The Show That Made Me Want to Work on My Japanese Cooking

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Gourmet Girl Graffiti

Well, Shaft has done it again. Put out another show that I truly enjoyed and loved the art. Was this one of my favorites, no, but I liked it a fair amount.

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The show follows RyoMachiko, a middle school girl who has been living alone since her grandmother died. Ryo was inspired to learn to cook by her relationship with her grandmother and has gotten quite good, but has felt something was missing. The missing piece falls into place when her cousin,  Kirin Morino, comes to stay with her on weekends to attend cram school  in Tokyo. Company, and the act of sharing a meal is what makes food come alive for Ryo.

The show’s premise is summed up pretty well here.

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And so it goes. Kirin comes on the weekends. Ryo makes food. Food is enjoyed. Girls become close friends. It is a quiet and simple show that focuses on the importance of connection in one’s daily lives.

But wait there’s more….Is food erotic and sensual? Shaft thought so.

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Can food be a sensual experience? I would say so!

Attention Parents: There is no nudity, violence, cursing, or traditional fan service in this show. There is suggestiveness without a doubt.

My 11 year old keeps asking me if it is okay for him to watch. I know most of the imagery would go over his head, but I still keep imagining the following scenarios: “Dad? What are these funny feelings I’m having while I eat hot pot?” “Why does omurice make me tingle?”

Oh…perhaps I worry too much. Or perhaps I’m a little nuts.

Watch, if you like  low key shows about food and friendship. It is really well done and worth a viewing.

Itadakimasu!

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Winter 2015 Season: What I’m Watching

A new season of shows have started and a new bunch for me to check out as a fan and as a dad to see whether I’ll let my 11 year old watch any of them.

assassinationanime1Assassination Classroom

A bunch of students have been charged with killing their teacher (who is this tentacled balloon looking guy) in order to keep him from destroying earth. Is it bad for younger kids? Too early to tell. There is violence (shooting guns), but it is not graphic violence yet. Looks like it could be a fun show.

download (2)Death Parade

People have to play various sadistic games of chance in order to determine their fates. After episode 1….Yeaaahhh….I’m not going to let my 11 year old watch that one. Adult themes, some graphic images, probably will get worse from here. I am going to continue watching, one of the darker shows for me this season.

Kantai-Collection-Akagi-atago-kaga-866516Kancolle

Based off of an online browser game, Kancolle is a bunch of girls who possess the spirits of Japanese warships and they fight the threat of the deep sea fleet. It is a little goofy in concept, but mindless fun. So far it seems largely harmless for younger viewers.

download (1)Rolling Girls

Ten year after “The Great Tokyo War” and prefectures in Japan have split off into independent nations. Four girls travel between nations on motorcycles to mediate and settle disputes between clans and nations. So far, nothing to offensive. time will tell. Seems to be an interesting premise.

3aaa3baddc080fe539a25b577a7fca651420758243_fullGourmet Girl Graffiti

A middle school girl who has a knack for cooking making friends through her love of food. There is a slight eroticism when the girl eats. Is this enough to make it inaccessible for younger viewers? Maybe, maybe not… I will watch it, I love to cook!

downloadCute High Earth Defense Club LOVE!

My (and my 15 year olds) most anticipated show of the season. Magical bishounen boys and a talking pink wombat-like creature. A definite send up of the magical girl genre with some nods to Sailor Moon. So far nothing has been to objectionable. A really funny show! Give it a try.

What are you watching?