「ほくほく、はぷっ」 (Hokuhoku, Hapuu.)
“Hot, Chomp.”

A great follow-up to last week’s episode and further reason to believe that Kirin can in fact, cook. Personally, I never think that my own cooking and baking is that great, so I understand where Kirin is coming from when she tries so hard to perfect each dish in the bento box. At least she doesn’t waste food. When I usually have to present food to a loved one or friend, I always make a ton of practice batches until I’m satisfied with the result. Normally, I never really am because I just don’t find my own food too appetizing. It’s only when other people give you praise and recognition that you realize it’s not that bad. I think it’s the same case here with Kirin and her bento box for Ryou. Kirin thinks her own cooking isn’t up to par, but to Ryou, it’s the best thing she’s had since her grandmother was around. Ryou probably appreciates Kirin’s cooking because it reminds her of her grandmother, but also because she hasn’t had someone prepare lunch for her since then. Hence why it tastes better to Ryou than her friends (who also tried Ryou’s bento).

I always loved watching anime and seeing all the beautiful assortment of bento boxes that people made for each other (or themselves). I’ve tried making bentos before and it’s so incredibly time consuming! You’re literally preparing 6 (or however many) small dishes and if it’s just for yourself, it’s almost not worth it. There’s so many steps that go into making tamagoyaki and then you have a pot for the octopus sausages, plus some onigiri on the side and not to mention a potato salad… wow, really? If I asked my mom for all of those things, she would probably serve me potato salad… for a week. Then scrambled eggs… for a while week and then just rice for a whole week. I’ve never actually prepared a full bento box myself but I understand the work it takes to make all that (and not even in large quantities) so kudos to Kirin for cooking all night. And if anyone else ever gets a bento box like that from a loved one – cherish it.

Better late than never – Koufuku Graffiti takes its time to expand on Kirin’s development and I love it. As much as I love Ryou, seeing Kirin grow up and actually cook for someone else is fantastic. Not to mention that she helps Ryou any way that she can, in areas that she excels at. Her personality is no longer the annoying, whiney, spoiled child; but instead, she takes it upon herself to create something for Ryou (something that she knows Ryou wants). Even though we’re not seeing that much of Shiina (who’s also one of my favorites), we’re seeing good growth for Kirin. It would’ve been nice if the show actually animated Kirin’s struggles in the kitchen or how she creates all these dishes, but hey! Food porn is still food porn so no complaints there. Hoping for more next week ~

 

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8 Comments

  1. I’ve tried making bentos before and it’s so incredibly time consuming! You’re literally preparing 6 (or however many) small dishes and if it’s just for yourself, it’s almost not worth it. There’s so many steps that go into making tamagoyaki and then you have a pot for the octopus sausages, plus some onigiri on the side and not to mention a potato salad… wow, really?

    This reminded me of Aishiteruze Baby when Kippei learned how to make obentos for Yuzuru. He turned from someone who just gave store-bought onigiri to her into quite the morning chef. I have since then gained a different perspective on those who make obentos and consider it an art.

    Thank you, Cherrie!

    ichigo
    1. I saw that anime too! So old school now haha! I feel so old when I make references to anime prior to 2009 these days =( sigh* That was a cute anime though and I do remember that episode… such a good feel-good show.

  2. As someone who’s overly critical of his own cooking, this episode hit right home. I can’t count the times I thought my cooking to be meh at best just to receive praise from my parents right after.
    Kirin was a bit dramatic about it, but that’s expected it being her first time and all. Besides, it, this is anime.

    Erimaki

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