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
Founder Hantaro Takaoka left Okayama prefecture and relocated to Tokyo where he opened a Gyu-meshi (old name for Sukiyaki) restaurant in Honjo-Azumabashi.
2nd generation Koji Takaoka opened the Imahan restaurant in Asakusa Kaminarimon with his distant relative, Hantaro Aizawa.
The restaurant became independent, newly named Asakusa Imahan which opened at its present location.
Asakusa Imahan was established as the Imahan Limited Liability Company.
Imahan began producing and selling Beef Tsukudani (beef boiled down in our signature sauce) goods.
Asakusa Imahan Nihonbashi branch opened (later branched out to be a separate company).
The Tsukudani shop opened its doors at Ginza Matsuzakaya. Following its success, the Tsukudani shops have since expanded to numerous department stores throughout Tokyo.
Gyu-don (Japanese beef rice bowl) was invented.
Imahan Limited Liability Company changed to Imahan Co. Ltd.
4th generation Emiko Takaoka was appointed as the president of Asakusa Imahan.
The position was then passed down to 5th generation Shuichi Takaoka who became Asakusa Imahan’s newly appointed president.
Asakusa Imahan received the Excellent Corporation Award.
The Funabashi factory office building was completed.
Asakusa Imahan received the excellent corporation award.
Formerly operating as Imahan Co.Ltd., the Kokusai Street Head Restaurant became independent and rebranded as Takahan Co. Ltd.
Asakusa Imahan received the Excellent Corporation Award.
Asakusa Imahan Orange Street branch restaurant opened.
Asakusa Imahan celebrated its 100th anniversary.
Asakusa Imahan received the Excellent Corporation Award.
Asakusa Imahan Bento Studio opened in Asakusa.
Asakusa Imahan received the Excellent Corporation Award.
Asakusa Imahan celebrated its 115th anniversary.
Asakusa Imahan received the Excellent Corporation Award.
Asakusa Imahan celebrated its 120th anniversary.
Asakusa Imahan celebrated its 125th anniversary.
IMAHAN Co., LTD.
2-17-4, NISHI-ASAKUSA, TAITO-KU, TOKYO , JAPAN.
111-0035
Kokusai Street Head Restaurant
3-1-12, NISHI-ASAKUSA, TAITO-KU, TOKYO, JAPAN.
111-0035
TEL:+81-3-3841-1114 FAX:+81-3-3843-2224
MAIL: honten@asakusaimahan.co.jp