Wakakozake (Drama) currently airs on Crunchyroll every Friday at 12:00 pm EDT. As of this writing, it is in it's second season. Each episode runs between 19-23 minutes long and is filmed in Japan. Last year, I shared with you all the Wakakozake anime, a soothing and educational short series about a 26 year old OL (Office Lady) named Murasaki Wakako, who tours different restaurants in search of tasty cuisine. The anime is based on a 2011 manga of the same name, and also borrows from the live action show. At the start of each episode of the live action show, we find Wakako, played by 25 year old actress Rina Takeda, busy at work and often dealing with the usual day-to-day stress of cubicle work. After a long day of paperwork, an unreasonable boss and filing reports, she likes to visit the quiet, nighttime restaurant scene, looking for fresh alcohol and something warm to eat. Each episode, she visits a real-life eatery, and the audience is allowed to hear her thoughts as she contemplates the menu and waits for a dish. As she waits, we see little shots of the meal being put together with occasional, cartoon special effects. Once she has her meal in front of her, she will describe everything from the ingredients, to the texture of the drinks, right down to the overall mixing of flavors. And if the meal is especially delicious, we're greeted with a sharp "PSHUUUUUUU" as she exhales. Sometimes, we'll see some pretty crazy drunks try to interact with or at least around Wakako. As the episode progresses, we may see other segments involving passerby's on the street and interactions with people Wakako works with. Unashamedly, the series also rips the curtain open on the unsavory sexual harassment that often happens to women at these public places, specifically in episode 8. The show accurately demonstrates the anxiety and awkward emotions that Wakako goes through, but usually ends on a high note, with a few goofy interactions in between. At the end of each episode, Wakako goes over the places she's visited and offers tips on drinking and dining. She'll also share her favorite foods on the menus and the location and hours of each establishment. Wakakozake is a nutty trip through Japan's nightlife, and is a great and educational program, best suited for those thinking of visiting the cities. Now then, what shall we drink tonight? |
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