Movie & Bites | “The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House”
About this Event
Families and friends are invited to enjoy two episodes from Netflix’s “The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House” by acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda, followed by a talk and onigiri tasting experience by the show’s food stylist Nami Iijima.
The series “The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House” traces the charming adventures of two friends who move to Kyoto to pursue their dreams through culture, community and food. It introduces the concept of makanai, the Japanese term for meals prepared by and for restaurant staff; traditionally simple, nourishing dishes made with seasonal or surplus ingredients and shared by the team before service. Rooted in hospitality and resourcefulness, they reflect the spirit of care that defines Japanese food culture, and the themes of the heartwarming series itself.
Makanai meals are often unpretentious comfort foods, such as onigiri (Japanese rice balls), a beloved symbol of Japanese home cooking and childhood memories. Made with simple ingredients—rice, salt, a filling, and sometimes nori (seaweed)—onigiri reflect the Japanese appreciation for high quality and seasonal ingredients even in the most humble everyday dishes.
Following the screening, renowned food stylist Nami Iijima, the creative force behind the culinary scenes in the series, will share her insights into the art of storytelling through food.
As part of Iijima’s fireside chat, guests will enjoy handcrafted onigiri prepared by Nami Iijima herself—the same rice balls she has long shared as a beloved makanai meal on her film and television sets. This August, join us to experience the flavors behind the screen, and get inspired to channel the spirit of makanai in your own cooking.
Program Schedule
*Subject to change
- 1:00 PM | Welcoming Remarks
- 1:10 PM | Screening of "The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House"
- 2:30 PM | Fireside Chat & Onigiri Tasting
- 3:15 PM | Q&A
- 3:30 PM | Closing Remarks
"The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House"
After graduating from junior high school, 16-year-old Kiyo leaves her home of Aomori and heads to Kyoto with her friend Sumire with dreams of becoming a beautiful maiko (apprentice geisha). However, she is told she is not suited to being one. As a tearful Kiyo is about to return to Aomori, her skill for cooking is discovered and she is hired as a makanai, a cook for a house where maiko live together. During this time, Sumire rapidly grows into a beautiful maiko and becomes famous along the streets of the traditional Gion town. The beautiful, fun, and delicious days of a makanai and a maiko start here.
Episode 1 | Change
Kiyo and Sumire leave their hometown and head to Kyoto, where they will train as apprentice maiko entertainers.
Episode 2 | Guardian Spirit
Kiyo receives some unfortunate news, but quickly finds her true calling when the Maiko sisters get tired of ordering takeout.
"The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House" streams exclusively on Netflix now.
Based on the original graphic novel “MAIKO-SAN CHI NO MAKANAI-SAN ” by Aiko Koyama , published by Shogakukan Inc.
© Aiko Koyama, Shogakukan / STORY
Tasting Menu
Each guest will enjoy two handmade onigiri prepared by Nami Iijima.
- Classic Onigiri, featuring a savory blend of grilled salmon, umeboshi (Japanese pickled plum), sesame, and other carefully selected ingredients
- Chicken Mixed Rice Onigiri, featuring Japanese mixed rice with chicken, burdock root, fried tofu, shiitake mushrooms, and carrots, all simmered in a savory soy sauce-based seasoning.
Please note that the menu is subject to change. Possible allergens include sesame, fish, wheat, and soy.
About the Speaker
Nami Iijima
Born in Tokyo, Nami Iijima is a food stylist whose work spans television commercials, advertising, films, television dramas, food events, and menu development. With a thoughtful and authentic approach to food, she has brought Japanese cuisine to life on screen and collaborated with some of Japan’s most acclaimed filmmakers and creators.
Her film credits include Kamome Diner and Megane, both directed by Naoko Ogigami; Our Little Sister, After the Storm, The Truth, and Sheep in the Box , directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda; Chef of South Polar (directed by Shuichi Okita); Under the Open Sky (directed by Miwa Nishikawa); Enemy (directed by Daihachi Yoshida); The Solitary Gourmet: The Movie (directed by Yutaka Matsushige).
Iijima has also been responsible for food styling for numerous Netflix productions, including Midnight Diner, The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House, Asura, Call Me Chihiro, and Hirayasumi. She is scheduled to work on the upcoming sixth season of Midnight Diner, set to air in fall 2026.
In addition to her work in film and television, Iijima has developed recipes for numerous projects and authored several acclaimed cookbooks.
SPECIAL THANKS:
ZOJIRUSHI
Agenda
🕑: 01:00 PM
Welcoming Remarks
🕑: 01:10 PM
Screening of "The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House"
🕑: 02:30 PM
Fireside Chat & Onigiri Tasting
🕑: 03:15 PM
Q&A
🕑: 12:40 PM
Q & A
🕑: 03:30 PM
Closing Remarks
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 40.00
