Ep. 43: Yamaoka and the flower trio discover a bamboo grove in Kamakura that hotel owner Bitō plans to destroy.

43

While picnicking in Kamakura, Yamaoka and the flower trio encounter the bamboo grove’s caretaker, who reveals that hotel chain owner Bitō intends to clear the area for a villa. Yamaoka confronts Bitō, arguing the forest’s value exceeds any building, but Bitō dismisses him. Later in Tokyo, Yamaoka asks President Ohara for assistance. Ohara hosts a dinner for Bitō and Itayama featuring Japanese sea bass prepared in three distinct styles. The third dish, baked inside a green bamboo tube by Mr. Shu, impresses the men with its savory fragrance. Mr. Shu apologizes for using bamboo from Bitō’s property without permission, noting the scarcity of quality bamboo. Upon returning to Kamakura, Yamaoka learns that Bitō has decided to spare the forest.