"Katsuobushi" or bonito flakes in English are essential for creating the distinctive taste of Japanese cuisine. Bonito flakes are used to make dashi which is the soup broth in miso soup, soba, udon and many simmered dishes. It also surprises first timers of Japanese food by famously "dancing" on top of okonomiyaki and takoyaki. If you grate the bonito flakes yourself with a bonito shaver, the flavor will noticeably improve in your Japanese dishes. Many people find the appetizing smoky aroma and calming sound of bonito flakes being shaved then lightly falling inside the wooden compartment of the bonito shaver to be very satisfying.
Below are instructions on how to use a bonito shaver. 
How to Make Tasty Bonito Flakes
2) Position the bonito shaver with the blade edges facing you and place the dried bonito on the shaver with the head toward you.
3) Hold the bonito shaver with one hand and the dried bonito with your other hand as seen in the picture below. Then slide it back and forth across the blade.
Your taste buds will definitely thank you for producing your own fresh bonito flakes!
