‘The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House’ (2023): A delicate series on Netflix about Friendship, Tradition, Art… and Cuisine

The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House (Maiko-san Chino makanai-san) is a Japanese series created by Hirokazu Koreeda starring Mayu Matsuoka, Ai Hashimoto, Nana Mori and Keiko Matsuzaka. Based on the manga by Aiko Koyama.

The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House, is a tender Japanese story about art, friendship, youth, time… and, what can merge all these concepts in a single one? Food as an art form and an expression of ephemerality and at the same time, eternity, serves this series to achieve a portrayal of youth that is charming, consoling and above all, very, very tender.

About the Series

A small delicacy for those that love the most traditional aspects of Japanese culture. The lives of these two kitchen apprentices will lead us, almost apologetically, to view a kind of Kyoto in which time goes by almost unnoticed, like those first images of the snow in the city. A series about tradition and fixed things, which deep down, has its own movement in that quietude that is so characteristic and peculiar of culture.

This is a series that knows how to evolve from apparent stillness and which develops as quickly in time as it is sparse in its narrative. The two friends separate, but what joined them in their youth remains, and which is a leitmotiv of the entire series: friendship, art… food.

The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House ios a series to be watched with peace and tranquility, to be taken in with calmness, and very ceremonious to be considered with all pertinent ceremony.

An excellent and delicate series to be delighted with as of Thursday 12 on Netflix.

Storyline

Two inseparable friends move to Kyoto to chase their dreams of becoming maiko, but decide to pursue different passions while living under the same roof.

Release Date

Thursday, January 12, 2023

Where to Watch The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House

Netflix

Episode List

Change

Kiyo and Sumire leave their hometown and head to Kyoto, where they will train as apprentice maiko entertainers.

Guardian Spirit

Kiyo receives some unfortunate news, but quickly finds her true calling when the maiko sisters get tired of ordering takeout.

Taboo

A former maiko suddenly makes a return. To her delight, Kiyo receives a heavy package from home.

Wish

Kiyo and Sumire get a day off and explore the city, making a wish at the shrine. An unexpected guest visits the maiko house, much to Sumire’s dismay.

Choice

Love is in the air — except for Kiyo, who only has eyes for food. Sumire receives wonderful news, while Ryoko battles with her feelings.

One-sided

Kiyo sets her eyes on the top prize of a lottery sponsored by the local shops. Momoko tries a bowl of Kiyo’s cream stew.

Illness

The geiko and maiko ladies kick off the new year at an annual ceremony. Sumire loses her appetite, but Kiyo cooks up an antidote.

Carnival

‘Tis the season of the annual costume event, and Momoko takes charge. Sumire accompanies Momoko to a high-end client dinner.

Passage

While Sumire continues to shine, Tsurukoma reconsiders her future. Kiyo prepares her most important meal yet.

Cast

Nana Mori / Kiyo	Natsuki Deguchi / Sumire
Aju Makita / Ryо̄ko	Keiko Matsuzaka / Chiyo

Ai Hashimoto / Momoko
Mayu Matsuoka / Yoshino
Takako Tokiwa / Asuka

See full credits >>