The highly anticipated special drama of "Granmezón Tokyo" is set to air on December 29, 2023, just one day before the release of the film adaptation, "Granmezón Paris." This reunion of fan-favorite characters brings back Takashi Kimura as the talented and unconventional chef, Natsuki Obana, after five years since the original series captured audiences hearts. The story continues from where the beloved series left off, exploring the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on the restaurant industry.
Originally aired on TBS, "Granmezón Tokyo" showcased Obana's struggle to reclaim his culinary career after losing his two-star restaurant and friends due to his own hubris. The new special drama dives deep as it follows Obana and his team after they manage to achieve the coveted three-Michelin-star rating for their Tokyo establishment. But shortly after this achievement, the global pandemic strikes, devastating the restaurant scene.
Kimura shared his thoughts on the upcoming release, stating, "I was exceedingly happy when I learned about the opportunity to continue the story. If it weren’t for the pandemic, I believe we could have reassembled sooner." The impact of the pandemic looms large, forcing the producers to incorporate it authentically within the narrative. Kimura expressed, "It’s important to acknowledge the struggles faced by many restaurateurs during this challenging period. Ignoring such facts would feel wrong, especially since the story revolves around the restaurant industry."
Set against this backdrop, the special drama portrays how Obana’s restaurant faces significant financial challenges, leading them to partner with a larger food consulting company. This partnership takes them down a path where the essence of their cooking is diminished, as they move away from culinary passion to focus on commercial viability. Kimura explained, "The essence of cooking is communication between the chef and the diner, and the pandemic had severed those ties greatly. It’s significant for us to reflect this reality within our fictional narrative."
Fans of the series will resonate with the notion of loss and adaptation, especially through the character of Rinko Hayami, played by Kyouka Suzuki, who finds herself struggling to maintain her restaurant's integrity under unprecedented pressures. The narrative paints her as the first female chef to earn three Michelin stars, and it captures her descent as the pandemic forces her to alter her culinary motivations.
Kimura described the chemistry he shared with the cast during filming. All the actors reunited without missing a beat. "The moment we all put our costumes back on, it was like flipping a switch. Everything fell right back to place, as though those five years vanished, and we were simply resuming our roles," he narrated.
To add to the ensemble cast, new talents such as Masakazu Kubota and Kazuki Kitamura join the family, injecting fresh perspectives and dynamics to the storyline. This balanced mix of veteran and new talent capitalizes on the collaborative spirit of the original show, enhancing the chemistry both on and off set.
The blend of old and new was described by Kimura as continuing to change the recipe of storytelling. "Having new faces is like adding new ingredients to beloved dishes. They help craft new flavors and provide fresh angles to narratives we’ve explored before. It’s enjoyable to work with these new elements,” Kimura expressed.
While the world of gastronomy serves as the backdrop for the drama, Kimura made clear the thematic focus on human relationships and the power of communication through food. "Every dish tells stories; they communicate emotions and experiences," he noted, emphasizing the fundamental necessity of human connections during the pandemic.
Kimura’s portrayal of Obana has shifted his view of the culinary world significantly. Previously, to Kimura, the term "Michelin" seemed merely tied to tire manufacturing. Now, he understands the depth of what it means to chefs—an emblem of excellence and the staggering pressures associated with it. He describes how portraying Obana has changed his approach to food, saying, "I feel more aware and responsible for the food and life we consume. The phrase 'Itadakimasu' (meaning 'I humbly receive') carries more weight now!"
Fans eagerly await to see how this new release will address the duality of triumph and decline. It promises to stay true to the show's essence by weaving the realities of the past five years seamlessly with inventive storytelling, showing both the beauty and complexity of the culinary arts.
The special drama and the film “Granmezón Paris” mark the height of anticipation for long-term viewers. This blend of nostalgia and contemporary relevance promises to deliver the emotional depth and drama fans adore. Prepare to tune in on December 29 at 9:00 PM for what is sure to be another evocative chapter from the universe of "Granmezón Tokyo."
