

“Honestly, I still can’t believe we went viral on the internet. It was very unexpected,” said Lance in an interview.

He continues, “ Sa unang araw po ng post, nakakuha ito ng 50+ reactions at [ilang] mga shares mula sa mga customers. Satisfied na po ako ‘don. (On the first day of the post, it got 50 reactions and [some] shares from our customers. I was already satisfied with that.) But two days later, we were astonished and overwhelmed with the sudden increase in likes, comments, and shares. Our [Facebook] notifications were full of reactions and inquiries.”

For Lance, the virality of the Bacon Cheezus photo paved the way for the success of their business.

“That night, our stores were jam-packed and we sold out all the Bacon Cheezus. Personally, ilang araw ako[ng] walang tulog noon (Personally, I had no sleep for a few days ) [because] I have to answer all the inquiries from the customers and I also have to be there at our stores. But it was a fulfilling moment for me, knowing that all my sacrifices had paid off. ”

Lance came up with the idea of starting his own enterprise, formally starting his business at age 20 while he was a third-year Business Management student at Far Eastern University.

According to Lance, his cousin had asked him to try takoyaki, a dish he didn’t even know existed. After tasting, Lance became interested in franchising a takoyaki branch in Manila. His father, also Lance’s business mentor, advised him to start his own takoyaki business instead of franchising.

“I wasn’t really alone in running Kazoku Takoyaki. The idea of setting up a takoyaki business was mine, but I decided to share it with my family members.”

Lance’s father operates the Kazoku Takoyaki Branch in Galas, Quezon City while his uncle manages the Sampaloc Branch. Lance and his cousin operate the main branch in Herrera, Sta. Cruz. ‘Kazoku’ means ‘family’ in Japanese.

Just like other entrepreneurs when they were just starting out, Lance also struggled in building Kazoku Takoyaki.

“The lessons I learned from [my] college years weren’t really enough. Thankfully, my father was a great mentor to me. He equipped me with the skills I needed in running a business. Lack of connections was also a disadvantage. Most of my friends and acquaintances were still students at that time. Competitions were also stiff as there are many takoyaki businesses out there.”

Riding on the formula that made his business well-known in the first place, he plans to continue aligning with the ongoing trends to continually improve his products.

“My current dream is to have more stores in Metro Manila and to explore more possibilities for Kazoku Takoyaki,” Lance added.

https://www.facebook.com/kazokutakoyaki/videos/518284686114952/

Price starts at Php 50

As Lance’s vision for Kazoku Takoyaki continues to push the brand further into new markets, he shared a few words of encouragement for the youth who would like to start their businesses:

“This is the perfect time to start [your business]. At a young age, you’ll definitely experience failures [as] things may not go our way. We have plenty of time to start again, learn from every setback, and enjoy trying new things. Your business ideas are just an idea until you make them happen.”

You can visit Kazoku Takoyaki at their three branches: 1509 Herrera Street Sta. Cruz, Manila, 1121 Maceda Street Sampaloc, Manila, and 27 Bayani Street Galas, Quezon City. To order, you can message their Facebook and Instagram Page .

DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the contributor/s and do not represent those of POP! and INQUIRER.net. The POP! staff assumes no liability for any error in the content of this material. Got something you want to share to the world? Get a chance to publish your awesome creations and share it to the world through our POP! Creator Community program. Send us your stories, videos, photos, fan fic, and even fan art at [email protected]

For more details, read the POP! Creators FAQ page .

About Author

Pop jr contributor - mhicole moral.

New film ‘Kate’ releases trailer, sparks mixed reactions on Twitter

Lizzo and Chris Evans’ ‘bundle of joy’: ‘We’re gonna have a little America’

Related stories, 7 magical moments in modern movie musicals, the aftermath of the bombshell ‘k-pop merch’ episode stans fear k-pop items are the new target for thievery, remembering some of kevin conroy’s best voice characters throughout his career, eloquence is a gift of silence, ‘trauma dumping’: why people resort to social media to share their mental health struggles.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy .

Popping on POP!

Commentary: stealing credit for someone else’s work is totally not cool, ‘taytay falls, or sea of people:’ social media user expresses disappointment over overcrowded tourist spot, commentary: could it be time for a local ‘digitine’ movement, zayn malik reportedly expresses interest to reunite with one direction bandmates, almost a decade later.

Free Shipping on Subscriptions. Get Started

Le Creuset Japan Exclusives. Limited-time! Shop Now

• Shop Bokksu Snack Box Subscribe Gift Past Themes Bokksu Boutique Shop Boutique Gifts Gift Cards Corporate Gifts
• About About Our Story Our Makers Maker's Documentary Support FAQ Contact Us Information Our Blog Today's Offers Community Careers Rewards Refer a Friend

Premium subscription box sourcing Japanese snacks from centuries-old family makers.

A subscription box of supercute snacks and surprises featuring everyone’s best friend.

Specialty and gourmet gifts for every occasion, all made and shipped from Japan.

Online Asian grocery store delivering pantry items, frozen foods, beverages, and more.

• Snack Box Subscriptions

More from Bokksu

Past Themes

• Best sellers
• 2023 Holiday Collection
• New Arrivals
• Bokksu Exclusives
• The Kyoto Collection

• Bokksu Snack Box
• Corporate Gifts

Information

• Maker's Documentary
• Today's Offers
• Refer a Friend

RECIPIENT EMAIL

GIFT MESSAGE

Customers Also Loved

Shop Snack Box Subscriptions

Shop Boutique

Premium Japanese snack subscriptions.

Specialty and gourmet gifts only found in Japan.

Asian grocery essentials for cooking and eating.

• Hello Kitty®️ And Friends Snack Box

Free Shipping On All Subscriptions

All About Takoyaki

What is takoyaki? Savory, salty, and just generally delicious, takoyaki is an incredibly popular Japanese street food. Tako means octopus, and yaki indicates the cooking method, in this case, pan-frying. Sometimes called “octopus balls” in English, takoyaki is made of a takoyaki batter infused with dashi (dried kelp and bonito flakes ) filled with diced octopus meat , tempura scraps, pickled ginger, and green onion. These ingredients are fried in a special takoyaki pan and turned over with a small pick to cook both sides evenly and create the classic round takoyaki recipe and shape.

Toppings are also an essential element of takoyaki, and they typically include takoyaki sauce (similar to Worcestershire sauce), Japanese mayonnaise, bonito flakes (fish flakes), and dried seaweed flakes. Nice and crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, takoyaki is a delicious Japanese food  and snack.

The Invention of Takoyaki

Takoyaki is believed to have been invented in 1935 by a street vendor from Osaka named Tomekichi Endo. He initially made a dish called choboyaki, similar to takoyaki in flavor but not shape. Choboyaki is rectangular and flat with round bumps, resembling bubble wrap or Lego blocks. Inspired by akashiyaki, a small round dumpling from the Hyōgo Prefecture, Endo created a version of choboyaki with a round shape, resulting in the first-ever version of the takoyaki ball that we know today.

Types of Takoyaki

Since then, takoyaki’s popularity has spread beyond Osaka and can be found in regions across Japan. Because of this, many different variations of takoyaki have been created. Although making takoyaki requires special equipment and a skillful flip, the takoyaki batter , fillings, and toppings can all be experimented with to create fun new flavors. For example, the classic Osaka version of takoyaki does not include cabbage, but in several other regions of Japan, including Tokyo, cabbage is a commonly used ingredient. There are also variations on the sauces used, including citrus - y ponzu sauce and sesame-based goma dare sauce or even your classic soy sauce . You can find different versions of takoyaki in Japan depending on the location and the season.

Where to find Takoyaki

You won’t have to look far to find takoyaki in Japan. It is available from many street vendors and restaurants, and you can even pick up some takoyaki from grocery and convenience stores. Takoyaki is an extremely popular festival food and is featured heavily at summer festivals. This may be because takoyaki pairs well with beer, so combining hot takoyaki and a cold beer is a great summer treat. This pairing also makes takoyaki a popular menu item at izakayas , which are casual Japanese bars that serve alcohol and snacks.

Takoyaki is an iconic Japanese street food not only because of its distinct shape but also because of its flavor. The use of dashi and egg gives the batter a unique flavor which pairs beautifully with the savory filling and the salty sauces and garnishes. Even if you aren’t in Japan, you can still satisfy your craving for takoyaki or try it for the first time with our Takoyaki Tei Corn Puffs ! These corn puffs are perfectly snackable and capture all the delicious flavors of traditional takoyaki in one bite!

Let's watch how takoyaki is made in our TikTok!

Trending posts.

Featured product

$42 50 $42.50

Explore more

• Bokksu Trends
• Company News
• Essential Guide
• Hello Kitty
• Japanese Desserts
• Learn Japanese
• Maker Story
• Modern Japan
• Survey Results
• Tasting Bokksu
• Traditional Japan

More from the blog

Sign up to get exclusive offers and more

New 6- and 12-month subscribers get FREE bags of special edition Japanese Kit Kats using the code TREAT24.

What is Takoyaki?

With its unique blend of flavors and emphasis on fresh, quality ingredients, Japanese cuisine has established itself as a global culinary powerhouse. Sushi, ramen , tempura, and teriyaki are household names worldwide. Yet, tucked within this rich gastronomic repertoire is Takoyaki. This is a beloved street food that embodies Japan’s knack for creating simple yet ingenious dishes.

Image source

Takoyaki is a popular Japanese street food that originated in Osaka . 

It is a savory snack of batter with tempura scraps (tenkasu), diced octopus (tako), green onions, and pickled ginger. 

You pour batter into a special pan, which has several half-spherical molds. Then, cook the ingredients until the outer layer becomes crispy while the inside remains soft and gooey.

You’ll enjoy this hot with various condiments . This includes takoyaki sauce (very much like Worcestershire sauce), mayonnaise, and bonito flakes (thinly shaved dried fish). 

Some variations may also include other fillings, such as cheese, shrimp, or vegetables.

Historical Background

It hails from the vibrant city of Osaka, known as “The Nation’s Kitchen.” Its history dates back to 1935 when a street vendor named Tomekichi Endo invented this delightful snack. 

Originally a variant of Akashiyaki , a small round dumpling from Hyogo Prefecture, the snack quickly gained popularity throughout Japan.

This round, savory treat, affectionately dubbed “Octopus Balls,” has not only captivated taste buds domestically but also established a considerable presence abroad. It represents a slice of Japanese food culture that transcends mere sustenance. It’s often associated with social gatherings, festivals, and a sense of nostalgia for many Japanese.

Ingredients and Preparation

Takoyaki’s charm lies in its simplicity and harmony of ingredients . The hero of the dish is Tako, or octopus, embedded within a light, savory batter. 

Other ingredients include finely chopped green onions and pickled red ginger for a touch of freshness and tang. Tenkasu , or tempura scraps, can give an extra crunch.

The process of making this snack involves pouring the batter into a specially molded pan. Then, adding the filling and meticulously rotating each ball with skewers until golden and crisp.

Sauce tops the dish, which is similar to Worcestershire sauce, and then mayonnaise, green laver (aonori), and bonito flakes. The resulting dish is a delightful harmony of taste and texture, crisp on the outside and soft within.

Regional Variations and Adaptations

Osaka-style Takoyaki, with its generous octopus filling, is the most renowned. However, regional variations exist across Japan. Tokyo-style, for instance, features a lighter, runnier center. Some variations even replace octopus with different ingredients like cheese or sausage. Outside Japan, adaptations cater to local palates, incorporating local ingredients or modifying the recipe to suit dietary preferences.

Cultural Significance

Takoyaki is an integral part of Japanese street food culture , particularly during festivals known as ‘Matsuri.’ Its distinctive cooking process often draws crowds, and the smell wafting through the air is irresistibly enticing. 

Takoyaki’s cultural impact extends to anime and manga, where it often appears as a staple food, further entrenching its status as a symbol of Osaka’s culinary identity.

The relationship between anime, manga, and Takoyaki

Anime and manga, which are integral parts of Japanese popular culture, often depict takoyaki as a staple food, especially in stories set in Osaka or featuring Osaka-based characters. Its portrayal in these media has helped to further entrench its status as a beloved and iconic dish associated with the city.

In anime series and manga , takoyaki is frequently shown being prepared and enjoyed by characters, whether they are visiting a stand, making it at home, or participating in eating competitions. These depictions showcase the joy and enthusiasm surrounding the consumption of takoyaki and highlight its role as comfort food and a social experience.

The inclusion of this snack in anime and manga not only serves as a reflection of Japanese culinary culture but also contributes to the promotion of Osaka’s unique food scene . It raises awareness and generates interest among viewers and readers, both domestically and internationally, who may seek out takoyaki and experience it for themselves.

Eating and Enjoying Takoyaki

Whether at a bustling street food stall, a Matsuri, or a specialty Takoyaki restaurant, this dish is best enjoyed hot off the grill. 

Typically served in portions of six or eight, Takoyaki is accompanied by various sauces and garnishes, adding layers of flavors to every bite. 

Although eating this snack can be tricky, given its hot interior, a good rule of thumb is to bite halfway first, allowing steam to escape and cool it down.

10 places to eat Takoyaki in Japan

• Osaka Takoyaki Museum (Osaka) – Located in Universal Citywalk Osaka, this museum offers a variety of takoyaki from different famous stalls in Osaka, allowing you to sample different styles and flavors.
• Dotonbori Konamon Museum (Osaka) – Situated in the vibrant Dotonbori district, this museum features various traditional Japanese snacks, including takoyaki, from renowned local vendors.
• Kukuru (Tokyo) – A popular takoyaki chain with multiple branches in Tokyo, Kukuru is known for its crispy exterior and rich, flavorful fillings. They offer a range of toppings and sauces to enhance your experience.
• Wanaka (Tokyo) – Another well-known takoyaki specialist in Tokyo, Wanaka, serves up deliciously creamy takoyaki with generous toppings. Customers can’t get enough of their fluffy and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Takoyaki Juhachiban (Kyoto) – Located in Kyoto’s Nishiki Market , this stall has been serving this octopus snack for over 40 years. They use a unique recipe, and their takoyaki is loved for its crispy exterior and tender octopus filling.
• Tsukiji Gindaco (Tokyo) – With multiple locations across Japan, including Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market, Tsukiji Gindaco is a well-established takoyaki chain known for its consistent quality and classic flavor combinations.
• Takoyaki Doraku Wanaka (Osaka) – A popular spot in Osaka’s Umeda area, this Takoyaki shop offers a wide variety of toppings and fillings.
• Takoyaki Street (Kobe) – Located in Kobe’s Harborland, Takoyaki Street is a dedicated area with several stalls offering different variations. It’s a great place to explore and indulge in takoyaki goodness.
• Tako Tako King (Hiroshima) – Located near Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park, this food stand is known for its large, octopus-filled takoyaki balls. They have a loyal following and often receive praise for their delicious flavors.
• Wanaka Main Store (Osaka) – This iconic takoyaki shop in Osaka’s Minami area has been serving the snack since 1961. They offer a classic experience, and their mastery of the dish is evident in the taste and texture.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

While it’s not a health food, it does have some nutritional value. Octopus is high in protein and low in fat. The batter contains eggs, a source of quality protein and vitamins. Nonetheless, like other fried foods, you should enjoy Takoyaki in moderation. This is due to its calorie content and sodium level from the sauces.

Try some Takoyaki when visiting Japan

Takoyaki is more than a culinary delight; it’s an emblem of Japanese street food culture. It’s a testament to Japan’s food tradition that transforms simple ingredients into gastronomic masterpieces. The experience of eating this snack extends beyond the palate. It immerses you in a unique culinary narrative woven with history, culture, and creativity. If you haven’t yet, it’s about time you let this humble, delectable street food amuse your taste buds while introducing you to the richer spectrum of Japanese cuisine.

• Recent Posts

• Writing & Understanding Haiku Poetry - May 25, 2023
• Shinkansen Bento: A Guide to the Delicious Train Station Box Lunches - May 25, 2023
• What is Takoyaki? - May 25, 2023

Related Posts:

Takoyaki (������), which literally translates to grilled octopus, refers to the savory dish of grilled balls of batter made with flour and eggs filled with octopus chunks and other ingredients like pickled ginger (beni shoga) and leftover fried tempura batter (tenkasu). Each takoyaki ball is approximately the size of a golf ball.

Typically made fresh in-store, the exterior of a takoyaki ball is a nice golden brown while the interior can be a touch molten. A single order of takoyaki contains about eight balls, which are topped with shaved bonito flakes (katsuobushi), aonori seaweed flakes and drizzled with mayonnaise and takoyaki sauce .

Takoyaki originated and is particularly popular in Osaka . It is typically sold at specialized stands or small restaurants, and is also a favorite at festivals where one will likely encounter at least one takoyaki stand. Takoyaki is also a fun dish to make at home, and smaller takoyaki grill plates for home use are easily available at shops.

Two attractions dedicated to takoyaki are the Takoyaki Park in Universal Citywalk Osaka, just outside the Universal Studios Japan and the Takoyaki Museum in Decks Tokyo Beach in Odaiba , Tokyo . Both places offer a collection of popular and well-known takoyaki shops from Osaka, from which diners can compare the different takoyaki varieties and flavors.

Similar in shape and ingredients, but not to be confused with takoyaki is akashiyaki , a local specialty of Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture , not far from Osaka. Akashiyaki is similar to fluffy egg souffle balls with small octopus chunks, and the balls are dipped into hot dashi soup stock before eating. Each akashiyaki ball is approximately about two thirds the size of a golf ball, and a single serve usually contains about 10 to 20 balls.

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Blend PH and Takoyumi build strong ties to serve more takoyaki lovers around the Philippines

Feb 27, 2020

Lateral Partner Integration Requires Business Development Plan

When a lateral is hired into a new firm, following the tone set during the recruiting process is essential. The firm needs to ensure the lateral is set up for success on day one. Openness, honesty, and transparency are key.

A 12-month marketing and business development plan should be created as a roadmap for integrating new lateral hires and partnering them with a business development liaison. The assigned liaison should host regular check-in calls and serve as the lateral’s initial point of contact for all client development activities.

Setting the Stage

An introductory call between the lateral and their assigned BD liaison should take place prior to their start date or within the first two weeks. This should be the first in a series of integration meetings that take place during the lateral’s first year.

The goal of the meeting is to help the lateral understand the resources of the firm, services the marketing and BD department provides (i.e., requests for proposals, pitches, collateral, conference/speaking engagement prep, awards & rankings, bio updates, etc.) and to answer firm questions that may not have been addressed during the recruiting process.

The lateral and liaison should discuss any immediate client needs/opportunities, expectations, what support the lateral needs, and alert clients about the move.

The lateral should walk away from the meeting feeling confident, comfortable, and with a clear path forward.

Read more: Lateral Partner Recruiting Must Focus on Honesty and Clear Data

Introduction and Implementation

The BD liaison must also obtain a fulsome knowledge of the lateral’s practice, portable book of business, client targets, and preferred marketing styles. They should ascertain the partner’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as business goals and objectives.

The liaison needs to know why the lateral was hired—their niche expertise, specific client needs, and regional presence—to help identify cross-sell opportunities, make appropriate introductions to targeted attorneys within the firm, and plug the lateral into pre-existing client and industry teams. Prioritization should be placed on client-facing activities and the lawyer’s strengths.

The new partner’s BD liaison should have the same information as the legal recruiting team, which includes the lateral’s resume, partner questionnaire, offer letter, and revenue goals. Armed with these resources, the business development liaison is positioned as a part of the firm’s long time revenue strategy for the lateral partner, versus as a document producer.

Positioning the BD liaison as a key to the lateral’s success at the onset will encourage the partner to engage them in a meaningful way with strategy, innovation, and revenue generating activities for a sustaining practice. This allows the partner to focus on delivering quality legal services, while the BD liaison can focus on collaboratively growing their book of business.

Having a thoughtful, written integration plan is imperative. A written process ensures not only accountability, but gives each lateral the same onboarding experience regardless of which practice group or industry team they sit in.

During each meeting, the liaison should probe the lateral on topics such as satisfaction with the firm, sense of being valued, client growth opportunities, bandwidth and utilization, and cross-selling successes or frustrations. Regular status updates should be provided to firm leadership and other stakeholders. If the lateral flags an issue or perceived roadblock, the liaison should dig deeper to understand the root cause, and work with leadership to course correct.

It’s critical that firms not overpromise and underdeliver. For example, a lateral may have been hired to inherit a portfolio that fell through, or perhaps market fluctuations prohibited the opening of a new office that the lateral was intended to join. It’s important to keep the lateral’s business development liaison informed of these developments so they can monitor follow-though, manage expectations, and help pivot if necessary.

The firm should be clear about their commitments. Conversely, expectations for new partners’ client development and relationship building activities, for example, should also be addressed directly.

The most successful laterals are engaged and actively participate in regular integration calls. Holding 90-day reviews that include members of the recruiting team and practice group or department leaders can provide an opportunity for the partner to be heard as well as to receive direct feedback.

Integration Process

Avoid letting new lateral partners fall between the cracks, especially if they’re rainmakers or inexperienced business developers, by having a continuity plan that includes the written integration process. The BD liaisons shouldn’t work in silos.

Find a collaboration tool that works for the team’s communication style and commit to using it. Keep detailed records and have a plan of continued support should the assigned BD liaison leave the firm, or if there is significant recent or impending change happening within the firm, such as a merger or acquisition.

Recruiting and integration don’t cease when a merger is on the horizon, and the potential for new laterals to get lost in transition during a major change increases. Firms must adapt their recruiting and integration strategies not only to speak to the newly merged firm’s emerging cultural differentiators but also to how laterals will be supported in a fluid environment.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Bloomberg Industry Group, Inc., the publisher of Bloomberg Law and Bloomberg Tax, or its owners.

Author Information

Brian J. Carrozza is director of client development at Goulston & Storrs.

Courtney C. Hudson is business development manager at Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz.

Megan K. Senese is co-founder and principal at stage, a women-owned business development and legal marketing firm.

Write for Us: Author Guidelines

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Jada Chin at [email protected] ; Jessie Kokrda Kamens at [email protected]

Learn more about Bloomberg Law or Log In to keep reading:

Learn about bloomberg law.

AI-powered legal analytics, workflow tools and premium legal & business news.

Already a subscriber?

Log in to keep reading or access research tools.