Samurai Gourmet's Beer: What's In The Glass?

In the first episode of the Japanese Netflix series 'Samurai Gourmet', the newly retired Takeshi Kasumi enters a small restaurant and debates whether to order a beer with his lunch. Inspired by his imaginary samurai alter-ego, he decides to go for it. This sets the tone for the series, which follows Kasumi's culinary adventures and his journey to overcome his own prejudices, beliefs, and fears. The show is based on a manga series by Japanese author Masayuki Kusumi and explores the art of the meal, with slow-motion cooking shots, soft focus on the preparation, and the act of eating as a climax.

Takeshi Kasumi's internal conflict about drinking beer with lunch

In the first episode of *Samurai Gourmet*, Takeshi Kasumi, a 60-year-old retired executive, enters a small teishoku (set meal) joint and grapples with the decision of whether to have a beer with his lunch. This internal conflict is resolved when he is encouraged by his Samurai alter-ego to enjoy a beer, helping him to embrace his freedom from the prescribed routine of office work.

Takeshi's inner conflict is understandable, as drinking alcohol during lunch on a workday may be perceived as taboo or socially unacceptable in some cultures. There may be a stigma associated with daytime drinking, and individuals might worry about potential judgment or criticism from others. However, it is important to note that Takeshi is retired and no longer bound by the constraints of a traditional work schedule. This newfound freedom allows him to make different choices and embrace new experiences, such as enjoying a beer with his meal.

The decision to drink beer with lunch represents Takeshi's journey of self-discovery and his attempt to navigate his new life as a retiree. By indulging in a midday drink, he breaks free from societal expectations and embraces a sense of abandon. This act symbolises his willingness to explore new paths and enjoy the simple pleasures in life, such as savouring a refreshing beer with his meal.

As a retiree, Takeshi may also be facing challenges in adjusting to his new lifestyle and finding purpose in his daily routine. By allowing himself to enjoy a beer with lunch, he embraces a sense of spontaneity and pleasure, adding a touch of excitement to his day. This small act of indulgence can enhance his overall well-being and satisfaction during retirement, as he learns to savour the little moments and create new memories.

In conclusion, Takeshi Kasumi's internal conflict about drinking beer with lunch in *Samurai Gourmet* reflects the character's transition into retirement and his exploration of newfound freedom. By embracing a midday drink, he challenges societal norms and discovers the joy of experiencing new things, even something as simple as a beer with his meal.

The role of beer in Samurai Gourmet's narrative

Beer plays a significant role in the narrative of "Samurai Gourmet", a Japanese-language series on Netflix. The show follows the culinary adventures of a 60-year-old retiree named Takeshi Kasumi, who often imagines how a samurai would navigate his life. The series is inspired by an essay and manga series by Japanese author Masayuki Kusumi.

In the very first episode, titled "Mid-day Beer at a Restaurant", Kasumi, unsure of what to do with his newfound freedom, takes a stroll and discovers a local diner. He decides to have a beer with his meal, something he would never have done while working. As he sips his beer, he imagines his samurai alter-ego swaggering into the restaurant and confidently demanding sake and pickles. This fantasy gives Kasumi the confidence to order not one but two beers, which he savours.

Throughout the series, beer serves as a symbol of Kasumi's freedom and enjoyment of life. In several episodes, he is shown drinking beer and savouring the simple pleasure of an ice-cold brew. Beer also represents his willingness to break free from the constraints of office work and social expectations. It is a way for him to embrace his new identity as a retiree and enjoy the little things in life.

In addition to beer, food also plays a crucial role in the series, with sumptuous food footage and slow-motion shots that border on eroticism. The show explores the connection between food, memory, and personal agency. Kasumi's meals become a stand-in for virtues or characteristics, such as his desire to travel or his spontaneity. The series also highlights the mundane and repetitive nature of daily life, with Kasumi's quests for good food and beer providing a sense of adventure and satisfaction.

Overall, the role of beer in "Samurai Gourmet" is to emphasise the show's themes of freedom, pleasure, and the pursuit of happiness. It represents Kasumi's journey of self-discovery and his efforts to fill his retirement with enjoyment and new experiences.

Kasumi's newfound freedom in retirement

This seemingly mundane decision reflects Kasumi's larger internal conflict about how to navigate his newfound freedom in retirement. Should he give in to his desires and enjoy simple pleasures, like a midday beer, or should he continue to abide by the strict routine and self-control that his previous corporate life demanded? This internal conflict is reflected in the show's low-stakes plotlines, such as whether Kasumi has the moral courage to order a beer with his lunch or whether he should demand a refund for a meal he doesn't enjoy.

Throughout the show, Kasumi's samurai alter-ego represents the fantasy version of himself who is more vocal, adventurous, and assertive. The samurai appears in situations where Kasumi wishes he could be more like his bolder self, such as when he is faced with rude restaurant patrons or unfamiliar dishes. By channelling his inner samurai, Kasumi gradually embraces his newfound freedom and learns to savour the simple pleasures in life, like enjoying a cold beer on a hot day.

The show's slow-paced and sensual portrayal of food and drink, including the careful preparation, beautiful presentation, and climactic act of consumption, further emphasises the theme of savouring life's small pleasures. "Samurai Gourmet" is not just about the food and drink itself, but about the deeper connection between food and personal agency, memory, and adventure. It captures the joy and satisfaction that can be found in the everyday, mundane moments, like ordering a meal or taking a stroll, and highlights the importance of embracing one's freedom to choose and enjoy life's simple delights.

In conclusion, "Samurai Gourmet" is a thoughtful and poignant exploration of retirement, freedom, and the joy of savouring life's small pleasures. Through Kasumi's culinary adventures and internal conflicts, the show captures the beauty of embracing one's newfound freedom and discovering the simple joys that can bring fulfilment and satisfaction to everyday life.

The significance of beer in Japanese culture

Beer is deeply significant in Japanese culture, and it is the most popular alcoholic drink in the country. In fact, it makes up about 75% of the alcoholic market.

In Japan, the word "sake" simply means any alcoholic beverage, including beer, wine, and cocktails. However, when it comes to beer, the Japanese have a unique relationship with it. Beer is often the first drink of choice at gatherings and parties, and it is ordered at the beginning of an evening out with friends or colleagues. This first round is called "toriaezu beer", which translates to "beer for now" or "beer to start with". The phrase emerged during the nation's rapid economic growth in the postwar period of the 1950s and became universal by the 1980s. Beer is preferred over traditional heated sake during these initial rounds as it can be served quickly to large groups, ensuring an immediate start to the festivities.

The choice of beer as the first drink also has cultural significance. In Japan, drinking beer is a cultural activity with specific manners and rules. When ordering the first round, the group will all drink the same beer without selecting a brand to show respect and unity as a team. It is only after the first beer that individuals are free to order whatever they like. This custom is reflected in the word "nama", which means any kind of draft or "fresh" beer and is used as a general term for beer during the first round.

Beer is also an important part of workplace culture in Japan, acting as a "lubricant for social interactions" and fostering camaraderie among colleagues. The practice of "oshaku" involves ordering bottled beer and pouring it for a co-worker, boss, or important person, showing respect and honouring a strong custom in Japan.

In addition to its cultural significance, beer in Japan has also evolved in terms of variety and availability. While four major companies—Asahi, Kirin, Suntory, and Sapporo—dominate the market, regional craft beers have gained popularity in recent years, with small-scale breweries thriving due to relaxed brewing laws. Beer is widely available in Japan, from drinking establishments and convenience stores to vending machines and kiosks in train stations.

The show's cinematography and its focus on food and beer

The cinematography in *Samurai Gourmet* is understated and naturalistic, focusing on the character's facial expressions and the food itself. The show is based on an essay and manga series by Masayuki Kusumi, and this influences the show's aesthetic. The show is not interested in flashy, stylised food photography, but instead on the characters' relationships with the food and drink.

The show's protagonist, Takeshi Kasumi, is a retiree who rediscovers his passion for food and drink through his alter-ego, a wandering samurai. The show's narrative is driven by his internal monologue and his expressions, as he searches for and enjoys food and beer. The show's creator, Masayuki Qusumi, has said that the show is not about food, but is instead a drama, and that the daily hunt for something to eat is a universal human experience.

The show's food and drink are depicted in a very naturalistic way, with the protagonist eating and drinking in a variety of locations, from a local diner to a high-class Italian restaurant. The food is not always perfect, and the protagonist does not always enjoy it, but the show is about the experience of eating and drinking, and the pleasure and satisfaction that this brings.

The show also explores the connection between food, drink, and memory, in a way that is moving and poignant. The protagonist is often reminded of past experiences through his meals, and the show depicts how food and drink can connect us to our past and our personal history.

The show's cinematography is not flashy or showy, but instead serves to enhance the naturalistic and mundane nature of the story. The focus is on the characters and the food, and how the two interact, with the camera often lingering on the characters' expressions as they eat and drink, capturing the pleasure and satisfaction of a good meal.

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