The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House Story:-
Kiyo and Sumire, inseparable best friends, make a bold decision to depart from their school and hometown of Aomori, embarking on a journey to Kyoto. Their destination? A yakata (maiko house), where they aspire to become apprentice maikos (geishas). Yet, amidst the rigorous and disciplined training required, uncertainty looms: will they succeed in becoming official maikos?
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 12 January 2023 |
| Language | Japanese |
| Genre | Drama |
| Episodes | 9 |
| Cast | Nana Mori, Natsuki Deguchi, Aju Makita, Kairi Jyo, Momoko Fukuchi, Kotoko Wakayanagi, Kotona Minami, Lily Franky, Yukiya Kitamura, Toshinori Omi, Kanji Furutachi, Keiko Toda, Kayoko Shiraishi, Keiko Matsuzaka, Ai Hashimoto, Mayu Matsuoka, Arata Iura, Takako Tokiwa |
| Director | Hiroshi Okuyama, Takuma Satô, Megumi Tsuno, Hirokazu Koreeda |
| Writer | Hirokazu Koreeda |
| Producer | Hirokazu Koreeda |
| Production | Bun-Buku, Netflix, Story Inc. |
| Certificate | 13+ |
Showcasing the adaptation of Aiko Koyama’s Japanese manga series, Hirokazu Kore-eda (known for “Shoplifters”) introduces “Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House,” a nine-part series delving into the captivating odyssey of Kiyo and Sumire, both 16, as they pursue their dreams.
As the girls bid farewell to Aomori, Kiyo’s grandmother treats them to nabekko dumpling soup, a gesture that unveils Kiyo’s profound connection with food. Throughout their apprenticeship, while Kiyo displays a natural inclination towards assisting Sachiko, the house’s official makanai (cook), she struggles with the traditional arts training, her dancing faltering and confidence wavering. Conversely, Sumire flourishes in her training, despite her father’s opposition urging her to return to high school.
In a surprising turn, Kiyo discovers her true calling when she takes charge of preparing meals for the house, igniting her passion for cooking. Despite its challenges, her love for culinary arts becomes her guiding light. Meanwhile, Sumire finds mentorship under Momoko, a revered geiko in Kyoto, fully immersing herself in her geisha training.
Echoing Kore-eda’s signature style, the narrative unfolds seamlessly, revealing layers of emotion and depth. Meal times become moments of bonding and sisterhood, where the girls share tales of love, rebellion, and self-discovery. Through subtle conversations, profound truths emerge, such as the notion that one can find love and fulfillment in their craft.
Visually enchanting, the series captivates with its picturesque frames, reminiscent of Ghibli animations. From graceful maikos practicing their art to tantalizing depictions of Kiyo’s culinary creations, every scene is a feast for the senses. Kiyo’s cooking not only nourishes the body but also serves as a source of comfort and belonging for Sumire.
“Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House” celebrates Japanese cuisine, culture, and the enduring bonds of friendship. Indulge yourself in this heartwarming blend of flavors and emotions—a true culinary delight.
