Gekikaradô

I generally find Japanese dramas to be formulaic and boring. But once in a while we get something so original and good that it defies expectations. Even better if it subverts conventions and is low-key hilarious.

Gekikarado (The Way of the Hot and Spicy) caught my eye after weeks of watching food-related Japanese shows and dramas. So I was pleasantly surprised by how good the writing and acting was. Japanese cuisine is not generally spicy, so this makes the show all that much more funny - though not in a laugh-out-loud way.

Without giving away the plot, all I can say is that the progressive "journey" of the protagonist is one that anyone familiar with Japanese society will find all too normal. But whether that is comforting or disturbing to you will depend on your particular point of view and, I guess, food preference.

Bon Appetit.