A cinematic taste of Japanese cuisines
Japanese Film Festival 2015 comrpised of four cinematic productions focusing on ever delighting Japanese cuisines will be screened from October 23 to 25 at the National Film Corporation theatre, Colombo.
The stories about Japanese food which were made in 2013 and 2011 include ‘A Tale of Samurai Cooking’, ‘Morning Recipe’, ‘Ramen Samurai’ and ‘The God of Ramen’.
The festival will open with ‘A Tale of Samurai Cooking’ at 6 pm on October 23 (invitees only and the public show will be at 5.30 pm on October 25.
Directed by Yuzo Asahara who is known for his “Free and Easy” series, the film revolves around great cook Haru who has married into the legendary “Kitchen Samurai” family.
But her husband who is the successor of the family can’t cook at all.Haru makes a vow to make him a superb samurai chef, and starts teaching her new husband how to cook.
The film stars Aya Ueto “Oshin” (2013) as Haru, along with Kengo Kora “A Story of Yonosuke” (2012) as her husband Yasunobu, supported by the veteran actors Kimiko Yo “Departures” (2008), Toshiyuki Nishida “Outrage Beyond” (2012).
Based on Yuki Ibuki’s bestselling novel “Shijukunichi no Recipe (The Recipe of 49 Days After Death), ‘Morning Recipe’ will be screened at 3 pm on October 24.
Directed by Yuki Tanada, the film revolves around a struggle of a father and a daughter who find it difficult to fulfill the last wish of the mother who wanted to have a great party on the 49th day after her death.
Set in the post WW II period, ‘Ramen Samurai’ which revolves around one of the ramen noodle stalls, or Yatai, that have made the town famous, will be screened at 5.30 pm on October 24.
It is 1960 in the town of Kurume, Fukuoka prefecture, Kyushu Island. The real star of the film is one of the ramen noodle stalls.
Back in those days, the humble ramen noodle was not just a tasty dish that kept you warm on winter’s nights, it was also a valuable source of protein and carbohydrates for the hard-working poor who, after the building boom following WW II, have been thrown into an economic downturn that appears to be stripping Kurume of its very soul.
As the recovery from the 2011 earthquake and Tsunami slowly gains ground, it appears that Japanese audiences can better relate to the economic devastation that afflicted Kurume more than 50 years ago.
‘The God of Ramen’ directed by Innami Takashi narrates around a ramen shop named “Taishoken” and has a 50 year history is known for its endless lines will be screened at 3 pm on October 25.
The modest shop in the back of an alley was buzzing with activity — with customers waiting in line, regulars who came to eat and help out on a daily basis and apprentices crammed into the tiny kitchen.
The apprentices aren’t there just to learn the secret of his ramen. Without exception, they agree the main reason for people flock to Taishoken is “the boss.” They’re all drawn to his unique personality. 
The festival is presented by the Embassy of the Japan Foundation in collaboration with the National Youth Services Council and the National Film Corporation.
