The latest 36th and 37th editions of Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine revealed a hiatus for Aiko Koyama’s manga “Maiko-san Chi no Makanai-san” (Makanai in the Maiko Lodge). The series is set to resume its serialization in the magazine’s 41st issue, scheduled for release in September.
Maiko-san Chi no Makanai-san, created by the hands of Aiko Koyama, is a manga that offers readers a unique peek into the fascinating world of Kyoto’s traditional maiko culture. The story crafts a charming narrative centered around the culinary adventures and daily life of the maiko lodge’s kitchen staff.
As the plot progresses, it deliciously mixes cultural elements, friendships, and delectable dishes, to give us an immersive experience that transports readers to the lively streets of Kyoto. It unfolds not only the culinary and crafty secrets held within the maiko lodge but also the personal growth and development of the characters.
With an upcoming hiatus, readers are left eagerly anticipating the upcoming chapters that promise a satisfying read as any other of Maiko-san Chi no Makanai-san’s adaptations.
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Maiko-san Chi no Makanai-san: Adaptations
Maiko-san Chi no Makanai-san manga, authored and illustrated by Aiko Koyama, debuted in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shōnen Sunday in 2016. The relaxing series offers a glimpse into the world of maikos and their daily lives.
Though briefly on hiatus from June 1–29, 2022, the manga has seen consistently growing popularity, resulting in the publication of twenty-three volumes as of 2023, since its inaugural volume’s release in April 2017.
The Anime Adaptation
NHK revealed plans for an anime adaptation of the series in 2020, produced by J.C. Staff under the direction of Yōhei Suzuki. Susumu Yamakawa wrote the scripts, while Go Sakabe composed the music. The anime premiered on NHK World-Japan in 2021, running until January 27, 2022.
Ayano Tsuji performs the opening theme, Ashita Kitto. Crunchyroll provided English-subtitled streaming outside Asia. Comprising 12 episodes, each episode incorporated a “Dish of the Day” segment, where Kiyo, Sumire, and Tsurukoma delved into the mouth-watering dishes featured in the show.
The Live-Action Drama Adaptation
The release of a nine-episode drama adaptation, titled “The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House,” was announced for global release on Netflix in 2023. It debuted on Netflix on January 12, 2023. Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, Megumi Tsuno, Hiroshi Okuyama, and Takuma Sato, with planning led by Genki Kawamura.
The screenplay was handled by Kore-eda, Tsuno, Okuyama, Sato, and Mami Sunada. Yoshihiro Furusawa and Naomi Sato serve as executive producers, while Kenji Yamada, Ai Kashima, and Eiji Kitahara lead the production, with Risa Kitabayashi as associate producers. The music was composed by Yoko Kanno.
The Plot of the Series
Kiyo and Sumire, childhood best friends from Aomori Prefecture, venture to Kyoto with dreams of becoming maiko. Amid their training, Sumire’s exceptional skills and dedication shine brightly. Conversely, Kiyo struggles with starter activities and hence, gets expelled.
However, a newfound culinary skill is unlocked when Kiyo secures a unique role as the maiko house’s cook. Content in her newly acquired position, Kiyo joyfully embraces her role in supporting and cooking for Sumire and fellow maiko.
Maiko-san Chi no Makanai-san manga series claimed the impressive 65th Shogakukan Manga Award in the shōnen category for 2020. With a rapid and growing rise in popularity, the manga gained sold an impressive number of copies at 700,000 copies by October 2019, surpassing 1 million by March 2020, and further reaching over 2.7 million copies in circulation as of September 2022.
With the multiple adaptations, to say the series was successful is an understatement.
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