Apr. 29th, 2012 01:15 am
KodoGuru Final Ep: Drama Notes
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Final Episode: "Okinawa Soki-Soba and Agu Pork Broiled in Natural Salt of Nakameguro, Meguro Ward"

Episode Synopsis. For the last episode, Inogashira-san meets an unusual-looking married couple on his way to an appointment. However, he realizes that he had missed his lunch so he grabs a quick bite along the way. He then goes to meet with the young pretty owner of a pre-used clothes shop in Nakameguro. Afterwards while strolling around town, he winds up in a street filled with restaurants offering varied menus. He decides to try out an Okinawa-themed restaurant called "SokaBokka..." for a delightful tropical island feast.
(pic: tv tokyo)
Manga Spotlight: The Main Character

Inogashira Goro. The drama mostly stayed faithful to its portrayal of the main character from the manga. In each of the manga chapters, after finishing his appointment, he walks around the neighborhood, goes inside an eatery, observes other customers, orders plenty of food, happily eats (preferably with white rice) and drinks oolong tea. It ends with clean plates, a satisfied smile and a lit cigarette.
Other personal info/traits that were also portrayed: having had an actress-girlfriend when he was in Paris, his penchant for foreign cars (BMW, Volvo), his martial arts skill, and his lack of fondness for comedy gags.
A muscular big man, Inogashira is portrayed by 6'2'' actor Matsushige Yutaka. It is said that the role was also offered to 6 foot actor Nagashima Kazuhige who turned it down.
(info: ja.wiki)
Drama Notes:

Nakameguro, Meguro. This area is known for their cherry blossom trees lining up Meguro River. It also has many trendy bars, cafes, and fashion outlets. It is also known as a hip, eclectic neighborhood, with a 'harmonious melding of old and the new, the urban and the rustic' kind of atmosphere. This is probably what Inogashira meant when likening the town to the mismatched couple that he had met earlier in the episode.
(info: nytimes)

Shisa. Resembling a dragon and a dog, it is a traditional Ryukyuan decoration, placed on top of roofs or at the gates of the house, in the belief that it wards off some evils.
(info: wiki) (pic: suryamandiri)
Sanshin. Traditional Okinawan musical instrument covered with snakeskin and has three strings. It is said that it precedes the Japanese shamisen.
(info: wiki)
Agu Pork. Raised in northern Okinawa, these pigs are said to have meat that's rich in texture but low in cholesterol compared to common pork.
(info: sugiokinawa)
Chinsuko. Traditional Okinawan bisquits made of lard and flour.
(info: wiki)
Soki Soba. Okinawan soba noodles with stewed pork spare ribs.
(info: wiki)
Carrot Shiri Shiri. Literally means "Shredded Carrots." It's an Okinawan dish of stir-fried egg, shredded carrots, and tuna.
(info: okinawa2go)
Rafute. Okinawan dish of stewed/broiled pork belly. For a recipe, try threetastes.
Blue Seal Ice Cream. Said to be "born in America, raised in Okinawa." Brought by American forces who were stationed in Okinawa in 1948, it was only available in US military bases until the first Blue Seal store opened its doors to the public in 1976, offering American ice cream mixed with the island's own unique flavors.
(info: cnngo)

Episode Synopsis. For the last episode, Inogashira-san meets an unusual-looking married couple on his way to an appointment. However, he realizes that he had missed his lunch so he grabs a quick bite along the way. He then goes to meet with the young pretty owner of a pre-used clothes shop in Nakameguro. Afterwards while strolling around town, he winds up in a street filled with restaurants offering varied menus. He decides to try out an Okinawa-themed restaurant called "SokaBokka..." for a delightful tropical island feast.
(pic: tv tokyo)
Manga Spotlight: The Main Character
Inogashira Goro. The drama mostly stayed faithful to its portrayal of the main character from the manga. In each of the manga chapters, after finishing his appointment, he walks around the neighborhood, goes inside an eatery, observes other customers, orders plenty of food, happily eats (preferably with white rice) and drinks oolong tea. It ends with clean plates, a satisfied smile and a lit cigarette.
Other personal info/traits that were also portrayed: having had an actress-girlfriend when he was in Paris, his penchant for foreign cars (BMW, Volvo), his martial arts skill, and his lack of fondness for comedy gags.
A muscular big man, Inogashira is portrayed by 6'2'' actor Matsushige Yutaka. It is said that the role was also offered to 6 foot actor Nagashima Kazuhige who turned it down.
(info: ja.wiki)
Drama Notes:

Featured Eatery: "SokaBokka" (そーかぼっか )
Address: 2-7-11 Nakameguro, Meguro Ward, Tokyo
Nearest Station: Naka-Meguro Station
Map: r.tabelog
Address: 2-7-11 Nakameguro, Meguro Ward, Tokyo
Nearest Station: Naka-Meguro Station
Map: r.tabelog
Nakameguro, Meguro. This area is known for their cherry blossom trees lining up Meguro River. It also has many trendy bars, cafes, and fashion outlets. It is also known as a hip, eclectic neighborhood, with a 'harmonious melding of old and the new, the urban and the rustic' kind of atmosphere. This is probably what Inogashira meant when likening the town to the mismatched couple that he had met earlier in the episode.
(info: nytimes)

Shisa. Resembling a dragon and a dog, it is a traditional Ryukyuan decoration, placed on top of roofs or at the gates of the house, in the belief that it wards off some evils.
(info: wiki) (pic: suryamandiri)
Sanshin. Traditional Okinawan musical instrument covered with snakeskin and has three strings. It is said that it precedes the Japanese shamisen.
(info: wiki)
Agu Pork. Raised in northern Okinawa, these pigs are said to have meat that's rich in texture but low in cholesterol compared to common pork.
(info: sugiokinawa)
Chinsuko. Traditional Okinawan bisquits made of lard and flour.
(info: wiki)
Soki Soba. Okinawan soba noodles with stewed pork spare ribs.
(info: wiki)
Carrot Shiri Shiri. Literally means "Shredded Carrots." It's an Okinawan dish of stir-fried egg, shredded carrots, and tuna.
(info: okinawa2go)
Rafute. Okinawan dish of stewed/broiled pork belly. For a recipe, try threetastes.
Blue Seal Ice Cream. Said to be "born in America, raised in Okinawa." Brought by American forces who were stationed in Okinawa in 1948, it was only available in US military bases until the first Blue Seal store opened its doors to the public in 1976, offering American ice cream mixed with the island's own unique flavors.
(info: cnngo)