This guide covers the original Japanese Volume 1 by Tetsu Kariya and Akira Hanasaki, published by Shogakukan. Shiro Yamaoka and Yuko Kurita begin their newspaper’s Ultimate Menu project. Minor spoilers follow.
illustrations are original interpretations of the food, with original characters, not reproductions of manga scenes.
Tofu and Water: Starting with the Basics
The opening chapter puts tofu and water in the spotlight. Tofu is soybean curd, but its quiet appearance should not make us overlook it. My takeaway: begin by noticing texture and flavor before reaching for a dramatic topping.
Ankimo and Nigiri: Taste Beyond Prestige
Ankimo means monkfish liver. Yamaoka offers it as a challenge to the prestige of foie gras. A separate story focuses on nigiri sushi, toppings placed over shaped vinegared rice. Together, these subjects invite a useful question: are we judging the food, or its reputation?
Japanese Perspective: Everyday Food Deserves Care
Rice, miso soup, and whole dried sardines take center stage in another chapter. This familiar combination makes an accessible point: a modest meal can reward close attention. In my reading, the volume’s interest in ordinary food is more engaging than a parade of luxury ingredients.
Butter, Tempura, Dashi, and Daikon
Other chapters feature butter, tempura, dashi ingredients, and daikon radish. Tempura is food fried in a light batter; dashi is stock, here associated with dried bonito and kombu kelp. These subjects shift attention toward preparation. Try noticing aroma, crispness, and texture when you next encounter these foods.
Mizutaki: When Taste Meets Memory
The final chapter turns to mizutaki, a simmered hot-pot dish. Its theme of remembered taste gives the volume an emotional finish. A meal can matter because of the person we associate with it.
Reading and Buying Tips
For this chapter sequence, look for Shogakukan’s Japanese Volume 1, ISBN 9784091807519. VIZ’s English Japanese Cuisine, Vol. 1 is a different thematic selection.
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FAQ
Is this a recipe book?
No. It is a food manga; the discussion here is not a cooking guide.
Do I need to know Japanese cuisine?
No. Start with the food names above and follow the characters’ disagreements.
Explore our Manga Reviews for more Japanese stories.
