Oishinbo
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Episodes (136)
2 / 6- 25EP 25
Kurita and Yamaoka explore poultry farming to improve her grandmother's dining experience
May 1, 1989Kurita invites her grandmother to Torigen in Tsukiji for mizutaki, but the elderly woman complains that the chicken tastes inferior to the past. After Kurita shares this at work, Yamaoka takes her to a large poultry farm where she witnesses poor bird treatment and antibiotic use. They then visit a small, free-range farm run by an acquaintance of Yamaoka. Kurita returns her grandmother to Torigen, where Yamaoka serves a meal prepared with free-range chicken, delighting the old woman. The restaurant owner explains he uses factory-farmed birds due to lower costs. Consequently, the Kurita family begins raising chickens in their own backyard.
- 26EP 26
Inamura explains his dietary restrictions to the Ina Gourmet Club members
May 8, 1989Shuji Itayama asks Yamaoka and Kurita to clarify why Inamura, a member of the Ina Gourmet Club, selects ingredients but refuses to eat. The pair interviews Inamura, discovering he is a knowledgeable connoisseur of Japanese and French cuisine who deeply loves his ailing wife. To test his resolve, Yamaoka hosts a club meeting at a Chinese restaurant and serves Fó tiào qiáng, a rich soup reputed to tempt even Buddha. Contrary to expectations, Inamura eats the dish enthusiastically. Kurita reveals she spoke with Inamura’s wife, confirming he promised to avoid restaurant meals until she recovers. Inamura admits the truth and apologizes to the group for his previous behavior.
- 27EP 27
Cultural clash emerges as staff and activists debate Japanese whaling traditions and sustainability.
May 15, 1989News reports on protests against Japanese whaling inspire deputy director Tomii to crave whale meat, leading the Culture Department staff to a Shibuya restaurant. There, they encounter Kyogoku and Kaibara, but the meal is interrupted by protesters, including Jeff Larson. Kaibara angrily leaves, criticizing Japan's failure to protect its traditions. Later, Kurita and Yamaoka take Jeff to Kyogoku’s estate in Osaka, where he is served sashimi. Jeff praises the flavor but condemns the practice as barbaric upon learning it is whale. Kyogoku defends it as cultural heritage, while Yamaoka argues that killing whales is no different from other animals and cites IWC data showing growing populations. Jeff mentions an upcoming visit by Watt, an anti-whaling vice president, before arriving agitated at work the next day.
- 28EP 28
Mr. Watt threatens sanctions while Kakumaru defends whaling at a bunraku performance
May 22, 1989Mr. Watt tells Jeff that whaling is unimportant but useful for painting Japan as barbaric to raise environmental funds, threatening US sanctions to ban it. Yamaoka and Kurita interview journalist Matsukawa, who sets up a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Kakumaru. The minister dismisses them, prioritizing trade over whaling. Later, Kaibara meets Kakumaru at the Gourmet Club, leading to an invitation to a bunraku performance with Mr. Watt. During the reception, a puppeteer notes the wires are made of whalebone. Mr. Watt angrily declares whales more important than art. Kakumaru counters that whalebone could be imported from the US, which also hunts whales. After a heated argument, Mr. Watt leaves, while Kakumaru reaffirms his support for continued whaling.
- 29EP 29
A Trip to Izu Shirakawa Onsen with Tomii and the Staff
May 29, 1989Tomii arranges a company excursion to Izu Shirakawa onsen for Touzai News, only to discover that Akasaka, manager of rival Teito Shimbun News, has reserved the same location. While Touzai staff stay at a small guesthouse, Teito occupies the new Tropical Hotel, which has purchased all local seafood. Local fisherman Matsu, a friend of Yamaoka, offers hamanabe hotpot as an alternative. The Touzai team enjoys a beach evening, but Teito staff miss dinner after evacuating due to a fire. Touzai employees assist in the rescue, and Matsu and Yamaoka save the managers before sharing their meal with the rivals. The following morning, Yamaoka guides everyone to Matsu's bamboo forest for fresh takenoko sashimi.
- 30EP 30
Yamaoka recruits retired athletes to save a struggling udon shop from gangsters.
Jun 5, 1989Yamaoka and the Culture Department Flower Trio visit Chikaraya, a traditional udon restaurant, after the final day of Ozumo. Although the noodles are excellent, rude gangsters have driven away customers. Later, Yamaoka prevents Otani, a young sumo wrestler, from jumping off a bridge due to his slow progress and limited role as a chef. The following day, Otani visits the Touzai office, where Chief Hideo Tanimura introduces him to judo competitor Oyama. Manager Maehara of the sports division then presents Ouma Ginkichi, a wrestler. During lunch, these athletes reveal their retirement. Yamaoka arranges for them to work at Chikaraya. They resolve the gangster issue, and their physical strength and enthusiasm become ideal for crafting elastic, soft noodles, leading to the restaurant's significant success.
- 31EP 31
Kyogaku judges ayu tempura contest between Yamaoka and Kaibara while hospitalized.
Jun 12, 1989Hospitalized after a fall, Kyogaku complains about the food until Yamaoka promises ayu tempura upon discharge. Kaibara challenges Yamaoka’s cooking skills, leading to a taste test judged by Kyogaku at Tōyama’s residence. Yamaoka selects sweetfish from the Hozu River, while Kaibara chooses fish from the Shimanto River near Kyogaku’s childhood home. Although others find the dishes similar, Kyogaku is moved to tears by Kaibara’s preparation, declaring it the best he has ever tasted. Kaibara explains that cooking is an art that stirs emotions, not just a matter of skill. Inspired by this emotional connection, a contemplative Yamaoka resolves to incorporate this lesson into his Ultimate Menu.
- 32EP 32
Uda opens a hamburger stall after leaving Gourmet Club, facing initial customer rejection until he learns bread pairing from a sushi chef.
Jun 19, 1989Uda, a Gourmet Club chef, quits to open a hamburger shop, angering Kaibara who views this as wasted training. Head chef Nakagawa and Uda meet Yamaoka, where Uda explains his goal to create food appreciated by the masses rather than a select few. With Yamaoka’s assistance, Uda opens a street stall, but customers dislike the hamburgers despite the high-quality meat and condiments. Puzzled, Uda visits a sushi restaurant with Yamaoka. The sushi chef serves various types, including tuna belly, but the dish fails because the tuna and rice do not complement each other. This experience reveals Uda’s mistake: he failed to select bread that pairs well with his burgers. After changing the bread, his stall becomes highly successful. Uda sends a hamburger to Kaibara, and the day before opening, Nakagawa arrives with pickles, indicating Kaibara’s tacit approval.
- 33EP 33
Kurita and Yamaoka help Miyoko cook home-style meals for her husband
Jun 26, 1989With payday near, Touzai employees frequent the canteen more often. Kurita reconnects with former college classmate Miyoko Kasada, who seeks divorce after three months of marriage due to suspicions of her husband’s infidelity. To investigate, Kurita treats Yamaoka to dinner in exchange for assistance in tailing the husband. They observe him visiting a home-style restaurant for three hours daily before returning home. Miyoko later serves them food prepared from cookbooks and microwaved. Yamaoka clarifies that her spouse prefers traditional home cooking over exotic dishes. He instructs Miyoko on preparing uzume-meshi using fresh ingredients. Consequently, her husband begins returning home early each evening to enjoy her homemade meals, resolving the marital tension.
- 34EP 34
Koizumi learns about awabi variety while resisting Yamaoka's requests regarding Tanimura
Jul 3, 1989Touzai News editor-in-chief Kyōichi Koizumi pushes for a pop culture shift and plans to oust director Tanimura, prompting objections from Yamaoka. After criticizing the slow progress on the Ultimate Menu, Koizumi insists raw abalone is the only proper preparation. Yamaoka challenges this view by showcasing cooked and dried varieties, eventually convincing Koizumi to visit the Shima peninsula for abalone steak. Koizumi acknowledges his error in judging the ingredient's versatility. Despite Yamaoka’s plea to spare Tanimura, Koizumi dismisses him angrily. Tanimura later informs the Culture Division he retains his post, revealing Koizumi compared Yamaoka to abalone. While Yamaoka views this as a compliment, Tomii interprets it as a jab at Yamaoka’s unrequited feelings for Kurita.
- 35EP 35
Yamaoka helps businessman Satoi reunite with former tonkatsu owners Nakahashi
Jul 10, 1989Deputy Director Tomii tasks Yamaoka and Kurita with investigating a letter from Shinichi Satoi, a Japanese businessman who lived in the United States for 30 years. Satoi has returned to Japan seeking traditional tonkatsu in Shibuya that matches his memories from his student days at Tonkatsu Daio. He recalls the kindness of owners Mr and Mrs Nakahashi and their delicious food. Yamaoka pursues the story, locating the retired couple in a retirement village and facilitating their reunion with Satoi. Yamaoka provides high-quality ingredients for Nakahashi to recreate the original flavor. Satoi then surprises them by purchasing the establishment, prompting the Nakahashis to end their retirement and reopen Tonkatsu Daio.
- 36EP 36
Reporter Hoshimura investigates hiyashi chuka with Yamaoka and Kaibara
Jul 17, 1989Hoshimura, a reporter in the Home & Garden Department, plans an article on hiyashi chuka. She visits a restaurant with Kurita and Yamaoka, where Yamaoka’s harsh criticism nearly provokes the cook until Inspector Nakamatsu intervenes. Hoshimura then interviews gourmet Yūzan Kaibara, who is offended by the topic. Yamaoka challenges Kaibara to find a palatable version, experimenting with noodles before blaming poor ingredients. Yamaoka sources quality chicken and domestic wheat flour, while Nakamatsu provides Kurobuta pork. They enlist a Chinese noodle maker from Wang’s restaurant. Although Kaibara initially approves, he produces a superior dish in the kitchen, noting that Yamaoka ignored the dish’s holistic nature. He explains that despite its Japanese development, hiyashi chuka relies on Chinese cuisine and condiments. Later, the Touzai staff see Kaibara on television claiming hiyashi chuka is a proper Chinese dish.
- 37EP 37
Nagahara learns garlic cooking to restore energy after poor performance
Jul 24, 1989Tokyo Gallants player Nagahara injures fan Yamaoka with a foul ball and visits him in the hospital. Nagahara admits his recent slump and exhaustion despite eating health foods like garlic. Yamaoka and Kurita take him to a Korean restaurant where the chef explains that raw minced garlic harms intestinal bacteria. The chef teaches Nagahara a garlic soup recipe to properly restore his body. After hitting consecutive home runs, Nagahara gives Tanimura tickets to the next game. Tanimura mentions the Sports Department wants an interview, but Kurita refuses, calling it a trade secret.
- 38EP 38
Yamaoka resolves a conflict between a beer hall owner and a master pourer over edamame
Jul 31, 1989Yamaoka visits a Touzai News group at a beer hall but is disappointed by the quality. He learns that Mr Morisawa, the best pourer, has quit. Yamaoka discovers a new owner, Jinno, and visits Morisawa, who claims to have lost his passion for work. Yamaoka speaks with Jinno, who explains that Morisawa insulted him by serving black edamame he thought was rotten. Yamaoka invites Jinno to taste freshly picked and steamed beans, prompting Jinno to order a helicopter to the farm. Jinno picks fresh edamame, which turns black when steamed but tastes delicious. Yamaoka explains they are a special variety. Jinno realizes his mistake, reinstates Morisawa, and makes him manager of the beer hall.
- 39EP 39
Ohara faints from stress and heat, prompting Yamaoka to prepare high-quality rice porridge for his recovery.
Aug 14, 1989Touzai News employees face a hostile takeover bid by an unscrupulous businessman while President Ohara suffers from stress and heat. After Ohara refuses Yamaoka’s advice to eat rice porridge, he collapses and is hospitalized. Yamaoka prepares a meal using rice sourced from Miyagi prefecture, explaining that quality requires sun-drying, careful milling, and proper storage of the previous year's harvest. Ohara finds the dish delicious, regains his strength, and successfully persuades a major shareholder to retain his stock, thereby preventing the corporate takeover.
- 40EP 40
Tomii collapses after eating ten bowls of shaved ice, prompting a bar visit with Yamaoka and the Flower Trio.
Aug 21, 1989Culture Department staff relax at the beach until Tomii attempts to eat ten bowls of shaved ice at once, resulting in an upset stomach that keeps him off work for three days. Upon his return, Yamaoka and the Flower Trio invite him out to cheer him up. Their evening begins at a dance club where Yamaoka orders whisky straight due to distrust of tap water. They then move to a quiet bar owned by Mr. Otsuki, who plans to close because local well water in Koishikawa became polluted by factory and residential waste. Otsuki explains that bottled mineral water is merely purified water with added minerals. He serves the group whisky on the rocks using a precious chunk of ice from Antarctica, a souvenir he shaves into glasses. As they depart, Yamaoka comments that the establishment is losing a treasure.
- 41EP 41
Tōyama hosts a tai cooking contest at his 77th birthday dinner
Aug 28, 1989Tōjin Tōyama and his wife Ryoko visit Touzai offices to gift Yamaoka a Bizen plate and invite him to a 77th birthday dinner at Ryotei Konparu. Kaibara also attends the event where guests propose a tai cooking competition using Tōyama’s plates. Yamaoka controversially enters as an amateur but struggles with preparation. Seeking inspiration, he swims in Akashi and nearly drowns. During the contest, chefs present innovative tai dishes, but Yamaoka surprises everyone by serving tai himono seasoned only with Akashi sea salt. The dish impresses all guests except Kaibara, who storms out in anger.
- 42EP 42
Director Tanimura and the Touzai group attend a rakugo show followed by a tofu dinner dispute.
Sep 18, 1989Director Tanimura takes his subordinates to a rakugo performance by Kairakutei Hasshou, after which the group dines at a tofu restaurant. A customer named Stan Black, a Los Angeles food researcher and author of the Book of Tofu, argues with the chef about the quality of the tofu. Hasshou and Yamaoka support Black’s critique. Yamaoka intervenes to resolve the conflict. The next morning, Yamaoka meets the chef, Black, and Hasshou at a shop using nigari, a magnesium chloride solution, to coagulate soy milk. He explains that modern methods often produce inferior, watery tofu. The chef tastes the traditional product, acknowledges its superiority, apologizes to Black, and considers switching suppliers. Later, the Touzai staff discover that Hasshou has taken Black on as a rakugo disciple.
- 43EP 43
Yamaoka and the flower trio discover a bamboo grove in Kamakura that hotel owner Bitō plans to destroy.
Sep 25, 1989While 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.
- 44EP 44
Kitao and Kurita visit Tsukiji market where Natsuko faces gender bias in sushi making
Oct 17, 1989Shoichi 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.
- 45EP 45
Touzai News reporters attend a Hong Kong film premiere and food competition.
Oct 24, 1989Yamaoka, Kurita, and Tomii from Touzai News travel to Hong Kong for a Dragon Lee movie premiere. They attend a banquet hosted by Mr. En, a food connoisseur and production company president. Fuyumoto from Teito News insults the cuisine and behaves rudely. After Fuyumoto departs, Mr. En asks for help to become yacht club president to aid Vietnamese refugees. The position is decided by a food competition against Mr. Yō, a wealthy rival. Since Yō is an old acquaintance of Fuyumoto, Yamaoka agrees to join the contest specifically to face his rival.
- 46EP 46
The Touzai trio visits a fishmarket and Yamaoka wins a cooking contest with humble ingredients.
Oct 31, 1989After viewing a film, the Touzai trio visits the Lei Yue Mun fishmarket, where Tomii buys crabs from refugee children and Yamaoka requests nuoc mam sauce. The subsequent culinary competition features swallow's nest and shark fin soup, resulting in a draw. For the final round, Yamaoka utilizes Ara fish eyes and lips with the provided sauce, impressing yacht club members and forcing Yō to concede. Yō remarks that Japanese competitors should not have been allowed. Meanwhile, Fuyumoto apologizes to Mr. En for prior rudeness. Back in Tokyo, office ladies remain unimpressed by Tomii and Yamaoka's attempts to reenact movie kung-fu fights.
- 47EP 47
American Rakugo Disciple Seeks Japanese Fried Egg Terminology for International Conference
Nov 7, 1989Mr Black, an American rakugo disciple, visits the Touzai offices to find Japanese terms for sunny side up and turned-over eggs for the International Fried Egg Conference in Japan. His inquiry sparks diverse opinions among office workers like Yamaoka and Kurita regarding the best way to eat fried eggs. At the conference, participants engage in intense debates about cooking and eating methods. Yamaoka demonstrates a technique for cooking without flipping the egg. The conversation shifts to seasoning preferences, yet the event concludes without reaching a consensus on what defines a perfect fried egg.
- 48EP 48
Minako introduces fiancé Satoru Aosawa to friends, revealing his bitterness over his mother's past departure.
Nov 14, 1989Minako brings her fiancé, art dealer Satoru Aosawa, to meet Yamaoka and Kurita for a Touzai News article. During a meal, Satoru complains that apple tea and pie lack flavor, explaining his lifelong dissatisfaction stems from his mother leaving with his younger brother when he was young. He announces the end of his engagement to Minako, stating he no longer desires a family. Weeks later, Satoru's mother arrives in Japan from the United States after reading Kurita's article. She seeks forgiveness but is rejected. Yamaoka arranges for Satoru to taste apple tea and pie made from a sour, older apple variety reminiscent of his childhood. Although Satoru initially refuses to speak to her, Minako persuades him that he has missed his mother for 20 years. He finally relents, allowing the separated family to reunite after two decades apart.
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Frequently asked questions
- How many episodes does Oishinbo have?
- Oishinbo has 136 episodes.
- When did Oishinbo come out?
- Oishinbo came out in 1988.
- Which studio made Oishinbo?
- Oishinbo was produced by Shin-Ei Animation.
- Who directed Oishinbo?
- Oishinbo was directed by Yoshio Takeuchi.
- Is Oishinbo finished?
- Current status of Oishinbo: Finished.