Oishinbo

Synopsis

Photographer Isamu Kinjō is concerned about his friend, the successful fashion designer Hide Hirao who is based in Paris. Hirao is exhausted by years of business and after visiting Japan, he is homesick and reluctant to return to Paris. Kinjō asks Yamaoka to prepare some dishes that will entice Hirao back to Europe. Yamaoka refuses until Kinjō says that he will ask his friend Yuzan Kaibara and the scene is set for another contest between Kaibara and Yamaoka. Kurita suggests that Yamaoka prepare something Japanese but he disagrees. At the dinner, Yamaoka presents some excellent French style dishes, and Hirao declares that if he could have such delicious French food in Japan he need not return to Paris surprising everyone at the table. Next, Kaibara presents a simple dish of rice steamed in bamboo leaves accompanied by salted, pickled cucumber and a glass of mountain spring water. Hirao then exclaims that he has tasted the essence of Japanese cuisine. He feels revitalized after rediscovering his Japan roots and plans to return to Paris. However, this leaves Yamaoka angry at himself and feeling defeated by Kaibara's tactics.

(Source: Wikipedia)