Ep. 44: Kitao and Kurita visit Tsukiji market where Natsuko faces gender bias in sushi making

44

Shoichi Kitao takes Yamaoka and Kurita to the bustling Tsukiji fish market at dawn. They witness an argument between sushi owner Ms Natsuko and merchant Mr Uosata over fish quality. Natsuko expresses frustration that society looks down on women sushi chefs. A visiting kabuki actor claims women cannot make nigiri sushi, but his male companion and onnagata criticizes this view. The onnagata also reprimands Natsuko for lacking a welcoming atmosphere due to her fixation on male comparisons. Later, Yamaoka invites Kitao and Natsuko to dinner. Natsuko is surprised to find the female chef is both professional and feminine. This experience shocks her, leading her to revise her approach and create sushi with a unique beauty and elegance that men cannot match.