As a child, he grew up in a Buddhist monastery, and now, late in life, he is facing another challenge. He is supposed to write a new cookbook that will reflect his life, respect for every last bit of ingredients and, most of all, his love of food.
Life in poverty brought Tsutomu to a monastery where he helped out in the kitchen as a boy while learning how to cook and avoid wasting food. Nowadays, as an author of popular cookbooks, he lives in harmony with nature. His editor Machiko visits him occasionally to make sure he is really working on his new book. Cooking is his greatest passion in an otherwise solitary life, and having a company to dine with is always pleasant.
Nature offers its best throughout the year, and cooking in accordance with zen principles is not just practical – it also has a spiritual dimension. Every day is different, bringing simple joys and worries that eventually lead Tsutomu towards coming to terms with his beloved wife’s death.
festival awards
2022 San Sebastian International Film Festival, Culinary Zinema
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