The anime series Shoplifters, created by Hirokazu Kore-eda, is based on the Kiyo in Kyoto manga series by Aiko Koyama. From the Maiko House, viewers may watch the nine-part television series "Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House," which chronicles the inspiring quest of 16-year-olds Kiyo and Sumire for their true calling.
At the send-off supper, Kiyo's grandma offers the girls nabekko dumpling soup before they go for Kyoto. It becomes clear right away that Kiyo has a unique connection to eating. Kiyo finds herself naturally drawn to aid Sachiko, the official makanai (in-house cook) at the maiko home, with the tasks around the house during their training session.However, Kiyo struggles when it comes to training in the arts, dancing out of time and failing to compete with the other trainees. As soon as possible, mother Azusa (Takako Tokiwa), the maiko house's in charge, informs Kiyo that she must return to Aomori since she is unfit to be a maiko. On the other hand, Sumire excels in her training, and the only person standing in her way is her father, who wants her to go back to high school. Despite how gentle they may appear, Kiyo and Sumire demonstrate that they are composed of sterner stuff. Kiyo unexpectedly finds herself cooking dinner for the girls one night at her home. This inspires her to pursue her actual calling, which is cooking.
While her new position may not be as easy as it seems, Kiyo puts all of her enthusiasm into the food she prepares, and it is her love of cooking that helps her get through it. Momoko (Al Hashimoto), Kyoto's most well-known geiko (geisha), now that Sumire is under her wing, encourages her to fully commit to her profession.
In typical Kore-eda fashion, the story flows smoothly and quietly like a river with gentle ripples. When Kiyo serves up her scrumptious dinners or unexpected breakfast treats, all the females at the maiko home gather for meals.
They sit as a group, like a family, and use this time to strengthen their bonds and sisterhood. Additionally, their characters develop their own arcs as the story goes on. At the dinner table and elsewhere, tales of unrequited love, rekindling former loves, questioning maiko traditions, discovering one's true self, and disobedience are spoken. Likewise, some life lessons. "You can love your art instead of merely a man. When faced with the choice of leaving with the man she loves or staying behind for her art, Momoko muses, "Love for the art does not stop you from loving someone."
Another example is when mother Azusa is informed that "no matter how old they get, people will continue to look for a place they belong to." Kiyo always greets her ingredients with a grin and says, "It's nice to see you again," when we see her talking to them.
Additionally, the series' impeccable, minimalistic frames by Kore-eda almost exactly mimic a Ghibli animation, making it visually stunning. Not only are there intriguing videos of the maikos practising their techniques in a gentle, graceful manner, but there are also enticing videos of Kiyo cooking delicious meals. The culinary shots are undoubtedly a feast for the senses, featuring dishes like fruit-based sweets, bread pudding, rusks, teriyaki, stews and soups.
In actuality, Sumire feels most at home when Kiyo cooks for her. And one can't help but prepare something to eat while watching this episode because Kiyo's joy over the food she creates is so endearing and infectious.
'Makanai - Cooking for the Maiko House' is a deft, lavish fusion of Japanese cuisine, tradition, and friendship. Give yourself a generous portion, please.
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