UlasanAnime.com – Today, I found myself cooking with an almost frenzied intensity. The only issue was that my culinary timing was completely out of sync with the rest of my family of chefs. Consequently, my dishes ended up being on a level far beyond what was intended. What should have been a comforting conclusion to a delicious and satisfying Asian-American Thanksgiving meal turned out to be a bit too Italian and a tad too foreign for the usual palate.
Recalling recent episodes of Iron Chef America, which, while inferior to the original, is still both inspirational and educational, reminded me of the crucial importance of cohesion in a multi-course meal. This is true even when the meal is essentially a potluck involving myself and eight other people. I really should have anticipated what they were bringing beforehand.
Furthermore, I should have realized I was venturing into unfamiliar territory when I had to resort to Wikipedia to figure out what a parsnip is, and I stopped my research there. However, I do enjoy experimenting with new things. In that regard, the dishes themselves were quite successful.
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But when Renji Asou’s mother mentioned the quickest way to a man’s heart, it struck me: How many Western anime viewers can truly connect with that particular culinary aspect of modern Japanese life? Of course, we have anime that specifically focus on various culinary arts. East Asian societies have a deep love for cooking and eating, so it’s no surprise that it makes for compelling subject matter. But what significance does it hold for you when it’s not the primary focus of the show?
What is its meaning for Aoi, the supporting character and your friendly neighborhood squeak toy from Myself;Yourself? Or for Renji Asou himself? What about the lunches prepared by each of them? In my estimation, cooking and eating are deeply intertwined with the Japanese soul – much like the typical Korean or Chinese soul. It plays a significant role in life generally, unlike how we might perceive it in the West. In fact, I’m not even sure we can truly grasp its depth.
However, on the other hand, eating and sharing fellowship over food is just another cultural practice, akin to family dinners or the struggle of being a starving artist. People often take it for granted. But when it’s depicted in a show like ef, you realize it’s anything but ordinary.
What specific types of cuisine pave the way to an otaku’s heart? Are they choco coronets? Canned stew? Akiko’s jam? I honestly don’t know, and I would hope we are a more discerning group than that. But within the realms of anime, manga, and games, how does this culinary aspect integrate? Does it even matter to you?
What I do know is that anime pairs wonderfully with a good, hearty meal that you’ve cooked yourself and are proud of, especially when shared with friends and family. That, I hope, is the feeling of being Aoi.
