Title: Takunomi

Director: Tomoki Kobayashi

Publisher: Sentai Filmworks

U. S. Release Date: 12/18/18

Format: Blu-ray / 12 episodes  / 150 Minutes

Genre: Slice of life. Foodie educational.

Are Rating: TV 14

Overall Personal Rating: A-

Synopsis:  

 Leaving her rual life behind, Michiru Amatsuki moves to Tokyo. Excited with her move, she wants to be the sophisticated modern “Tokyoite”. She is moving into Stella House Haruno with three other roommates. All the gals are friendly enough, especially enjoying an evening at home with drinks mixed with a bit of alcohol tutorial.  Nao usually over indulges, so is often the teacher, she loves her mixed drinks and beer, knowing how and why things should be mixed and maybe even some history. 

Commentary:

Takunomi was light and fun, like visiting with friends who are glad you are there. The episodes are short, but it reminds me of several other anime or manga series that throw in some educational aspects as entertainment, specifically about food and drink. My first introduction to this Foodie Educational genre was Oishinbo (Originally published in 1983,  English compilations weren’t released until 2009.)  I would also includes series like Yakitate Japan (All about bread.), Ben-to   (Culture of store bought bento.), and even Food Wars (Cooking in general with over the top expressions of delight.)

Takunomi has an over series storyline of a Michiru moving from the county and trying to fit into the modern and sophisticated city life of a working woman that she idolizes. She lacks confidence, but is learning though experience. The other theme really is fun with alcohol.  So fun it is. And this is what makes it directed at an older audience. There is a clear waning at the beginning of each episode about the proper use of alcohol, although the rules are different in Japan than where I’m at.

As an anime, I watched it dubbed and thought they did a good job matching the characters. The animation was colorful and looked good, no complaints from me. The pacing was well done. And, unexpected, there was character development. I can’t think of a negative, unless the morning after scenes make you remember (regret) some over indulgences of your own.

Overall Grade: A-

I enjoy this genre of anime/manga, if you seen/read one, I encourage you to enjoy one of the others like Oishinbo or Yakitate Japan, or for the older viewer/reader, Takunomi, Drops of the Gods,  or Food Wars.