The anticipation surrounding the new installment of the beloved culinary drama series, 'Grand Maison Tokyo', is palpable as it prepares to grace the screens again. A special preview screening took place on December 21, 2023, at TOHO Cinemas Shinjuku, Tokyo, igniting excitement among fans who have closely followed the gastronomic adventures of Chef Natsuki Obana and his inspirational cast since the original series aired back in 2019.
Leading the ensemble, Takuya Kimura was joined by Kyoko Suzuki, Yuta Tamamori, Kanichiro, and many others from the original cast during the red carpet event, where the atmosphere bristled with nostalgia and enthusiasm. Kimura, echoing the sentiments of his co-stars, highlighted the special drama as the perfect appetizer for the upcoming film sequel, 'Grand Maison Paris', set to premiere on December 30, 2023. He stated, "This special drama serves as the appetizer for the upcoming 'Grand Maison Paris'." This sentiment set the tone for the evening's festivities.
Continuing the story of the original series, which revolved around Chef Obana's unyielding dedication to achieving three Michelin stars for his restaurant, the new special drama delves even more deeply. It picks up after the success of 'Grand Maison Tokyo', illustrating the tumultuous challenges faced by the culinary team amid the global pandemic. The narrative reinforces the commitment of the chefs to their art—even when they are pressured to sacrifice quality for seemingly unrelenting industry standards.
Kyoko Suzuki, who plays head chef Rinko Hayami, expressed her happiness about the series' revival: "It was such a happy time five years ago, and I’m thrilled to see this drama evolve—and to know there’s also going to be a movie." Her reflections mirror the collective joy shared by the cast and crew as they reunite to tell this compelling tale once again.
The story arc of 'Grand Maison Tokyo' focuses not only on culinary excellence, but also on interpersonal connections, emotional struggles, and the essence of resilience. Even as every character strives to stay afloat under the pressure of Michelin scrutiny and the demanding food industry, the return of Chef Obana to Japan creates waves of hope and reunion—bringing friends back together to tackle adversity.
The event saw guests enthralled by the charming banter between cast members, including amusing insights shared by Yuta Tamamori and Kanichiro. Tamamori sweetly noted how he felt "like it was meant to be" as he easily slipped back as if no time had passed since the filming of the original series. Kanichiro humorously pointed out how everyone else appeared unchanged, except for Tamamori, saying, "Everyone was like, ‘Wow! Good to see you!’ But Tamori was surprisingly shy!"
Adding to the enthusiasm, director Ayuko Tsukahara reiterated the importance of authenticity within the project, stating how the culinary dishes showcased were crafted under the acute supervision of award-winning chefs, particularly chef Kei Kobayashi from the renowned 'Restaurant KEI', whose guidance assures the artistic portrayal of cuisine remains true to its roots.
Attendees eagerly anticipated how the vivid depiction of food would be brought to life on screen, especially with Kimura commenting, "If we can turn on everyone’s appetite through the food depicted, then we would have succeeded!" This excitement is literally palpable as cast members expressed anticipation for how viewers would respond to the cinematic depiction of their characters’ trials and triumphs.
Following the screening, the cast left audiences with hints about the upcoming film, where the high-stakes culinary competition is set against the backdrop of Paris itself. The audience will witness Chef Obana’s venture to open 'Grand Maison Paris' as he faces the series' ultimate challenge: achieving Michelin status as he navigates the unpredictable waters of gourmet cuisine within France's fiercely competitive culinary scene.
The cast hopes this series and its film counterpart will resonate well with audiences, delivering not just entertainment, but also valuable reflections on what it means to chase dreams amid hardships. They expressed their mutual passion for the project and are eager to share this emotional, delicious tale with viewers.
Overall, the combination of nostalgia, culinary artistry, and heartfelt storytelling promises to captivate the audience once more as 'Grand Maison Tokyo' returns for this special drama. The upcoming film, 'Grand Maison Paris', is anticipated to evolve the story even more, encouraging viewers to taste the vibrant flavors of not just the cuisine, but the indomitable human spirit intertwined with its narrative.
