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Oishinbo a la carte #6
The Joy of Rice
The best selling and most beloved food manga of all time!
As part of the celebrations for its 100th anniversary, the publishers of the Tōzai News have commissioned the creation of the "Ultimate Menu," a model meal embodying the pinnacle of Japanese cuisine. This all-important task has been entrusted to journalist Yamaoka Shirō, an inveterate cynic who possesses no initiative--but also an incredibly refined palate and an encyclopedic knowledge of food.
In this volume of Oishinbo , Yamaoka and company look into the single most essential food in Japanese rice. Cultivated for millennia, a staple meal in itself and the basis of countless other dishes, rice is an important component not only of the Japanese kitchen but also of Japanese culture. When Yamaoka is asked by Tōzai 's head chef for help in coming up with a new rice dish, what starts out as a simple culinary request rapidly grows into a disquisition into the past, present and future of Japan's food culture.
As part of the celebrations for its 100th anniversary, the publishers of the Tōzai News have commissioned the creation of the "Ultimate Menu," a model meal embodying the pinnacle of Japanese cuisine. This all-important task has been entrusted to journalist Yamaoka Shirō, an inveterate cynic who possesses no initiative--but also an incredibly refined palate and an encyclopedic knowledge of food.
In this volume of Oishinbo , Yamaoka and company look into the single most essential food in Japanese rice. Cultivated for millennia, a staple meal in itself and the basis of countless other dishes, rice is an important component not only of the Japanese kitchen but also of Japanese culture. When Yamaoka is asked by Tōzai 's head chef for help in coming up with a new rice dish, what starts out as a simple culinary request rapidly grows into a disquisition into the past, present and future of Japan's food culture.
268 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
19 people are currently reading
313 people want to read
About the author
Tetsu Kariya
319 books46 followers雁屋哲
Manga writer and essayist extraordinaire Tetsu Kariya graduated from prestigious Tokyo University. Kariya was employed with a major advertising agency before making his debut as a manga writer in 1974, when he teamed up with legendary manga artist Ryoichi Ikegami to create Otoko Gumi (Male Gang). The worlds of food and manga were forever changed in 1983 when Kariya, together with artist Akira Hanasaki, created the immensely popular and critically acclaimed Oishinbo.
Manga writer and essayist extraordinaire Tetsu Kariya graduated from prestigious Tokyo University. Kariya was employed with a major advertising agency before making his debut as a manga writer in 1974, when he teamed up with legendary manga artist Ryoichi Ikegami to create Otoko Gumi (Male Gang). The worlds of food and manga were forever changed in 1983 when Kariya, together with artist Akira Hanasaki, created the immensely popular and critically acclaimed Oishinbo.
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March 7, 2016You guys! These books -- it's like a manga version of an extremely surly, fictional version of Anthony Bourdain does Japanese food.
They're awesome!
They're awesome!
March 3, 2015
Only a Japanese book could have the exact same character advocate local, organic, sustainable farming and commercial whaling. In the same chapter, no less. At any rate, not my favorite volume, but definitely as detailed and passionate about food as the previous ones.
February 6, 2018
I wish I knew more about the various regions of Japan as the characters discuss where certain rices come from as well as many other details about rice. Did you know there's an ideal humidity for storing rice? I do now :)
Good book with fun stories although because they were all published separately and are being grouped together in books by food type, timelines can be a bit confusing.
Good book with fun stories although because they were all published separately and are being grouped together in books by food type, timelines can be a bit confusing.
March 26, 2021
#6!!! RICE!! A topic that I actually was interested to read....I learned about the differences between Japanese rice and SE Asian rice....and that they only allow Japanese grown rice to be sold in Japan (I still have my doubts). This volume gets a bit political....like apparently whales SHOULD be allowed to be hunted....and rice should only be grown in Japan (that one I get). And now I want to try rice balls.
Read: if you enjoy manga and rice
Read: if you enjoy manga and rice
August 1, 2021
pff… ahora me quedó un antojo tremendo de arroz japonés
May 2, 2023
I love rice
October 1, 2019
Good informative and couched in mild drama.
September 10, 2023
Rice, y'all. Rice.
November 14, 2014
Reading all about gohan (rice) who would think it could possibly be that interesting? I've now got a serious craving for some RICE BALLS!
Rice is taken for granted as an every day food but the way this manga teaches you about different ways to prepare it makes you realise HOW important it is to the Japanese people. However, I was a little surprised to read some sexist comments...Taking how old this manga is I just rolled my eyes and moved along but I can't help but think IF it was written for a Western audience that the sexist comments would of created a stir. But in saying this I am happy it was included (I know I sound contradictory) because if it was changed the WHOLE storyline would of been altered like when Haruka and Michiru (in Sailor Moon) were posed as "close cousins" instead of a lesbian couple.
I'm now craving rice balls because there was a whole chapter on how to make different sorts. I've always thought about them either being plain with some toasted sea weed wrapped around them or when you bit into the centered you'd find something like mayo/tuna...Well, this isn't the case...SO many different sorts! While Japanese are very, very keen on seafood and I'm not, I still find myself wanting to experience all the different styles of rice balls..Haha!
My only real negative thought is about the character development and because this is a "best of" we get things that REALLY contradict from volume to volume. It can't be helped because of what has been done and if you've read my other reviews you'll notice I highlight on this every time..I guess it's more a personal bug because if you're just reading it for the food then this won't worry you in the slightest.
Rice is taken for granted as an every day food but the way this manga teaches you about different ways to prepare it makes you realise HOW important it is to the Japanese people. However, I was a little surprised to read some sexist comments...Taking how old this manga is I just rolled my eyes and moved along but I can't help but think IF it was written for a Western audience that the sexist comments would of created a stir. But in saying this I am happy it was included (I know I sound contradictory) because if it was changed the WHOLE storyline would of been altered like when Haruka and Michiru (in Sailor Moon) were posed as "close cousins" instead of a lesbian couple.
I'm now craving rice balls because there was a whole chapter on how to make different sorts. I've always thought about them either being plain with some toasted sea weed wrapped around them or when you bit into the centered you'd find something like mayo/tuna...Well, this isn't the case...SO many different sorts! While Japanese are very, very keen on seafood and I'm not, I still find myself wanting to experience all the different styles of rice balls..Haha!
My only real negative thought is about the character development and because this is a "best of" we get things that REALLY contradict from volume to volume. It can't be helped because of what has been done and if you've read my other reviews you'll notice I highlight on this every time..I guess it's more a personal bug because if you're just reading it for the food then this won't worry you in the slightest.
February 9, 2010
Finally we get back to the root of what I was enjoying in some of the early volumes of this manga. In this volume we learn about Rice (surprise, surprise!). We learn what makes good rice, and bad. Why brown rice can taste so dry and tasteless. What makes a good "rice ball". In addition to these lessons there is another showdown between Yamoaka and his father.. and to tell you the truth, I love these showdowns the most.
As always, the part of the book I've been enjoying the most has been in the middle, when Tetsu Kariya tells us an anecdote or gives us a short lesson on the Japanese culture. While the Japanese prefer to eat their rice separately, the Chinese prefer to shovel their rice and food into their mouths at the same time.. and yes, he does say "shovel". He encourages this type of eating, because the flavors compliment each other so well.
I don't know if it's possible to develop a taste for Japanese cuisine that I've never tasted before by reading about it, but if it is possible I'm sure to find out soon. Within the next few months I plan on finding a nice Japanese restaurant and starting to sample some of what I've been reading about. You should see my pages of notes!
As always, the part of the book I've been enjoying the most has been in the middle, when Tetsu Kariya tells us an anecdote or gives us a short lesson on the Japanese culture. While the Japanese prefer to eat their rice separately, the Chinese prefer to shovel their rice and food into their mouths at the same time.. and yes, he does say "shovel". He encourages this type of eating, because the flavors compliment each other so well.
I don't know if it's possible to develop a taste for Japanese cuisine that I've never tasted before by reading about it, but if it is possible I'm sure to find out soon. Within the next few months I plan on finding a nice Japanese restaurant and starting to sample some of what I've been reading about. You should see my pages of notes!
September 14, 2014
The chapters get formulaic, but I can't help enjoying the content. It's hard to believe these comics have been around since the 80s because they're so relevant to the food culture of today. Most chapters highlight the importance of environmental eating, small farms, and mindful eating.
I do wish that the volumes were ordered in original publication order, though, instead of organized by subject because it makes the overall plot and dynamics of the characters really confusing when the chapters aren't in chronological order.
I do wish that the volumes were ordered in original publication order, though, instead of organized by subject because it makes the overall plot and dynamics of the characters really confusing when the chapters aren't in chronological order.
October 20, 2023
I think this was my favorite of the A la Carte volumes! There were a few chapters that I was a little lukewarm on, but overall I enjoyed the selection.
The author's passage on the best way to eat rice was super interesting because it pointed out a lot of things that I'd never noticed about how my family eats rice vs other norms for eating rice. I'd never really realized that the way I grew up eating rice might not be everyone else's normal way to eat rice.
The author's passage on the best way to eat rice was super interesting because it pointed out a lot of things that I'd never noticed about how my family eats rice vs other norms for eating rice. I'd never really realized that the way I grew up eating rice might not be everyone else's normal way to eat rice.
December 3, 2009
I'm reading these out of order. But the lessons imparted about rice, and what constitutes GOOD rice and HORRIBLE rice is so interesting (and funny). The main character can be a total douche though. I'm looking forward to the next installment!
November 18, 2015
look at that title! i should have written this!
January 18, 2019
We're getting to the pointy end now. This is the penultimate volume of Viz's collections of extracts from Oishinbo, and so it's time for something subtle. Something both representative of Japan and its culture, and of hearth and home. Something to get excited about.
Something like rice.
Yeah, you heard me. And that's perhaps why this volume received only three stars from me: it's interesting enough, and certainly contains some specifically scientific discussion that harks back to the parasite chat of the fish volume. But it's not a world-beater.
Did I end up thinking differently about rice? Yes, I did. Did I learn some things about rice I didn't know? Absolutely. It just didn't seem to spark as much as other volumes, though, and I suspect that it's because Kariya's stories here are assembled in a way that highlights the importance of rice - and traditional styles of eating - to the Japanese identity. There's that sense of the Yamato spirit - Yamaoka digs in to government personalities about the irresponsibility of diminishing the importance of the domestic rice market in a way that's almost comical in its intensity.
But then there's this.
Er, yeah. I guess that's one of those things that doesn't translate too well to readers outside of Japan, even if Yamaoka is calling the "research" cover out. Still, it was a bit odd for me to see this louche food lover and defender of the importance to let nature take its course calling for the whaling industry to get a fuckin' move on.
Yamaoka's dickishness in general seemed to be more in the foreground in this volume, which was a bit annoying, given that he'd previously been presented as a bit cooler than he is. I suppose that's part of the slapstick nature of Oishinbo that probably appears in a more pronounced form in the original. But it seemed jarring to me, here.
Of course, Japanese identity and whaling aren't the only notes sounded through this collection. Again, as in the vegetables volume, Kariya riffs on the importance of sustainable farming, and on the problems caused by pesticides to the food chain. It's good stuff to keep in the foreground for real life purposes, but given that we had a hefty dose of it only last volume, it seems repetitive.
More interesting to me is the increased tenderness towards family and childhood memories that appears in this volume. Kaibara and Yamaoka have a little bit of horn-locking as expected, but there's a lot of talk about the fact rice acts as a comfort food: that it recalls mothers. That everyone - even the homeless - have this affinity towards something as simple as the rice ball: it's the glutinous common denominator. It's the thing that brings feuding friends together, the thing that can take on as many flavours, as there are people based on what you add to it.
I won't lie: I wanted to rustle up some rice after reading these stories. But for me, the desire to chow down stayed longer (and affected me more) than storyline specifics did. It's a shame, but I've faith that the next volume will provide the satisfaction I'm looking for. Oishinbo's been pretty good, so a misstep once in a while is fine with me.
Something like rice.
Yeah, you heard me. And that's perhaps why this volume received only three stars from me: it's interesting enough, and certainly contains some specifically scientific discussion that harks back to the parasite chat of the fish volume. But it's not a world-beater.
Did I end up thinking differently about rice? Yes, I did. Did I learn some things about rice I didn't know? Absolutely. It just didn't seem to spark as much as other volumes, though, and I suspect that it's because Kariya's stories here are assembled in a way that highlights the importance of rice - and traditional styles of eating - to the Japanese identity. There's that sense of the Yamato spirit - Yamaoka digs in to government personalities about the irresponsibility of diminishing the importance of the domestic rice market in a way that's almost comical in its intensity.
But then there's this.
Er, yeah. I guess that's one of those things that doesn't translate too well to readers outside of Japan, even if Yamaoka is calling the "research" cover out. Still, it was a bit odd for me to see this louche food lover and defender of the importance to let nature take its course calling for the whaling industry to get a fuckin' move on.
Yamaoka's dickishness in general seemed to be more in the foreground in this volume, which was a bit annoying, given that he'd previously been presented as a bit cooler than he is. I suppose that's part of the slapstick nature of Oishinbo that probably appears in a more pronounced form in the original. But it seemed jarring to me, here.
Of course, Japanese identity and whaling aren't the only notes sounded through this collection. Again, as in the vegetables volume, Kariya riffs on the importance of sustainable farming, and on the problems caused by pesticides to the food chain. It's good stuff to keep in the foreground for real life purposes, but given that we had a hefty dose of it only last volume, it seems repetitive.
More interesting to me is the increased tenderness towards family and childhood memories that appears in this volume. Kaibara and Yamaoka have a little bit of horn-locking as expected, but there's a lot of talk about the fact rice acts as a comfort food: that it recalls mothers. That everyone - even the homeless - have this affinity towards something as simple as the rice ball: it's the glutinous common denominator. It's the thing that brings feuding friends together, the thing that can take on as many flavours, as there are people based on what you add to it.
I won't lie: I wanted to rustle up some rice after reading these stories. But for me, the desire to chow down stayed longer (and affected me more) than storyline specifics did. It's a shame, but I've faith that the next volume will provide the satisfaction I'm looking for. Oishinbo's been pretty good, so a misstep once in a while is fine with me.
March 25, 2020
I started this book before I realized it was #6 in the series. (We have all of them...) At the beginning, there is a list of the most important characters, what their purpose is in the story, and a short plot summary of the first 5 volumes. It was enough to get into the story and follow along.
I found the information about rice - kinds and varieties of rice, methods for cooking, best growing environments, and foods that combine and complement rice - incredibly interesting. It was frustrating to have Yamaoka deliver the information all the time, since he's obviously a know-it-all who seems very emotionally flat in this volume. But he obviously knows his stuff, and that was interesting.
I am American through and through, though. And despite my experience in the last decade attending Japanese restaurants, many of the ingredients were still foreign to me. In the first part or maybe two, I stopped my reading of the manga to look up terms to understand them better. After a while, though, I realize that my references weren't sticking in my head well, probably because the language is foreign to me, and I was looking up some of the same terms multiple times. After that, I stopped looking up terms and tried to sit back and simply enjoy the way the characters interacted, won favors from each other or higher-ups, and approached the final competition. I'm sure a great deal of the narrative at that point went over my head, but I enjoyed it all the same. I don't know if it's enough to read another volume (even, just going back to #1), but I think it was a good experience and I'll certainly never think about rice the same way again.
I found the information about rice - kinds and varieties of rice, methods for cooking, best growing environments, and foods that combine and complement rice - incredibly interesting. It was frustrating to have Yamaoka deliver the information all the time, since he's obviously a know-it-all who seems very emotionally flat in this volume. But he obviously knows his stuff, and that was interesting.
I am American through and through, though. And despite my experience in the last decade attending Japanese restaurants, many of the ingredients were still foreign to me. In the first part or maybe two, I stopped my reading of the manga to look up terms to understand them better. After a while, though, I realize that my references weren't sticking in my head well, probably because the language is foreign to me, and I was looking up some of the same terms multiple times. After that, I stopped looking up terms and tried to sit back and simply enjoy the way the characters interacted, won favors from each other or higher-ups, and approached the final competition. I'm sure a great deal of the narrative at that point went over my head, but I enjoyed it all the same. I don't know if it's enough to read another volume (even, just going back to #1), but I think it was a good experience and I'll certainly never think about rice the same way again.
April 16, 2020
This was pretty good! The review I'd give it is honestly very similar to the review I gave the other volumes. It's a smaller, themed collection of stories (this one about rice), edited for English, taken out of the context of a much longer-running manga. This one contained several stories that either introduced key characters we're already familiar with, the revelation of Yamaoka's father (Kaibara Yuzan), and also contained the beginnings of several story endings we've already been privy to. I won't lie, it is a little odd how they've formatted these 7 books together in this way. Aside from that, the menu match between the two rival newspaper companies centered around the joy of rice balls was my favorite part of this particular volume. The notes in the back of the manga are incredibly helpful to provide context for English readers. I personally really love this series so far, but it can be a little dry in parts.
July 22, 2021
My first experience reading a manga: a light and delightful one. The comic takes on an enlightening journey through Japanese food culture through the eyes of Yamaoka, a journalist at the Tözai news company. Episodes touch upon various aspects of Japanese cuisine, its evolution through the ages, the ingredients and the political and ecological context within which it lives. Who knew there was so much nuance to cooking rice? For those unfamiliar to the world of manga, it has to be read "backwards", which is a new experience in itself. I really enjoyed reading the comic and quite looking forward to getting my hands on some of the ingredients.
May 16, 2017
I don't know why I put off reading these for so long. Every time I start one, I get engrossed in the subject matter and can't seem to put it down. I learn SO MUCH about Japanese food and culture, and the short stories that communicate the information are perfect vehicles for it. Who knew you could identify rice grown in different regions by taste alone? I've never been a big fan of rice but after reading this I have a much greater respect for it!
December 8, 2023
I've read quite a few in the series, and I liked this one. I think it's tied with the Fish one for my favorite in the series. Read it a few years back and it made me appreciate and enjoy rice more than I did before.
I read it three times, ages ago (I hadn't realized it was part of a series), a few years ago, and again recently. Good re-readability. If I wasn't so into having full series, I'd keep a copy of this as a one-off on my bookshelf.
I read it three times, ages ago (I hadn't realized it was part of a series), a few years ago, and again recently. Good re-readability. If I wasn't so into having full series, I'd keep a copy of this as a one-off on my bookshelf.
March 4, 2021
I would have given this 4 stars but I really don't like the character Yamaoka, he's cocky, lazy at his job, and obnoxious. Surprisingly he also has an encyclopedic knowledge of Japanese food which is impressive. But I really don't like his cocky attitude and rudeness. The last chapters had me hungry for rice balls and now I have a craving for them.
March 20, 2018
Este volúmen es fundamental para comprender la cocina japonesa en toda su amplitud, pues el arroz es la base de la alimentación nipona, y aquí aprendemos mucho sobre él a través de sencillas y entretenidas historias. Diría que la historia en la que se nos presenta un okaboshi que va a ser fundamental en distintos relatos, ya apareció en el primer tomo de la colección, y eso me molestó sobremanera al leer el libro. Por lo demás, muy recomendable.
February 3, 2022
This issue introduces a homeless character, who knows the best restaurants around since he is familiar with their garbage and leftovers; the concern over pesticides as reason for Japanese distrust of California rice, and rice balls, my daughter's favorite.
June 5, 2017
As formulaic as all the others. But I'm inspired by some of the onigiri choices.
January 11, 2018
Interesting read about the history of rice in Japan!
I like the story and the characters too, all in all a great read.
I like the story and the characters too, all in all a great read.
February 21, 2019
Don't read this on an empty stomach, or you might get a craving for donburi!
March 16, 2020
Very educational.
March 29, 2022
I want a rice ball!
it does feel kind of strange how you jump back and forth in the characters timelines, but the food focus is good.
it does feel kind of strange how you jump back and forth in the characters timelines, but the food focus is good.
August 2, 2023
Funny and educational, food culture explained in a different way, all volumes recommended
July 11, 2024
It's More Than Just the Food
I like the comic not just for the food subject, but for the way it teaches me about contemporary Japanese society.
I like the comic not just for the food subject, but for the way it teaches me about contemporary Japanese society.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews