Ep. 121: Mariko admires Yamaoka's independence while Niki values human life over fragile objects.
Chairman Niki questions his granddaughter Mariko about her feelings for Yamaoka, who she describes as a free spirit defying societal norms. Niki confronts President Ohara, who criticizes Yamaoka as a difficult employee, prompting Niki to leave in anger. Later, Niki meets Tōjin Tōyama, who has invited Yamaoka. When a waitress accidentally chips a precious tea bowl made by Tōyama, Niki screams at her. Yamaoka recalls his father yelling over a broken plate and uses the damaged bowl to make sobagaki dough, offering it to the men. He explains that while precious items break, human life is paramount. Niki regrets his outburst and apologizes to the waitress. Subsequently, Niki tells Ohara he likes Yamaoka and permits him to marry into the Niki family.
Episodes
- 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
- Ep. 119 · Isamu Kinjō seeks to lure Hide Hirao back to Paris through a culinary contest between Yamaoka and Kaibara.
- Ep. 120 · Yamaoka helps Teruko fix her relationship with Katamori using giant chawanmushi
- Ep. 121 · Mariko admires Yamaoka's independence while Niki values human life over fragile objects.
- Ep. 122 · Global Food Tour Team Debates Spicy Mentaiko Cooking Methods and Quality
- Ep. 123 · Ultimate VS Supreme Battle: Spaghetti Showdown Between Teams
- Ep. 124 · A Couple's Embarrassing Confession About Their Simple Food Preferences
- Ep. 125 · Chef Okaboshi shares his past with Fuyumi while serving nabeyaki udon to colleagues.