Ep.16 Tonight's Dinner is Sukiyaki
Written by Cordelia Shan, edited by Grace
In this episode, we are going to talk about a TV show called Tonight’s Dinner is Sukiyaki (今夜すきやきだよ) from the past Winter season.
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About this TV Show
Tonight’s Dinner is Sukiyaki is based on a manga with the same title, written and illustrated by Natsuko Taniguchi. It was serialized from vol.59 to vol.67 in the web magazine " yom yom, " and then transferred to the web comic site " Kurage Bunch " (which is under the same company) in April 2021.It was serialized from the day to July 2nd . The manga has one volume, which was first published in 2021. The TV show was aired on TV Tokyo, from January 6th to March 18 2023 this year. The manga artist Tanigushi published the second volume of the series call, 今夜すきやきじゃないけど. Tonight’s Dinner is not Sukiyaki this year in January.
Summary
The story centers around Aiko and Tomoko, both in their thirties and living together in a trendy Tokyo apartment. Aiko is a career focused interior designer, and knows nothing about house work. She also has a strong desire to settle down and marry her current boyfriend. Tomoko, on the other hand, is a successful children's book author who is experiencing a period of creative block. She excels at domestic tasks but is less sure about the intricacies of romantic relationships, and identifies as an Asexual-Zero.
Their differences in approach to love and marriage have led to some friction between them, as Aiko struggles to reconcile her desire for a traditional family life with her admitted lack of domestic skills. Meanwhile, Tomoko remains skeptical of the notion of finding a perfect match, preferring instead to focus on her work and creative pursuits.
Despite their contrasting viewpoints, Aiko and Tomoko have found a way to support each other and navigate the complexities of modern romance. They're both asking themselves: what does a "normal" marriage even look like these days? Is it possible to find someone who truly understands and complements you in every way, or is compromise the key to a successful partnership?
These are questions that many people in their generation are grappling with, and Aiko and Tomoko's story offers a refreshing and relatable take on the subject. It's a reminder that there's no "right" way to approach love and marriage, and that sometimes the most unexpected partnerships can lead to the most fulfilling relationships.
The Shape of Relationship/Family
After breaking up with her ex-fiance, Aiko meets Tomoko, and then Tomoko moves in with Aiko. Later, Aiko starts dating Yuki, a young but talented designer from another design firm.Later, Yuki asks Aiko to marry him. From here, after trying to live together, Aiko suggests Yuki to have a “living apart together” or “commuter marriage” lifestyle, so that Yuki will move into the same building where Aiko and Tomoko’s unit are. This living situation touched me so much and also reminds me of another TV show, which was aired in 2016, called The State of Union (家族ノカタチ).
Living apart together involves married partners living in separate residences, whether in the same city or in different locations, while maintaining their commitment to each other. This lifestyle can be a choice for some couples who value their independence and personal space, while still maintaining the emotional and practical benefits of being married.
LAT can be seen as a growing trend, particularly among younger generations who prioritize their individual pursuits and careers. It can also be a solution for couples who have different lifestyles or work schedules, or who simply need some breathing room in their relationship.
In the past, our ancestors often lived in jungles or other natural environments where there were many dangers, including wild animals and other potential threats. As a result, they had to be constantly aware of their surroundings and any changes in the environment that might indicate danger.
One example of this is the fear of bushes suddenly moving. This fear likely stems from the fact that predators or other dangerous animals might hide in bushes, and then suddenly attack their prey. Therefore, our ancestors may have developed an instinctive fear or suspicion of bushes that appeared to move or rustle unexpectedly, as it could indicate the presence of a potential danger.
This fear of sudden movements in the bushes may have been passed down through generations as part of our ancestral memory or cultural beliefs, even as our way of life and environment has evolved over time.
But, as society has progressed, our way of life has changed in various ways. Thanks to advancements in technology and the development of our culture, we no longer live in the jungle as our ancestors did. Furthermore, with each passing era, thanks to the continuous efforts of generations of brave independent women who never stop fighting for equal pay and voting rights, as a result, women can now lead independent and comfortable lives for themselves.
Having these two shows, as well as many other shows on the topic of lifestyle choices and personal preference, I feel a strong support on my choice of life style. But, of course, there are people who disagree with this kind of lifestyle; they just love to make it weird and ask offensive, microaggressive questions.. Some people believe that humans need to be in a community and live together constantly. I did some research, and found out that this kind of mentality might have come from ancestors who still lived in the jungle.
Gone are the days where getting married, having children, and living with others was a necessity for survival. Instead, these options have become just that - lifestyle options. Women are now empowered to choose their own paths and design their own lifestyles without feeling obligated to follow societal norms. If someone doesn’t want to, then why do they have to?
In the past, the pressure to find a partner and settle down was a constant weight on a woman's shoulders. But today, women can choose to prioritize their careers or other interests, and live alone or with roommates, without feeling judged or marginalized. As a result, they are able to cultivate a sense of independence, self-sufficiency, and personal fulfillment.
Ultimately, the evolution of society has allowed us to rethink traditional notions of what it means to live a fulfilling life. We are now free to choose their own paths, and live life on their own terms. The possibilities are endless, and we can't wait to see what the future holds.
Ending
As Aiko and Tomoko continue to navigate the complexities of modern romance and relationships, they realize that there's no one "right" way to approach love and marriage. With Yuki and Shintai joining their small community, they all discover that compromise and communication are the keys to a successful partnership, and that sometimes unexpected partnerships can lead to the most fulfilling relationships.
In the second volume of the manga which was published this past January, it’s not only a story about Aiko and Tomoko, but a story about a sister and brother on their journey to find the most fulfilling partnerships for themselves.
Reference
TV Show Website in Japanese: https://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/konyasukiyakidayo/ Original work in Japanese on Amazon Japan: https://amzn.asia/d/3xT3qz0 TV Show Script Writer: Tatsuya Yamanishi Director: Yoko Yamanaka Castings: Misako Renbutsu, Reina Triendl, Suzuki Jin, Yûgo Mikawa
