Japanese cinema has long held a fascination with the art and culture of food, creating films that do much more than merely showcase culinary delights. These are stories that simmer with emotion, where each dish served carries its own story and every bite is a testament to the richness of Japanese culture and its relationship with food. The best of these films transform meals into metaphors, ingredients into insights, and cooking into a form of communication transcending words. From heartwarming tales set in humble kitchens to surreal adventures revolving around gastronomic quests, the entries on this list invite audiences to a feast for both the eyes and the soul. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the ten best Japanese films about food.
10. The Chef of South Polar – Shuichi Okita (2009)
“The Chef of South Polar” is a heartwarming tale about a group of researchers stationed at a Japanese Antarctic research station. The story centers around the station’s chef, Nishimura, who brings warmth and comfort to his isolated colleagues through his culinary creations. Despite limited ingredients and harsh conditions, Nishimura’s inventive cooking becomes a pivotal source of joy and camaraderie among the crew. The film beautifully captures the essence of how food can transcend mere sustenance and become a tool for bonding and emotional support.
Shuichi Okita’s film is a delightful blend of comedy and drama, showcasing the power of food in bringing people together. The isolated Antarctic setting amplifies the importance of shared meals and the chef’s creativity in overcoming the challenges of his environment. “The Chef of South Polar” is celebrated for its heartwarming narrative and the visually appealing portrayal of Nishimura’s dishes. This film is a testament to the fact that good food can be a source of comfort and happiness, even in the most remote corners of the world.
9. Glasses – Naoko Ogigami (2007)
“Glasses” is a serene and contemplative film set on a quiet seaside village. The story focuses on Taeko, a woman who visits the village for a vacation and finds herself immersed in a world where life moves at a leisurely pace. The film places a significant emphasis on the meals Taeko shares with the other residents, highlighting how food and the act of eating together foster a sense of community and belonging. The simplicity of the meals and the slow, deliberate preparation process reflect the film’s overall theme of finding peace and tranquility in the mundane.
Directed by Naoko Ogigami, “Glasses” stands out for its gentle storytelling and the subtle way it celebrates life’s small pleasures, including the joys of eating. The film’s unhurried narrative allows viewers to savor every moment, much like the characters savor their meals. The emphasis on communal dining experiences underscores the film’s message about the importance of taking time to enjoy the simple things in life. “Glasses” is a soothing cinematic experience, offering a meditative look at life and nature, making it one of the best Japanese films about food.
8. Riverside Mukolitta – Naoko Ogigami (2021)
“Riverside Mukolitta” is a heartwarming story about Yamada, a former convict trying to start anew in a small riverside town. He encounters various unique and kind-hearted individuals, including an affable neighbor who introduces him to the simple pleasures of life, particularly through food. The film beautifully captures Yamada’s journey of rediscovery and the role of food in connecting him with the local community and healing past wounds. Meals in the film are portrayed as a means of communication, sharing, and celebrating life’s little joys.
Directed by Naoko Ogigami, the film is notable for its gentle narrative and the emphasis it places on the healing power of food and human connection. The scenes involving food preparation and communal eating are depicted with a warmth that resonates with the viewer. “Riverside Mukolitta” is a celebration of second chances and the transformative power of simple, home-cooked meals. The film’s quiet and contemplative approach to storytelling invites the audience to appreciate the beauty in everyday moments and the comfort of good food shared with others.
7. Midnight Diner – Jōji Matsuoka (2014)
“Midnight Diner” takes place in a small, back-alley restaurant in Tokyo that opens from midnight to seven in the morning. The film revolves around the enigmatic chef known as ‘Master’ and his patrons, who each bring their own stories to the diner. The menu is simple, but Master is willing to cook whatever his customers request, leading to various dishes that often have a special significance or evoke nostalgic memories for the diners. Each meal becomes a catalyst for unfolding the personal stories and struggles of the customers.
Directed by Jōji Matsuoka, the film captures the intimate setting of the diner and the personal connection that food can create among strangers. “Midnight Diner” is a powerful exploration of human experiences and emotions, all converging in a small space where food and personal tales become one. The movie is a testament to the comforting power of food and how it can bring people from all walks of life together, ensuring its place as one of the best Japanese films about food. It’s a touching portrayal of the diverse array of lives in Tokyo, each finding solace and community in the simple setting of the diner.
6. Kamome Diner – Naoko Ogigami (2006)
“Kamome Diner” is set in Helsinki, Finland, where a Japanese woman named Sachie opens a diner. Despite the initial lack of customers, she gradually forms a bond with two Japanese tourists and a local Finnish girl. The film beautifully captures the cross-cultural exchange that happens over the diner’s simple yet delicious Japanese meals. The connection between the characters deepens with each shared meal, showcasing how food can bridge cultural gaps and create friendships.
Directed by Naoko Ogigami, “Kamome Diner” is a celebration of cultural diversity and the unifying power of food. The film’s quiet charm lies in its focus on the simple pleasures of cooking and eating, and the joy of sharing those experiences with others. The diner becomes a place where different cultures meet and learn from each other, facilitated by the universal language of good food. “Kamome Diner” is a delightful film that highlights the power of food in connecting people, transcending cultural barriers with warmth and humor.
5. Sweet Bean – Naomi Kawase (2015)
“Sweet Bean” is a poignant drama directed by Naomi Kawase, focusing on a man named Sentaro, who runs a small dorayaki shop. His monotonous life takes a turn when Tokue, an elderly woman with crippled hands, offers to help him make the sweet red bean paste for his dorayaki. Despite initial reluctance, Sentaro agrees, and her delicious recipe transforms both the shop’s fortunes and their lives. The film tenderly explores themes of friendship, societal marginalization, and the healing power of food.
Kawase’s film is celebrated for its gentle storytelling and the beautiful, almost meditative way it portrays the art of making food. The relationship between Sentaro and Tokue, played compellingly by Masatoshi Nagase and Kirin Kiki, adds depth to the film’s exploration of acceptance and the joy of shared culinary experiences. “Sweet Bean” is a touching narrative that showcases the transformative nature of food and the capacity for human connection. The film resonates with audiences for its heartfelt performances and its ability to find beauty in simplicity, making it one of the best Japanese films about food.
4. Little Forest: Winter/Spring – Junichi Mori (2015)
“Little Forest: Winter/Spring” is the second part of Junichi Mori’s adaptation of Daisuke Igarashi’s manga, following the life of Ichiko, who has returned to her rural hometown from the city. As she faces the challenges of the cold winter and the renewal of spring, Ichiko continues to cook dishes using local ingredients, each meal reflecting her personal growth and connection to nature. The film depicts her journey of self-discovery, where food preparation becomes a way to reconnect with her past and understand her future. “Little Forest: Winter/Spring” beautifully captures the changing seasons and the corresponding evolution in Ichiko’s life.
Mori’s direction emphasizes the therapeutic process of cooking and the significance of self-sufficiency in rural life. The film’s slow-paced narrative and stunning visuals invite the viewer to appreciate the nuances of rural living and the profound satisfaction of cooking with seasonal ingredients. “Little Forest: Winter/Spring” is a visually rich and soulful story about finding oneself through the simple acts of farming and cooking. It appeals to audiences for its serene depiction of life and the quiet joy found in nature’s bounty.
3. Little Forest: Summer/Autumn – Junichi Mori (2014)
In “Little Forest: Summer/Autumn,” directed by Junichi Mori, we return to the rural village where Ichiko lives a self-sufficient lifestyle. This first part of the adaptation of Daisuke Igarashi’s manga shows Ichiko cooking and farming through the lush summer and the harvest-rich autumn. The film showcases a variety of dishes made from fresh, local ingredients that Ichiko grows and forages herself. It’s a story about the connection between food, nature, and personal well-being, as Ichiko finds solace and satisfaction in her simple but fulfilling life.
The emphasis on the harmony between human life and nature is depicted through the meticulous preparation of meals and the changing landscapes. Junichi Mori’s direction brings a sense of tranquility and mindfulness to the art of cooking and living with nature. “Little Forest: Summer/Autumn” is a celebration of the rhythms of rural life and the pleasures of seasonal cooking, ensuring its place as one of the best Japanese films about food. It resonates with viewers for its depiction of sustainable living and the joy of creating meals that are in tune with the natural world.
2. Supermarket Woman – Jūzō Itami (1996)
“Supermarket Woman,” directed by Jūzō Itami, is a comedic tale set in the competitive world of grocery retail. The plot revolves around a struggling supermarket manager, Goro, and a customer, Hanako, whose simple yet innovative ideas revive the failing store. As Hanako’s influence grows, the film humorously depicts various aspects of supermarket operation, from creative food displays to customer service. It’s a story about the importance of community, integrity, and ingenuity in business, with a special focus on the role of food in people’s lives.
Itami’s film combines humor with social commentary, highlighting the importance of quality and honesty in the food industry. The chemistry between the characters and the quirky yet realistic portrayal of supermarket life make “Supermarket Woman” an engaging watch. The film is noted for its light-hearted take on serious themes and Itami’s signature style of blending humor with deeper societal observations. “Supermarket Woman” is a delightful and insightful comedy that offers a unique look at the world of food retail and the people who bring it to life.
1. Tampopo – Jūzō Itami (1985)
“Tampopo,” another entry directed by Jūzō Itami, is a celebrated Japanese “ramen western” that humorously and affectionately explores the art of noodle soup making. The film follows Tampopo, a widowed ramen shop owner, and her quest to create the perfect bowl of ramen with the help of a truck driver and a diverse group of culinary experts. This quest becomes a journey filled with humorous and sensual escapades, blending various sub-stories that all revolve around the central theme of food. “Tampopo” is a delightful exploration of Japanese food culture, celebrating the passion and craft behind culinary art.
Jūzō Itami’s film is a cult classic, known for its blend of comedy, sensuality, and the accurate depiction of food preparation and cooking. The film’s narrative structure, a blend of the main story with a wide range of food-related accounts and episodes, offers a unique and entertaining viewing experience. “Tampopo” is a tribute to the pleasures of eating and the importance of food in human connection. It remains beloved for its charming storytelling, memorable characters, and the joyous way it honors the culinary world, rightfully earning its place as one of the best Japanese films about food.
Summary
To summarise, here are the ten best Japanese films about food:
- The Chef of South Polar – Shuichi Okita (2009)
- Glasses – Naoko Ogigami (2007)
- Riverside Mukolitta – Naoko Ogigami (2021)
- Midnight Diner – Jōji Matsuoka (2014)
- Kamome Diner – Naoko Ogigami (2006)
- Sweet Bean – Naomi Kawase (2015)
- Little Forest: Winter/Spring – Junichi Mori (2015)
- Little Forest: Summer/Autumn – Junichi Mori (2014)
- Supermarket Woman – Jūzō Itami (1996)
- Tampopo – Jūzō Itami (1985)
