Free Project : Theme Research

In this post I will be discussing my research about Food scenes by anime studios.

Anime has become one of the most prominent cultural exports of Japan in recent years and one of the most striking aspects of anime is the way it depicts food. Many anime shows and films showcase beautifully illustrated dishes, and in some cases, the food scenes play a significant role in the plot. This essay will examine the significance of food scenes in anime and how they contribute to the storytelling.

Food scenes in anime not only serve as eye-catching visuals, but they also serve as a means of establishing the culture and environment of the story. In anime, food is often used as a way to showcase regional cuisine or the seasonality of ingredients. For example, in the anime "Shokugeki no Soma," the main character, Soma Yukihira, enrolls in a prestigious culinary school where he learns to master a range of traditional and modern Japanese dishes. Throughout the series, the show highlights the ingredients and techniques used in different regions of Japan, from Hokkaido's seafood to Kyushu's ramen. By doing so, the show educates the viewers on Japanese cuisine and culture.

In addition to the cultural aspect, food scenes can also help to establish character development and relationships. For instance, in the anime film "Spirited Away," food is used as a way to convey the strange and magical nature of the spirit world. The main character, Chihiro, is tasked with working at a bathhouse for spirits, where she must cook and serve the various creatures that come to the bathhouse. As she prepares and serves the food, she gains the trust and respect of the other characters, and this helps her in her quest to save her parents and escape from the spirit world.

Moreover, food scenes can also help to create a sense of nostalgia and comfort for the viewers. In the anime "Ramen Daisuki Koizumi-san," the show revolves around a high school girl, Koizumi, who is obsessed with ramen. The show not only showcases different types of ramen but also explores the emotional connection that people have with their favorite foods. The scenes where Koizumi slurps down a hot bowl of ramen or debates the merits of different soup bases can make the viewers feel warm and cozy, and transport them back to a time when they had a similar experience.

While the use of food scenes in anime is not unique to the genre, it is interesting to see how the anime industry uses this technique to create a sense of realism and relatability for the viewers. The illustrations of food in anime are often so detailed and vibrant that they can evoke an emotional response from the viewers. By combining the visual aspect with cultural significance and character development, food scenes in anime can contribute significantly to the overall storytelling.

Food scenes in anime serve as more than just eye-candy. They contribute significantly to the plot, characterization, and cultural significance of the story. By showcasing regional cuisine, establishing character relationships, and creating a sense of nostalgia, anime studios can transport viewers to another world and evoke an emotional response. Anime continues to be a significant cultural export of Japan, and the use of food scenes is just one of the many ways that it captivates audiences worldwide.

References:

Hori, K., & Ishida, H. (2019). Shokugeki no Soma and Food-Culture Diplomacy. The Journal of Popular Culture, 52(4), 962-982.

Napier, S. J. (2016). Anime and memory: aesthetic, cultural and thematic perspectives. Palgrave Macmillan.