Oishinbo

Oishinbo
Genre	Cooking, Drama
Manga
Written by	Tetsu Kariya
Illustrated by	Akira Hanasaki
Published by	Shogakukan
Magazine	Big Comic Spirits
Demographic	Seinen
Original run	1983 – 2014
Volumes	111

Oishinbo (美味しんぼ) is a long-running Japanese manga series written by Tetsu Kariya and illustrated by Akira Hanasaki. The series was first serialized in Big Comic Spirits in 1983 and has since become one of the most popular food-themed manga in Japan.

Plot[edit | edit source]

The story of Oishinbo revolves around Shirō Yamaoka, a journalist for the fictional newspaper Tōzai News. Shirō is tasked with creating the "Ultimate Menu," a collection of the finest dishes that represent the pinnacle of Japanese cuisine. He is joined by his colleague and eventual wife, Yūko Kurita, as they travel across Japan to discover and document the best culinary experiences.

Characters[edit | edit source]

Shirō Yamaoka - The main protagonist, a food journalist with a deep knowledge of Japanese cuisine.
Yūko Kurita - Shirō's colleague and later wife, who assists him in his quest to create the "Ultimate Menu."
Kaibara Yūzan - Shirō's estranged father and a renowned gourmet, who often serves as an antagonist in the series.

Themes[edit | edit source]

Oishinbo explores various themes related to Japanese cuisine, including the importance of fresh ingredients, traditional cooking techniques, and the cultural significance of food. The series also delves into the relationships between characters, particularly the strained relationship between Shirō and his father, Kaibara Yūzan.

Publication[edit | edit source]

The manga was serialized in Big Comic Spirits from 1983 until 2014, when it went on an indefinite hiatus. The series has been collected into 111 tankōbon volumes by Shogakukan. In addition to the main series, several special editions and spin-offs have been published.

Adaptations[edit | edit source]

Oishinbo has been adapted into an anime television series, which aired from 1988 to 1992. The anime was produced by Shin-Ei Animation and consists of 136 episodes. The series has also inspired several live-action adaptations, including a television drama and a stage play.

Reception[edit | edit source]

Oishinbo has been praised for its detailed and accurate depiction of Japanese cuisine. It has won several awards, including the 1986 Shogakukan Manga Award for general manga. The series has also been credited with popularizing food-themed manga and influencing other works in the genre.