Within the twisting streets of Kyoto's geisha district, a 16-year-old girl named Kiyo resides. After not succeeding in becoming a Maiko, an apprentice traditional Japanese performer, Kiyo now works as the caterer for her troupe. This narrative unfolds through the lens of her daily life.
Note: This work won the 65th Shogakukan Award in 2019 for the Shonen Manga category.
Juru Dapur Para Maiko Juru Masak Para Maiko Kiyo in Kyoto: From the Maiko House La maison des maiko (French) The Caterer at the Maiko Manor แม่ครัววัยใสแห่งบ้านไมโกะ (SIC) まいこさんちのまかないさん 舞妓さんちのまかないさん
Two young girls came to Kyoto to be trained as geisha. On has been doing well under the tough training. The other was found unacceptable, but secured a job right there in the geisha house as its cook.
This sets up an interesting situation. The two are friends, and while one is going to be doing something extremely glamorous, the other will "just" be a cook. What effects will this have on their friendship?
Don't assume the situation will hurt the friendship! Apparently, at least as depicted in this story, in Japan being able to cook really well is a very big deal. In addition, Japan seems to have a vast selection of indigenous dishes for the girl who's a good cook to show her abilities in preparing. And as often in Japanese manga, the dishes are depicted in loving detail.
The characters are depicted in loving detail too. The drawing is so expert that they really come across as distinctive humans, and lovable ones.
This is a great slice of life, with two special and unique variations on the tried and true "cute girls doing cute things" formula. I consider it something very special which I would recommend to anyone.
Aside from the art, it doesn't make me feel any emotions whatsoever. Just read Yotsubato again instead.
Two young girls came to Kyoto to be trained as geisha. On has been doing well under the tough training. The other was found unacceptable, but secured a job right there in the geisha house as its cook.
This sets up an interesting situation. The two are friends, and while one is going to be doing something extremely glamorous, the other will "just" be a cook. What effects will this have on their friendship?
Don't assume the situation will hurt the friendship! Apparently, at least as depicted in this story, in Japan being able to cook really well is a very big deal. In addition, Japan seems to have a vast selection of indigenous dishes for the girl who's a good cook to show her abilities in preparing. And as often in Japanese manga, the dishes are depicted in loving detail.
The characters are depicted in loving detail too. The drawing is so expert that they really come across as distinctive humans, and lovable ones.
This is a great slice of life, with two special and unique variations on the tried and true "cute girls doing cute things" formula. I consider it something very special which I would recommend to anyone.