Tofu, also known as soybean curd, is a versatile soy-based food beloved across Japan for its light texture and subtle flavor. In Yakuzen, tofu is valued for its cooling nature and ability to generate fluids and provide moisture, making it an especially refreshing ingredient during the hot summer months.

In summer, chilled tofu (hiyayakko) is a classic dish, often topped with spring onions, grated ginger, or bonito flakes for extra flavor and balance. But tofu isn’t limited to warm weather—it adapts beautifully to all seasons. In autumn and winter, it appears in comforting dishes like yudofu (gently simmered tofu served with dipping sauce) or agedashi tofu (lightly battered, deep-fried tofu served in a savory dashi broth).

Because tofu has a naturally cooling energy, it is best paired with warming foods like green onions, miso, or ginger to create balance. From a Yakuzen perspective, tofu helps hydrate the body, clear excess heat, and ease dryness-related symptoms such as dry skin, thirst, constipation, or a scratchy throat. Its mild, sweet flavor and nourishing quality also make it an easy food to digest, suitable for everyday meals.

Yakuzen Classifications
Nature – Cold (寒)
Channels – Spleen (脾), Stomach (胃), Large intestine (大腸)
Flavor – Sweet (甘)

How does tofu help you?

1. Produce body fluids and moisten dryness
2. Replenish qi and support the stomach
3. Clear heat and eliminate toxins

Good for the following symptoms

1. Cough due to lung heat
2. Thirst
3. Dry skin
4. Red eye due to excess heat
5. Constipation due to dryness
6. Fatigue due to qi deficiency
7. Poor appetite

Japanese home dishes with tofu

1. Simmered Beef and Tofu
2. Sukiyaki
3. Tomato and Tofu Miso soup

Cautions

It's very important to know about your body conditions before choosing foods.
Do not eat too much of particular foods at once.
Do not eat the foods you are allergic to.
There are foods to avoid if you are pregnant / have a disease. Ask your doctor before you start Yakuzen.