On May 6, 2025, talent Yuko Asano took a nostalgic trip down memory lane during her appearance on BS TV Tokyo's "Akiko Wada's Yuru-Taku Drinking Party." The 65-year-old recalled the culinary talents of her late husband, actor Koichi Watanabe, who passed away in 2022, sharing fond memories of his unique approach to cooking.
During the show, chef Akiko Wada asked Asano if Watanabe ever cooked, to which she responded with a warm smile, "In Watanabe's case, he creates recipes in his head based on what he wants to eat. He doesn't look at books or anything. He made delicious things." This personal touch in his cooking style clearly left a lasting impression on Asano.
Asano went on to describe Watanabe's cooking as distinctly masculine, humorously noting, "It's just men's cooking, so the taste is strong?" This comment not only highlighted Watanabe's bold flavors but also reflected a light-hearted view of traditional gender roles in the kitchen.
Among Watanabe's signature dishes, Asano mentioned a large tube-shaped pasta known as paccheri. She explained, "I make carbonara, and Watanabe buys all the ingredients himself and makes extravagant pasta while saying things like red wine or red meat." This detail illustrated not just Watanabe's passion for cooking but also his commitment to using high-quality ingredients, which he personally selected.
Wada expressed surprise at Watanabe's choice of paccheri, saying, "It's amazing that you let him use paccheri." This reaction underscored the rarity and complexity of the dish, which requires a certain level of culinary skill to prepare. Asano's fondness for Watanabe's cooking was palpable, as she reminisced about their shared moments in the kitchen.
In a touching moment, Asano revealed that her son Yuta has inherited his father’s culinary flair. She shared, "That recipe is being passed down to my son Yuta, who also makes special dishes." This connection between generations not only honors Watanabe's legacy but also keeps his memory alive through the family’s culinary traditions.
Asano's heartfelt reflections during the program provided viewers with a glimpse into the couple's life and the love they shared, both in and out of the kitchen. It was a testament to how food can serve as a bridge between past and present, creating lasting memories that transcend time.
The episode aired on a day that marked the 36th wedding anniversary of Asano and Watanabe, adding an emotional layer to her recollections. Asano’s stories not only celebrated Watanabe's culinary skills but also the bond they shared, reminding viewers of the importance of family and tradition.
In a world where cooking is often seen as a chore, Watanabe's approach to creating meals as expressions of his desires stands out. His ability to invent recipes without the aid of cookbooks speaks to a deep understanding of flavors and an innate creativity that many aspire to achieve.
Asano's appearance on the show serves as a reminder that cooking is not just about the food itself, but also about the memories and relationships that are built around it. Whether it's a simple family dinner or a special occasion, the act of cooking can bring people together, fostering connections that last a lifetime.
As the episode concluded, viewers were left with a sense of warmth and nostalgia, inspired by the love story of Asano and Watanabe, which continues to thrive through the meals prepared by their son. The legacy of a beloved partner lives on not just in memories but in the flavors shared at the family table.
