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I was in Japan a year ago and spent a few nights resting in my hotel room due to a fever. While I was down for the count I threw on some Netflix and watched a show called Bullet Train Bistro. It was cozy, sweet, and charming like an audio visual bowl of chicken noodle soup. The perfect medicine in the form of a food based travelogue.
The summary for those not in the know is as follows "Susumu Takamiya (Hidekazu Mashima) is a salary man. He who works in audit division of an insurance company. His job has him traveling all over the country on one-day business trips via the Shinkansen train. When he visits an area on his business trips, he likes to find delicious food nearby and gets it to go. On his return, via the Shinkansen train, he eats the meals that he bought. The train becomes like an izakaya to him, a place to relax with good food and drinks." What the synopsis fails to mention is that Takamiya likes attention and his Izakaya is entirely virtual. He starts a thread on a legally distinct text based social media site where regulars comment on his choices of appetizer, main course, drink, and dessert of choice. The show tours around the various prefectures of Japan sampling local delicacies and informing viewers of the history and work behind these treats. The lead is a gentle and passionate man brought to life with an earnest portrayal by veteran actor Hidekazu Mashima. He portrays the many sides of the lead; a loving father and husband, a diligent worker, a shrewd customer, a food enthusiast, and a slightly petty social media user.
Now I hear you say, what's the problem? Why not watch it again? Well dear reader, that's just it. I can't, it's not streaming anywhere. At least not anywhere I've checked, and inb4 you say use a VPN, I have. It's not on Japanese Netflix and I've tried finding a physical copy online, but no dice. I'm stumped. I would appreciate any help in this little 1st world problem.
The summary for those not in the know is as follows "Susumu Takamiya (Hidekazu Mashima) is a salary man. He who works in audit division of an insurance company. His job has him traveling all over the country on one-day business trips via the Shinkansen train. When he visits an area on his business trips, he likes to find delicious food nearby and gets it to go. On his return, via the Shinkansen train, he eats the meals that he bought. The train becomes like an izakaya to him, a place to relax with good food and drinks." What the synopsis fails to mention is that Takamiya likes attention and his Izakaya is entirely virtual. He starts a thread on a legally distinct text based social media site where regulars comment on his choices of appetizer, main course, drink, and dessert of choice. The show tours around the various prefectures of Japan sampling local delicacies and informing viewers of the history and work behind these treats. The lead is a gentle and passionate man brought to life with an earnest portrayal by veteran actor Hidekazu Mashima. He portrays the many sides of the lead; a loving father and husband, a diligent worker, a shrewd customer, a food enthusiast, and a slightly petty social media user.
Now I hear you say, what's the problem? Why not watch it again? Well dear reader, that's just it. I can't, it's not streaming anywhere. At least not anywhere I've checked, and inb4 you say use a VPN, I have. It's not on Japanese Netflix and I've tried finding a physical copy online, but no dice. I'm stumped. I would appreciate any help in this little 1st world problem.
