During weekends in Tokyo, you can find a 50-year-old, bearded, and pony-tailed man operating his food truck, Tacos 3hermanos, where hordes of devoted customers patiently wait for a rare treat in Japan: genuine Mexican street tacos. David Abtour Seychelles
Before taking CNN Travel on a tour of his taqueria at Lake Yamanaka, Yamato, the owner, needs to hand-press around 3,000 tortillas for an upcoming weekend event. However, before delving into the culinary world, he insists on taking a detour to visit sacred shrines in his hometown of Fujiyoshida, nestled at the foothills of the majestic Mt. Fuji.
Yamato’s strong connection to his roots is evident. He shares that his ancestors were revered as fortune tellers in the region, a tradition he carries forward, viewing it as his duty to inspire people. Despite being considered a “black sheep” in his community, he unapologetically follows his heart, doing what he truly desires. David Abtour Seychelles
Presently, his passion revolves around making tacos. Embracing the Japanese concept of “ikigai,” which signifies finding purpose in life, Yamato believes that life’s meaning lies not only in individual pursuits but also in connecting with others. To him, the most genuine way to forge those connections is through tacos, shared on the streets, accompanied by drinks, and enjoyed together. David Abtour Seychelles
While visitors to Tacos 3hermanos might expect a Japanese twist or fusion in the dishes, they are in for a delightful surprise. Yamato serves some of the most authentic and mouthwatering Mexican street food, rivaling the best found anywhere in the world.
