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Samurai Gourmet - A Relaxing Netflix Show
- Thread starter SixMachine
- Start date
- Status
Frozenprince
Banned
Japanese slice of Life shows are the most relaxing TV ever.
It's strange what this show does.
It feels like any other cooking show to a degree. but relies on very unique emotional pulls.
- the life of a retiree
- the life of the everyday Japanese man
- the life of one with a clear and traceable past
The use of comedy grounds us into its world, but the constant reminder of social norms and faux pas give us a window into a world like our own, buys distinctly different. It takes the genre of slice-of-life and instantly extends it to be greater than itself.
Tl;dr It's quite good, imo
It feels like any other cooking show to a degree. but relies on very unique emotional pulls.
- the life of a retiree
- the life of the everyday Japanese man
- the life of one with a clear and traceable past
The use of comedy grounds us into its world, but the constant reminder of social norms and faux pas give us a window into a world like our own, buys distinctly different. It takes the genre of slice-of-life and instantly extends it to be greater than itself.
Tl;dr It's quite good, imo
Aarglefarg
Member
I watched the first episode and I am reminded of someone...
This is the Quina origin story, I predict.
This is the Quina origin story, I predict.
grafcheyne
Member
Been watching this with my girlfriend lately before bedtime. As people have been saying, it's very relaxing and charming. The main dish of each episode is like a rundown of my favorite Japanese dishes...legit food for the soul to me.
ThatCrazyGuy
Member
I finished the season. I thought it was damn good. Very relaxing. Makes me smile. I can't explain the exact feeling this show gives me. It's like faint glow of happiness and wanting, lol.
SixMachine
Member
I less than half of Takeshi's Kasumi's age but the show does give me the "nostalgic" feeling even though I'm neither old enough to retire or have ever been to Japan. It's strange but it works really well.
Hours Left
Member
To echo what's been said, this show is super charming and very relaxing. Takeshi & Shizuko's relationship is so cute, and there were some very touching moments throughout.
I hope they make more.
I hope they make more.
UnluckyKate
Member
The yakitori chef is a jerk to these foreigners.
I'm going to Tokyo in 10 days and I dream to enter random tiny restaurants like these... Aaaah I should go prepared with basic Japanese
I'm going to Tokyo in 10 days and I dream to enter random tiny restaurants like these... Aaaah I should go prepared with basic Japanese
It'd be a good idea
I couldnt get into Midnight Diner at all, I was quite bummed
I didn't like it much either. There was something about it that felt weird and stilted I watched two eps and haven't tried again.
But I quite like Samurai Gourmet. I don't really know why. Its hitting nostalgia/comfort buttons, but not my buttons.
This was a wonderful show. Every episode left me feeling really happy. The old guy's facial expressions and earnestness, and his exaggerated mannerisms constantly put a smile on my face, along with my love of Japan. Just a relaxing, nostalgic, feel good show that honestly made me think that I need to take more pleasure in my meals and day to day life.
zorlaczerohero
Banned
Amazing show, huge smile on my face all the way through!
Hours Left
Member
I just watched the first three eps of Midnight Dinner and wasn't feeling it at all. :/
I want more Samurai Gourmet.
shira
Member
My only reference for Japanese cooking/eating shows is Shokugeki no Souma
So this is more realistic in comparison
Large Professor
Member
I'm enjoying the show as well, although the samurai parts feel a bit unnecessary.
i liked the first episode a lot, especially how the wife just is doing her own thing and is like yeah ive had a lot of wine today lol
the second episode i did not like because i dont enjoy the idea of a bad food experience, thats not why im watching this shit. though i did think it was cute how the wife's ramen made him so happy
also i just wanted to mention its so weird cuz ive only seen this actor naoto takenaka once before, on a sushi episode of iron chef. now the next time i see him he is 20 years older still doing food tv. its a funny feeling
the second episode i did not like because i dont enjoy the idea of a bad food experience, thats not why im watching this shit. though i did think it was cute how the wife's ramen made him so happy
also i just wanted to mention its so weird cuz ive only seen this actor naoto takenaka once before, on a sushi episode of iron chef. now the next time i see him he is 20 years older still doing food tv. its a funny feeling
GustyGardens
Banned
This show is so good. Stumbled upon it a couple weeks ago. It's like a slice-of-life anime come to life. The main character has mannerisms and inner dialogue that is very anime character-esque. It's a really unique show. It's good for a Saturday or Sunday show to watch while having breakfast.
Anyone familiar with the source material? It seems like a slightly difference concept, where the main character isn't retired, etc..
Anyone familiar with the source material? It seems like a slightly difference concept, where the main character isn't retired, etc..
Finished it this morning, I thought it was great. Kasumi was such a hip old dude.
I think I tried to watch the first episode of Midnight Diner but stopped for whatever reason. Will give that a try again. I doubt it'll be as fun / silly as Gourmet though.
Also does anyone know who the narrator was? During the opening titles? Voice is very familiar but can't place my finger on it.
I think I tried to watch the first episode of Midnight Diner but stopped for whatever reason. Will give that a try again. I doubt it'll be as fun / silly as Gourmet though.
Also does anyone know who the narrator was? During the opening titles? Voice is very familiar but can't place my finger on it.
BrokenFiction
Member
I just started watching this today and I kind of love it? The slow pacing, the locations, Kasumi himself is charming as anything. Has there been an announcement of a second season?
It's on Canadian Netflix along with Midnight Diner, so I think it should be.
BrokenFiction
Member
I'm in the U.S. and watching it now.
sixteen-bit
Member
It sure is.
ChemicalCutthroat
Member
To be fair, beer is the most refreshing thing ever.
But he makes it seem like ambrosia poured directly from the realm of the gods directly into one's mouth.
...brb making a Sapporo run.
BrokenFiction
Member
Same. I need some of those short glasses he drinks out of too.
BrokenFiction
Member
TFW you realize that there's not really any good Japanese places nearby. Plenty of American/Chinese and Vietnamese tho...
I love that the food photography is lovely, but natural. No fakery or spray mists or overdone DOF, just the real dishes, from regular places, artfully photographed and executed.
BTW if you haven't been to Tokyo it's hard to express just how incredible the food scene is. Basically every single block in the city has multiple options, and theres a surprise delicious restuarant down every quiet alley, around every obscure corner - upstairs and downstairs (western habits make me naturally ignore everything but the ground floor) and my rule of thumb for visitors is, if it's in a reasonably busy part of Tokyo, and it's in business and open, it's probably delicious.
And fantastically cheap. There's no reason whatsoever to spend a lot of money on single meals if you're on a budget. $12 will get you the best and biggest bowl of ramen you've ever seen, with a cool glass of Asahi to wash it down.
here's a tiny sample of cheap, amazing places to eat that I've tried. My all time favorite is Nakamoto Ramen (spicy Mouko tanmen), but these are all incredible for different reasons.
garlic meatballs placeÂ…stand in line with Tokyo housefraus to grab these while they're hot. Your breath will REEK afterwards, so be warned. Even if garlic doesn't normally do that to you (me, for example) this will destroy vampires for miles around.
http://www.tokyo2seoul.com/Tokyo/Kichijoji/Satou
Gyoza specific place at Lumine EST department store at 7F - not sure if that shop is still there but itÂ’s filled with great new restaurants - fantastic Gyoza, lots of flavors and fillings.
http://www.timeout.jp/en/tokyo/venue/440/Lumine-Est
New-ish ramen placeÂ….there is Musashi ramen which used to be rated as #1 in Tokyo (still is one of the best), only steps away from my favorite, Nakamoto in Shjinjuku but this place is the bomb - make sure to load the soup up with the sauce on the table - they change the flavor every few months.
http://www.ramenadventures.com/2010/01/menya-musashi-in-shinjuku.html
An incredible tsukemen (dipping noodles) place - load it up with pork, eggs, hot pepper and black pepper in the soup, and ask for hot stones to be put in the soup in the middle of your eating to keep it hot:
http://www.picrumb.com/tsukemen-tetsu/
My second favorite lunch spot - Katsukura Tonkatsu - deep fried pork chops served with amazing fresh salad and sides. get the double cutlet! Don't let the department store location put you off. this is NOT a food court and department stores actually compete to get the best restaurants - there's lots of gems up on those upper floors, all over the city.
https://www.picrumb.com/best-restaurants/shinjuku/katsukura/
And the all time best restuarant I have ever eaten at, no question. This would be my death row final meal. I get it hot, and add a soft boiled marinated egg (ajitsuke tamago)
http://www.ramenadventures.com/2010/02/nakamoto-in-shinjuku.html
BTW if you haven't been to Tokyo it's hard to express just how incredible the food scene is. Basically every single block in the city has multiple options, and theres a surprise delicious restuarant down every quiet alley, around every obscure corner - upstairs and downstairs (western habits make me naturally ignore everything but the ground floor) and my rule of thumb for visitors is, if it's in a reasonably busy part of Tokyo, and it's in business and open, it's probably delicious.
And fantastically cheap. There's no reason whatsoever to spend a lot of money on single meals if you're on a budget. $12 will get you the best and biggest bowl of ramen you've ever seen, with a cool glass of Asahi to wash it down.
here's a tiny sample of cheap, amazing places to eat that I've tried. My all time favorite is Nakamoto Ramen (spicy Mouko tanmen), but these are all incredible for different reasons.
garlic meatballs placeÂ…stand in line with Tokyo housefraus to grab these while they're hot. Your breath will REEK afterwards, so be warned. Even if garlic doesn't normally do that to you (me, for example) this will destroy vampires for miles around.
http://www.tokyo2seoul.com/Tokyo/Kichijoji/Satou
Gyoza specific place at Lumine EST department store at 7F - not sure if that shop is still there but itÂ’s filled with great new restaurants - fantastic Gyoza, lots of flavors and fillings.
http://www.timeout.jp/en/tokyo/venue/440/Lumine-Est
New-ish ramen placeÂ….there is Musashi ramen which used to be rated as #1 in Tokyo (still is one of the best), only steps away from my favorite, Nakamoto in Shjinjuku but this place is the bomb - make sure to load the soup up with the sauce on the table - they change the flavor every few months.
http://www.ramenadventures.com/2010/01/menya-musashi-in-shinjuku.html
An incredible tsukemen (dipping noodles) place - load it up with pork, eggs, hot pepper and black pepper in the soup, and ask for hot stones to be put in the soup in the middle of your eating to keep it hot:
http://www.picrumb.com/tsukemen-tetsu/
My second favorite lunch spot - Katsukura Tonkatsu - deep fried pork chops served with amazing fresh salad and sides. get the double cutlet! Don't let the department store location put you off. this is NOT a food court and department stores actually compete to get the best restaurants - there's lots of gems up on those upper floors, all over the city.
https://www.picrumb.com/best-restaurants/shinjuku/katsukura/
And the all time best restuarant I have ever eaten at, no question. This would be my death row final meal. I get it hot, and add a soft boiled marinated egg (ajitsuke tamago)
http://www.ramenadventures.com/2010/02/nakamoto-in-shinjuku.html
Hours Left
Member
I was hoping the topic being bumped was for a S2 announcement.
sixteen-bit
Member
What the fuck was up with the tourist's eyes in episode 10? It looked like she was wearing circle lenses, but still, shit looked creepy af, lmao
Large Professor
Member
It's a weebo thing for the kawaii look i think. To me it just looks weird.
She's a relatively well known jvlogger: https://www.youtube.com/user/TaylorR1488/videos
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