The appeal and evaluation of "Shin Chuka Ichiban!": New possibilities for cooking anime

The appeal and reviews of Shin Chuka Ichiban!

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

comics

■ Broadcast period

October 12, 2019 - December 28, 2019
2:25～

■Broadcasting station

TBS, BS-TBS

■Frequencies

half an hour

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 12

■Original Story

Etsushi Ogawa

■ Director

Itsuro Kawasaki

■ Production

・Animation production: NAS

■Works

© Etsushi Ogawa, Kodansha / "Shin Chuka Ichiban!" Production Committee

■ Story

19th century China. The protagonist Liu Mao Xing is the youngest person in history to pass the "Special Chef Exam", the highest qualification for a chef in China. At the recommendation of his master Chouyu, he travels around Southwest China with his companions Shirou and Meili, the only woman in the group, to broaden his knowledge as a chef. After returning to Guangzhou's "Yangquan Restaurant", Mao gains new companions Shell and Leon and decides to fight against the "Underground Cooking World" who have the ambition of "controlling people with cooking". Meanwhile, he learns the secret of the eight "legendary kitchen utensils" that are said to protect the Chinese cooking world. In the past, Mao's mother Pai wished for the happiness of all people and fought a fierce battle against the "Underground Cooking World". Inheriting his mother's will, Mao sets out on an epic journey with four companions to protect the "legendary kitchen utensils" scattered all over mainland China from the "Underground Cooking World".

■Explanation

The Japanese animation version of "Chuka Ichiban!", which began airing on April 27, 1997, was produced with a completely new staff.
Unlike the previous series, which ended with an original story, this series faithfully follows the opening of the original "Shin Chuka Ichiban!" Since this is an anime adaptation of "Shin Chuka Ichiban!", past events from the previous series "Chuka Ichiban!" are touched upon in flashbacks.

■Cast

・Mao/Natsumi Fujiwara ・Meili/Ai Kayano ・Shirou/Yukiyo Fujii ・Shell/Yuichi Nakamura

■ Main staff

・Director/Series Composition: Itsuro Kawasaki ・Character Design: Saki Hasegawa ・Animation Production Cooperation: Production IG
・Animation production: NAS
・Planning and production: JY Animation
Produced by: "Shin Chuka Ichiban!" Production Committee

■ Main Characters

・Mao/Liu Maoxing
The youngest special chef in history.
He is the only son of Pai, the head chef of the Sichuan restaurant "Kikukarou."
He has an extraordinary sense of taste and an extraordinary imagination.
He becomes an apprentice at Yangquan Restaurant in Guangzhou and sets out on a journey to find legendary kitchen utensils in order to fight against the underground culinary world.
・Meili/Chou Meili
She is the only daughter of Chou Yu, the sous chef at Yangquan Restaurant, where Mao started his apprenticeship.
As they spend time together, she begins to develop feelings for Mao.
He goes on a journey with Mao to find the legendary kitchen utensils.
A half-Japanese, half-Chinese boy who adores Shirou Mao and calls him "Brother Mao."
He meets Mao, who is on a journey to train as a chef, and decides to accompany him as his younger brother and first disciple.
She has a bright personality and tends to get carried away, but she really shows her strength when it really matters.
We will accompany you on your journey to find legendary kitchen utensils.
Shell, commonly known as "Shell of the Steel Club." A qualified top-class noodle maker, the tip of the steel club he uses to make dim sum is engraved with star-shaped "kill marks" that represent the number of chefs he has defeated in cooking contests.
He has a cheerful personality and is a good friend and older brother to Mao. He accompanies him on his journey to find the legendary kitchen utensils.

■ Related works

China Ichiban!

■ Theme songs and music

・OP
・Koufukuron・Quaif

・ED
・Paradigm Shift ・Brian the Sun

The appeal and reviews of Shin Chuka Ichiban!

"Shin Chuka Ichiban!" is an anime series produced as a sequel to "Chuka Ichiban!" which was broadcast in 1997, and is a faithful animated version of the opening part of the original manga "Shin Chuka Ichiban!". While inheriting the worldview of the original author, Ogawa Etsushi, this work has been reborn with a new staff and cast, providing viewers with fresh excitement and thrills.

The appeal of the story

The story of "Shin Chuka Ichiban!" begins when the protagonist, Liu Maoxing, becomes the youngest person in history to pass the special chef exam, and embarks on a journey to broaden his horizons as a chef at the urging of his master, Chouyu. Mao travels around Southwest China with his companions, Shirou and Meili, and after returning to the Yangquan Restaurant in Guangzhou, he gains new companions, Shell and Leon, and challenges the underground culinary world. At the center of this battle are eight legendary kitchen utensils that protect the Chinese culinary world, and Mao embarks on a journey to protect these utensils, following the wishes of his mother, Pai.

The story depicts the grand theme of inspiring people and changing society through cooking. Viewers are drawn into their adventure as Mao's growth, his bonds with his friends, and his fierce battle with the underground culinary world are depicted. The cooking battles that unfold in each episode are full of visual and tasteful elements that will keep viewers entertained.

Character Appeal

Each character in "Shin Chuka Ichiban!" is unique and charming. The main character, Mao, is a genius chef with extraordinary taste and imagination, but he is also a boy with a pure heart who cares for his friends. His growth and struggles move the viewer. Meili has a slight crush on Mao, but is also portrayed as a strong-willed woman. Shirou is cheerful and easily gets carried away, but is a reliable presence who shows his strength in important situations. Shell is cheerful and understands Mao well, and supports him as an older brother. The drama woven by these characters is a major factor in drawing viewers in.

Animation and Music

Thanks to the collaboration between animation producers NAS and Production IG, "Shin Chuka Ichiban!" captivates viewers with its beautiful visuals and dynamic movements. The cooking scenes in particular are meticulously depicted, making for a visual treat. The theme songs "Koufukuron" and "Paradigm Shift" also play an important role in enhancing the atmosphere of the anime. The opening and ending songs are the catalyst that draws viewers into the world of the anime.

Ratings and Recommendations

"Shin Chuka Ichiban!" is not only an excellent cooking anime, but also a story of adventure and growth. It succeeds in entertaining viewers with a new perspective and direction while maximizing the charm of the original work. It is especially recommended for people who love cooking and those who want to enjoy a story of friendship and growth. Fans of the previous work "Chuuka Ichiban!" will also be satisfied with the new developments and characters.

This anime not only provides viewers with excitement and inspiration, but also teaches them the importance of friendship and passion for cooking. Please watch it and experience its charm for yourself.