Shocking Twist: England’s Secret Role in Okinawa’s Beloved A1 Sauce, and the Devastating News That’s Leaving Steak Lovers Reeling

The A1 sauce, long loved with Okinawan steak, will be discontinued. We interviewed the reasons for this and the voices of those who regret it.

Born in England. Titled A1 by the King.

Male guest
“It’s still sour. This is delicious.”

female guest
“I have it at home. I definitely have it.”

Male guest
“After all, it’s not enough without this.”

Video: 1 foot exercise group

A1 sauce has been loved by Okinawans for its sour, rich, and unique taste. It was created in England 200 years ago and was given the title “A1”, meaning the highest grade, by the King.

It is so popular that it sells 140,000 copies a year in Okinawa Prefecture, but a problem has come to light this time.

On October 10, 2024, people were seen buying products that were running low due to the suspension of sales.

female guest
“I always use it when I grill meat, so it’s a problem if I don’t have it. It seems like it’s a staple in Okinawa.”

Male guest
“This was the only one I used. I’ve been using it since I was little, so it’s sad to see it go away.”

Fresh Plaza Union Akamine Store Eishin Ohama Manager
“We received 20 cases yesterday, and now we have 7 cases. Some people are buying by the case. It’s a sauce that is loved by the people of the prefecture, so we hope to resume importing it soon.”

What is the reason for the suspension of sales?

For 30 years, Wakukawa Shokai has been the only importer in Okinawa Prefecture.

Yoshimitsu Nakamatsu of Wakukawa Shokai
“When I put it on a steak, it doesn’t come out smoothly, but drips. I don’t know what’s causing that, but I investigated and found that the thickener had dissolved. So it looked like water. If you just tilt it a little, it pops out.”

There were several complaints that the product looked different from the regular product, so after discussions with the British manufacturer from which the A1 sauce was shipped, they decided that unless the cause was clear, they would stop shipping the product, so they had no choice but to discontinue the product.

Unexplained decrease in viscosity. There is no prospect of resuming sales.

The background behind the spread of A1 sauce is

A1 sauce has now become a familiar taste to Okinawans, but its origins were in Okinawa under American rule.

Mr. Kiyoji Tokutomi
“The A-sign system was created when I was High Commissioner Caraway.”

Kiyoji Tokutomi took over the New York restaurant he opened in Koza in the 1950s and laid the foundation for Okinawan steak culture.

Mr. Kiyoji Tokutomi
“Paydays 1st and 15th, Fridays and Saturdays are very busy. A Sign Bar opens at 8am. Once open, the restaurant is full of people drinking and making noise. There was always A1 sauce on the steak. There were some (American soldiers) who ate it.”

A1 sauce is available at American steak restaurants.

Mr. Kiyoji Tokutomi
“Everything Americans eat is of the highest quality.I think it became popular when people talked about how delicious it would be to put A1 sauce on an American steak.”

Around the time of Okinawa’s return to the mainland, steak restaurants started opening one after another, and Okinawans began to casually enjoy steak.

Mr. Kiyoji Tokutomi
“When it was Children’s Day or Mother’s Day, my family would come to eat steak.When my parents would put A1 sauce on it, I would say, “Dad, please give it to me too.”My family would eat it. If you eat deliciously, I’d never be happier.”

Beloved along with steak for 60 years. Mr. Tokutomi has a certain idea.

Mr. Kiyoji Tokutomi
“Rather than importing A1 sauce, I want it to be made in Okinawa and loved by the people of Okinawa. That’s my hope.”

Yoshimitsu Nakamatsu of Wakukawa Shokai
“We have heard many complaints from customers, so we are currently developing a product that will replace it, although it is not possible to get the new product closer to A1 by penetrating the Okinawan people.This is our mission. Because I think so.”

Fill your stomach with memories of A1 sauce. A new source of “Wan (Me)” on Watta (We) Island is about to be born.