Tonkatsu Yonjusanban
A talked-about tonkatsu specialty shop opened in Ise in March 2023. Owner Chiaki Egawa, a former professional baseball player, uses 'Isshi SP Pork' raised on his own farm. The signature Hire Gozen (fillet set, 1,600 yen) features tenderly low-temperature-fried pork with rice, miso soup, pickles, and cabbage — with free rice refills. Yahoo Maps 4.39 (78 reviews), Tabelog 3.58/97 reviews. Only 2 directly-owned shops (Ise and Matsusaka) — no franchises. Weekends see full parking lots and 30-minute waits.
Reviews say 'the best tonkatsu I've ever had,' 'the fillet's tenderness is on another level,' and 'even a full parking lot is worth the wait.' 97 Tabelog reviews in just 2 years since opening is exceptional. The exclusivity of only 2 direct-owned shops is also valued.