The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House

What can I say. I loved this. Every moment of it. And I realized this as the serie unfolded: why do we have or make or even accept all the drama in our lives, why? We don't need it, it doesn't make us happy or more true to ourselves. Why all the bitching, fighting, all the selfishness and self absorption and all the room our endless egos need.

Why not live in peace and search for harmony with joy, understanding, patience and respect. Why not laugh more. Eat better. Cook better. Maybe we'll thrive better too.

I loved this serie that actually didn't have much of a story, no dramas, but lots of insight in a lifestyle so different from what I at least are accustomed to. I loved it. Really. Two young giggling teenagers and the rest of the crew made me realize we do need love, understanding, patience and it doesn't have to be the wild kind of love, but the affectionate one works too. Maybe even better. And we need joy in our heats. And we are not dum if we laugh or giggle a lot. We need that spark of joy:)

You might expect Memoirs of a Geisha, but this is far from it. Set in modern day, the story follows two young friends and aspiring maikos. One of them succeeds, the other becomes the makanai. Conflicts are small and ultimately love and kindness are at the heart of this visually stunning show as the characters, regardless of their differences, are genuinely concerned for one another's well being.

The sets are very interesting and you will feel like you live in the close quarters with these women. I'm not sure if this was an intentional character choice, but both grandma's house and the maiko's house are completely cluttered with things: papers, books, knick knacks, fabric, pots, pans. Everything is everywhere. Organized chaos.

You will almost be able to taste the food, as it is beautifully shot and almost educational the way each recipe is filmed.

Kyoto and all of its scenery is also a visual treat and you will probably start googling what a trip their costs.

All in all, a sweet show. Tender and lovely and not in a hurry.

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.

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.

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.