Rokuhodo Yotsuiro Biyori (Japanese Drama); 鹿楓堂よついろ日和; Rokuhodo Colorful days

           I have been watching this Japanese drama entitled Rokuhodo Yotsuiro Biyori, also known as Rokuhodo. This Jdrama is based on a Japanese manga. It is about four young male adults who runs a Japanese cafe. Sui is the tea expert and the manager of the cafe, Tokitaka is the chef, Tsubaki the pastry chef and Gure is the barista. Along with their pet cat, named Kinako. 

This is a very refreshing Jdrama. I like the simple storyline. No heavy plot, just a regular day to day depiction of life, and not so heavy family issues. The actors in this drama are all good-looking. Gure is the most handsome of all in my opinion, and he has a good body built just like in the manga story and Sui is like your cute next door charming neighbor. 

Aside from the storyline, since this is about a Japanese cafe, the way the food is presented was really good. From the parfait to omurice. Makes me want to try every food that was shown in the in the drama. If you haven't watched this you can catch it on Netflix Philippines. You will surely enjoy watching. This Jdrama series gives good vibes.

Potato and Spam Korokke

 

 I watched a video on YouTube before about korokke. The recipe is meat and potato korokke. For my lunch yesterday, I asked our househelper to prepare my meal. I taught her the basics in making a korokke even if I just watched the video online. I asked her to buy Japanese bread crumbs. We didn't have a stock of ground meat at home so I just make use of what's available at home. We had lots of canned goods, like Spam so I just told her to chop it up, and mix it with the mashed boiled potatoes. For the recipe of korokke you can search it online, or you can check out some videos online about making authentic Japanese korokke. Korokke is best served with tonkatsu sauce.

What is korokke? (コロッケ.) According to Wikipedia, it is the Japanese name for deep fried dish. Its related to the French dish called croquettes. It is made by using chopped meat, vegetables, potatoes, shaped in a patty, rolling it in flour, eggs, Japanese style breadcrumbs, and then it is deep fried. It usually goes well with shredded cabbage, or any vegetable of your choice as a side-dish. The photo here is the finished product. Let's eat! Itadakemasu! 

Japanology Plus Series (NHK World)

      I am enjoying the Lunch On episodes by Japanology Plus Series of NHK World. It features people with different occupations, and what they eat for lunch. I noticed that Japanese food is not only pleasing to the eye, but it must also be delicious, and nutritious.

The Japanology Plus Series reminds me of Japan Video Topics, another documentary that I like, and I grew up watching it. I came to know about the culture and tradition of Japan through this series. It has been really helpful to me in understanding, and knowing more about Japan and its people. The Japanology Plus Series, is more of the upbeat, and much nicer presentation of Japanese life and culture. This series is also presented in English. For the website, you can go to this link. -> Japanology Plus Series Website
 

TV Series: Kodoku no Gurume

      Kodoke No Gurume (Kodoko no Gourmet) 孤独のグルメ, is again another live-action movie adapted from manga. It is about a businessman named Goro, who travels around Japan trying every food and snacks, dining in different restaurant and food establishments. What I have noticed, the main protagonist doesn't care if he is alone or dines alone. I think he really chose to live that way. I think if you are not in a relationship, you will have more freedom to do what you love to do, no restrictions or holding back, just like Goro, who is some sort of a food critic. This series has a lot of seasons, and it is the most lengthy Japanese series that I have seen. In the manga though, I think that the main protagonist in the manga is younger than the actor who portrayed him in the live-action series. If you like the food genre, better check out this series.

Movie Review: Sweet Bean (あん, An)

      

I really love this movie! This movie diverts from the usual popular movies plot, like romance, action, and suspense films. It falls into the drama category, and sort of a slice of life film. It is also a good film, and has an advocacy awareness. So it is really worth watching.

    This film is about a man who manages a small dorayaki shop. (What is dorayaki? It is a pancake that is filled with sweetened red-bean paste), and about an elderly woman who wants to work in his shop. This story evolves around them, and a young student customer who frequents the shop. The story line is very simple yet it can tug the strings in our hearts. I also love the portrayal of Kirin Kiki 樹木 希林 , a Japanese actress who is popular for her elderly or grandmother roles. If you love food,  you will also enjoy watching this movie. I really recommend this movie for everyone to watch.  This is one of the notable Japanese movie in the food genre, life, and drama that you really need to see.