How was food delivered in the old days in Japan?

Tim Chiappone

IT Systems Administrator 3y

How was food delivered in the old days in Japan?

Here are photographs from the streets of Tokyo, taken in the middle of the 20th century of what food delivery used to look like.

These delivery boys would balance towers of soba noodle bowls on their shoulders carrying dinners and breakfasts to their customers. The job was dangerous and required a tremendous amount of poise and skill.

These precarious towers were balanced over their shoulder while riding the bicycle, one hand keeping the bike steady with the other hand gently holding on to the precious cargo.

The men often handled dozens of orders in a single trip and the only mode of transport they could afford at the time was the bicycle.

Known as demae, food delivery is said to have originated as early as the mid-Ero period in the 1700s. Originally used by the wealthy Daimyo, who sent their servants to let the shop keepers know they wanted food delivered to their homes. Eventually demae evolved into a more mainstream practice, enjoyed by office workers, students, etc.

The most popular item was soba, a Japanese buckwheat noodle dish.

Thanks for reading.