Samurai Gourmet
Samurai Gourmet is a twelve-part 2017 Japanese-language television series on Netflix, based on Masayuki Kusumi's essay and the manga of the same title. The premise revolves around Takeshi Kasumi, told in a slice of life style. Now a retired salaryman, Kasumi discovers the joys of eating and drinking, which awakens his inner persona—a wandering samurai living freely in Japan's age of civil wars.
Cast
Release
Samurai Gourmet has been released on Netflix streaming.
Critical response
Reception has been positive. The Guardian has two separate reviews, one by Stuart Heritage who states "It is joyful, touching and innocent. There are no real stakes to speak of, but that is part of its charm." and another by Aleksandra Bliszczyk who writes "In this spellbinding, lovingly shot series, a recently retired man decides to eat something new every day - and captivates your senses along the way." Food blog Kitchen Catastrophe summarizes: "It's shot well, acted well, the food looks great, and while you probably won't be rolling with laughter, you'll find it's hard to stop smiling." Ashlie D. Stevens for Salon: "The stakes are never life or death, but watching someone successfully become more like the person they want to be is invigorating, especially when the subject is well past the typical 'coming of age' years." Similarly, Riley MacLeod writes for Kotaku: "Samurai Gourmet's small dramas are things all of us have likely experienced in one form or another, and the show's celebration of regular eating habits reminds me of the best episodes of Anthony Bourdain shows." The Daily Utah Chronicle comments on its food storytelling blend: "The show beautifully balances the foodie aspect and the storylines to create a great plot and illustrate the grace and effort that goes into many of the dishes highlighted by the show."