Makanai: Cozinhando para A Casa Maiko

Two girls leave their rural village to travel to Kyoto where they join a maiko (apprentice geisha) house in the hope of realising their dreams. Sadly one is a naturally elegant whilst the other seems to lack coordination and will never make the grade. The story is gently told over 9 episodes and we get to see that even though dreams are thwarted new ones can appear. The people in the house are addressed as mother, sister or brother and we see how even though they are not blood relations they all have a bond. Food is an important part of the story and many of the best scenes centre around the kitchen and how important taste and flavours can be to connect us with our past. A beautiful story with an insight into the lives of maiko but more importantly a story of true friendship.

A show where nothing happens (if you stick to a narrow-minded view of events on a Hollywood or Bollywood scale) that sucks you in, sinks its hooks into you, and doesn't let go until the end.

Simply beautiful. No fancy plots. No unexpected reveals. No gimmicks. Just an artfully crafted glimpse into the maiko life most people know nothing about. I know I sure didn't.

And they nail the pacing. No extreme highs that like sugar cause you to crash and burn. And no extreme lows that make you dread "uh-oh, what's coming next" whenever a joyous event occurs. The pace stays comfortable, like a warm blanket, and you can relax and marvel at the simplicity yet intricate details throughout this masterpiece.

The acting is so superb to the point you forget they are actresses and actors. And begin to think of them as real-life people living their normal everyday routines.

I've only felt this way with one other show/movie. And that is "From Up on Poppy Hill" by Studio Ghibli. Well worth a binge watch!

This series is refreshingly light-hearted, wholesome and easy to binge watch. The food scenes highlight the intention and artfulness of Japanese cuisine and make me want to try more of it. The intimate shots of Kyoto make it feel like we're there on tour, seeing places we might not get to see if we were mere tourists. Though the dialogue and characters seem so simplistic and giggly throughout the series (something that would normally be a huge turnoff for me), there is something subtle about them and the culture that pulls you in and makes you want to be kinder, less selfish and more grateful for life's simple pleasures. While watching this series, I found myself wanting to elevate my own cooking of my family's meals and to be more appreciative of things I commonly take for granted. It's like the central characters are so exemplary in many respects, that their goodness permeates through the screen and rubs off on you. I also enjoyed learning more about geiko and maiko culture. Unfortunately, I was misled by Memoirs of a Geisha to think that Geisha/Geiko were more like high-end prostitutes but this series made it clear that that was a gross mischaracterization of the role these delicate and respected purveyors of tradition and historical art play in Japanese society. I hope there will be a second season.

This is a wonderful and rare view into the life and workings of a Maiko House in Kyoto. All the characters are beautifully presented by the ensemble cast and whilst the storyline is simple and limited, there is always enough going on to be completely enthralling.

The cooking/ food is so authentic you can almost taste it, and the two young girls under training are so caring and giving both to each other and all others.

Kyoto scenes are breathtaking at times and simply beautiful at others.

This show has similarities to Midnight Diner in that it focuses on ordinary people going about their lives.

But there is nothing ordinary about the quest to become a fully fledged Maiko at the heart of the story and the portrayal of the training and lifestyle required is extraordinary. So too the appointment and work of the wonderful Makanai, in cooking and caring for all.

I hope those who have not lived in Japan, like I, can fully appreciate the art and insights in this wonderful story. It is worth the effort.

I've been inside the homes of 3 elderly Japanese women (one in Okinawa and two in the U. S.) and they all had that "organized chaos" feel. LoL! Books and knick knacks stacked to the ceiling, yet they knew exactly where to find things. I love the innocence conveyed by Kiyo and Sumire. I enjoyed the details shown when Kiyo was preparing food and how impressed everyone was with her offerings. The most touching part for me was when the man ate Kiyo's rice ball and said she must be emitting something from her hands (for it to taste so good). What a profound compliment. I cried so hard at that part.