Koufuku Graffiti

Ryo is a teenager who has lived alone since her grandmother died, the year before. Her parents are working abroad and her aunt works all day and has no time to be with her. Lonely and melancholic, she indulges in cooking, trying to recreate the dishes she learned from her grandmother. But she is never satisfied and thinks that their flavor never reaches the perfection it should. That's when she starts to have weekly visits from her energetic and funny cousin Kirin, who comes from the countryside to attend classes at the same art school attended by Ryo. The two become friends and Kirin turns into the perfect consumer for all Ryo's culinary efforts, proving that what she needed was someone to share her dishes.

Koufuku Graffiti is nothing more than the story of two teenagers (or three, when accompanied by friend Shiina) who transform cooking and eating into acts of profound sensory and spiritual pleasure. No matter how simple the dishes are, the experience of eating them will be special and translated to the public in a warm, poetic and unique way. And in this culinary exploration they will discover friendship, solidarity and empathy. Perhaps because it has such a basic premise, the series didn't make it past the first season and does not enjoy the same popularity as other anime from the same period and even the same subject. It's a pity, because Koufuku Graffiti is sweet and highly enjoyable. Episodes are poignant, nostalgic and try to balance humor and emotion. The musical interludes are wonderful and the whole series is a true gem of simplicity.