History – 浅草今半

The history of Asakusa Imahan

Asakusa Imahan traces its origin back to the Meiji period when our visionary predecessors foresaw the growing demand for beef and began a meticulous study of taste. This quest led to the creation of our renowned Beef Tsukudani menu, a delicacy crafted by boiling down beef in our signature sauce. Our predecessors’ dedication extended to studying the diverse offerings of other Beef Tsukudani restaurants in prestigious department stores in order to refine our Gyu-don (beef rice bowl) menu, continuously working to expand the restaurant’s repertoire. Today, our sixth-generation president proudly carries forward this legacy at Asakusa Imahan.

Throughout the transition from the Meiji to the Taisho, Showa, and Heisei eras, our unwavering commitment has been to preserve Japanese culinary traditions while innovating to cater to the evolving palates of today’s dynamic society. While our longevity has deepened our expertise and fueled substantial business growth, we never rest on our laurels. The Asakusa Imahan team remains tirelessly driven by a pursuit of excellence, striving to provide the finest authentic Japanese cuisine for our esteemed customers.

Asakusa Imahan Timeline

1895 April

Founder Hantaro Takaoka left Okayama prefecture and relocated to Tokyo where he opened a Gyu-meshi (old name for Sukiyaki) restaurant in Honjo-Azumabashi.

1913 June

2nd generation Koji Takaoka opened the Imahan restaurant in Asakusa Kaminarimon with his distant relative, Hantaro Aizawa.

1928 March

The restaurant became independent, newly named Asakusa Imahan which opened at its present location.

1931 April

Asakusa Imahan was established as the Imahan Limited Liability Company.

1945 January

Imahan began producing and selling Beef Tsukudani (beef boiled down in our signature sauce) goods.

1953

Asakusa Imahan Nihonbashi branch opened (later branched out to be a separate company).

1954

The Tsukudani shop opened its doors at Ginza Matsuzakaya. Following its success, the Tsukudani shops have since expanded to numerous department stores throughout Tokyo.

1955 January

Gyu-don (Japanese beef rice bowl) was invented.

1956 March

Imahan Limited Liability Company changed to Imahan Co. Ltd.

1966 December

4th generation Emiko Takaoka was appointed as the president of Asakusa Imahan.

1982 March

The position was then passed down to 5th generation Shuichi Takaoka who became Asakusa Imahan’s newly appointed president.

1982 June

Asakusa Imahan received the Excellent Corporation Award.

1982 July

The Funabashi factory office building was completed.