Apr 11, 2025
A really solid manga about navigating modern society. While at the current moment there isn't too many chapters, so I can't yet judge it fully, I'm quite pleasantly surprised with how well the manga tackled problems of the modern world.
The three main leads all lead very different lives, which offers great variety in issues the manga chooses to tackle. Mental health and finding a way to enjoy life seems to be the main thematic through line. As well as a sprinkle of social norms, expectations and even an openly queer plot line. The characters are shown struggling with their lives a lot, but always finding ... a way to find solace in each other, creating a very strong emotional core for the story.
However, the time seems to be a bit unevenly split between the three of them while you're reading it as it's coming out, as each volume seems to have a different character of the main trio in focus. Volume 1 introduced the story, Volume 2 focuses more on Nakamura, while Volume 3 focuses on Eiji. Since there's no Volume 4 to focus on Chiharu yet (at least that's what I would expect), she seems to fade into the background a little bit right now.
Despite that, their friendship is still very solid and makes you feel for them, seeing them each other in their tough times. What's also quite nice is that their relationship is not idealized and isn't a cure to all of the world's issues, as they still have to do most of the work to be happy on their own. Lots of which involves opposing the status quo, realizing they're not happy with it and striving for a change. The "status quo" can take a variety of different shapes and sizes too, from insensitive coworkers to suicidal thoughts.
Food also plays a great deal of importance in the story, if not the glue that holds the story together. Sharing a meal in the manga's own philosophy is a way to show the highest form of affection, trust and comfort around another person. I think it's quite a lovely way to look at it. Thanks to that, it is a real treat to see the characters dig in into their food and enjoy it, because that's how they show their platonic love for each other.
That however brings me to the only minor nitpick I have with this manga. While there is a big focus on food and eating, there isn't nearly as big of a focus on cooking. The preparation of food almost all the time takes place off screen, which I think robs the manga of strong emotional scenes. Especially since a lot of decisions while making the food are exceptionally well thought out and the reasoning behind each flavor combination is explained in great detail. However, whenever cooking's involved, the manga switches to narration, rather than letting the characters do the cooking. It is presented in a cookbook format, which certainly is useful for the reader, if they ever decide to make the dish themselves, but unfortunately takes away, in my eyes, a very important part of the characterization.
That being said, it's certainly a worthy read of the Gourmet genre, which while extremely cynical and often quite depressing, finds a way to remain hopeful through food and friendships.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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