Ep. 114: Yamaoka and Kurita interview critic Shinichi Furuyoshi about Japanese spirit culture and Awamori aging.
At a Maruzakaya expo in Higashi Ginza, Yamaoka and Kurita spot an intoxicated man. President Ohara tasks them with interviewing literary critic Shinichi Furuyoshi, who is the same drunk individual. Furuyoshi claims Japan lacks cultural depth due to weak spirits compared to whiskey or cognac. Kurita counters with the shochu boom, but Furuyoshi dismisses it as shallow compared to liquors aged over 30 years. Yamaoka criticizes Furuyoshi’s Western obsession. After Furuyoshi attempts to have Yamaoka fired, Ohara sends him to Okinawa. Yamaoka arranges tastings of Awamori aged 20, 30, and 40 years. Furuyoshi admits the Awamori rivals other spirits and forgives Yamaoka. Later, they see Furuyoshi drunk again, leading Yamaoka to conclude he is merely a heavy drinker, not a true connoisseur.
Episodes
- Ep. 110 · Yamaoka helps Ryoko make mackerel sushi using Kagoshima black vinegar
- Ep. 111 · Kichi confronts his artistic failures and decides to master culinary arts at Shibahama.
- Ep. 112 · Yamaoka reflects on his mother while helping Mrs. Kamura roast tea leaves.
- Ep. 113 · Yamaoka helps prepare Miwa somen to help Grandma Tamayo recover her appetite
- Ep. 114 · Yamaoka and Kurita interview critic Shinichi Furuyoshi about Japanese spirit culture and Awamori aging.
- Ep. 115 · Inspector Nakamatsu investigates a chef with amnesia found on Miharabashi Bridge holding a spice list.
- Ep. 116 · Chief Editor Nita Invites Culture Department for Global Food Tour Article Production
- Ep. 117 · Mariko’s Success Leads to a Dinner with Nito Bank and a Protected Bird Controversy
- Ep. 118 · Kurita Persuades Photographer Isamu Kinjō Through Traditional Hida Cuisine