Original subtitles

She worked at top-tier restaurants

as an aspiring three-star Michelin chef.

Yoko Ginbayashi's job search led her to...

HIRED

...a prison.

She started her new chapter as a dietitian.

But so far, she's busy fixing issues caused by the inmates

and their amateur cooking.

Now, what meals await us today?

Another full house tonight! You guys ready?

Give it your all! Full throttle! Ready, Yoko?

Almost done!

Splendid!

Staff meals are ready!

This is a Yoko special.

Dig in while it's hot.

Buon appetito!

-It's 3 cm too long. -Is this equality?

Chef Ginbayashi.

Make it again!

Make it again!

That sucked.

Oh, shoot.

I'm late!

Ow!

EPISODE 2 HOMEMADE CURRY (A 5-EPISODE SERIES)

Number 384, Kawaguchi.

You can go back to the suijo next week.

Glad you're better.

Take care.

Welcome back.

I had your soup.

Thank you.

My food's expensive, you know.

Be ready to work hard.

Yes, ma'am.

Kawaguchi seemed to be doing well.

He's been eating well too, thanks to that soup.

Chef's choice soup, huh?

I'm surprised the warden approved that.

All thanks to me. Right, Mr. Sugiyama?

I suppose.

Well, here's... your next task.

You should get started on that.

Menu planning?

Start with a daily budget of ¥543 to make the June menu.

Shall we say, by the end of this week?

This week?

The menu planning meeting is only two weeks away.

But... that's super short notice.

Menu planning is a dietitian's duty.

Wait.

You can't do it?

I can.

My recipes outnumber the stars in the sky.

How reassuring, Chef Ginbayashi.

Let's see what you got.

Easy-peasy.

I can do this.

Actually...

I don't think I can do this.

He said it has to be ¥543 for all three meals?

What was that mackerel you presented the other day?

Quiet down!

Telling us not to complain?

Come on.

That's just what we had to serve.

Out of equality.

There's been more waste recently.

Wonder why.

We have contractors collect any food waste or leftovers.

Seems silly to pay for trash, don't you think?

It's not really up to me.

I had high hopes for our new chef, but... you're underwhelming.

That woman again.

What the... What's her deal?

That's Deputy Warden Mamiko Seshita.

Huh?

She's a chief. You want her on your side.

Really?

This place is full of men, right?

Well, she rose to the top by stroking old men's egos.

Stroking their egos?

Oh, I wish I could be like her too.

No ego stroking for me.

I'd rather take them head on.

Just ¥543?

That's like one burger set?

One beef bowl, and that's it. Seems impossible.

I still have to try.

Just you wait, you little Wasabi and Miss Karashi!

Who?

Just a couple snobby coworkers. They love to say things that sting.

-Mom. -Yeah?

The rice is brown.

Oh, I made barley rice tonight.

Sho, dinner's ready!

Ta-da! Here's one prison meal.

Only ¥180 per meal.

It's healthy and budget friendly. Great, right?

Oh, this isn't pork.

This is fish meat sausage!

Any meat?

Right there.

-See. -Seriously?

Mom, I'm a pupil, not a prisoner.

Yes, and this is a lesson about the real world.

So, savor every single bite.

-Ms. Ginbayashi. -Yes?

Rewrite this.

That's right.

We can't show this to the associate wardens.

I'll get in trouble!

But all that hard work...

Irie's the harshest critic at the menu planning meetings.

We need to iron out all the flaws.

What exactly is wrong with it?

Well, first off...

We can't have

bananas in prison meals.

But bananas are a cheap and nutritious superfood.

The peels are the issue, not the fruit.

Peels?

With the banana peels...

Material cost is ¥0, so our profit rate is 100%.

Nice one, Doc.

We'll be filthy rich.

Thank you!

Thank you so much.

Illicit tobacco?

We can't have bananas because someone will try to make them.

Oh and, we can't have mirin here either.

No mirin?

But why?

Well, with mirin...

An idiot who's sober, an idiot who's drunk

If you're gonna be an idiot might as well be drunk, huzzah!

Huzzah!

Alcohol, huh...

Alcohol and tobacco are prohibited here.

Another thing.

Yes?

What's the daily budget per person?

Three meals for ¥543.

I recall telling you that.

But you're over by ¥65.

So, how much is that per day?

65 YEN x 120 MEALS =

A total of ¥7,800.

You're ¥234,000 over June's budget.

I tried but couldn't get it to be under.

Can't you allow a little more leeway?

-We cannot. -We cannot.

Prison meals have to stay within budget.

But a menu under ¥543?

That's a tough ask to meet.

Ms. Ginbayashi.

Yes?

Do you know who pays for the meals here?

The prison?

The government.

They pay for the meals and the operating costs as well.

-It's all taxpayer money. -That's right.

That's why we stick to the budget.

-This is a must. -A must.

Oh, and...

You need to include a regional dish on the menu.

Regional dish?

Every month we incorporate some tastes from home.

That's a rule we have here.

You make requests left and right,

but coming up with a menu isn't easy.

Didn't you say your recipes "outnumber the stars in the sky"?

Ginbayashi speaking.

Dietitian?

Um...

How much skin do you peel off myoga ?

You don't peel myoga .

There won't be anything left, if you do.

You know, they can't even cut myoga .

How much do I have to teach them? Give me a break.

Let's see.

No! I'm over budget again.

Come on.

Mom, are you enjoying this job?

Does it look like I am?

-You know, I was thinking. -Mm.

If you hate it, why not quit?

What?

You don't seem to be having fun recently.

It's true you were busier before,

but you seemed more alive.

That's true.

So... you should do what you like.

But not now.

I've got to prove myself to Wasabi first.

How can you keep going with that motivation?

It's finally under budget! This might work.

The daily meal cost is ¥541 on average.

That's it from me.

Thank you.

JUNE MENU PLANNING MEETING

Any thoughts?

-Ms. Ginbayashi. -Yes?

How long are these "quartered carrots"?

Um, for which day?

-The 2nd. -Let's see.

Oh. Well, that would depend on the size of the carrots.

Prison meals must be equal.

They'll be 1.5 cm each.

Write that down.

Okay.

-Ms. Ginbayashi. -Yes?

What's "Fried Squid with Lemon"?

This is a regional dish from Nishio City, Aichi.

-This? -Yes.

It first became popular as a school meal,

then as a local delicacy or soul food--

Sugiyama, have we had this before?

No, we haven't.

Is there any reason we should put out something we've never had?

Well... this is really easy to make though.

That's not convincing, coming from you.

But I actually mean it.

Like the croquettes.

You mean, the ones that exploded?

We'll be sure to adjust the oil temperature.

It won't happen again.

But with no precedent, we'll have to reject it.

There are so many other regional dishes.

Just choose something safer.

Okay.

NO FRIED SQUID WITH LEMON

This sure looks good.

It's good "even when it cools off."

Exactly.

Isn't this quite suitable for prison meals?

FRIED SQUID WITH LEMON

Wow, Warden.

You've certainly got innovative taste.

So, that settles it.

This is our menu for next month.

FRIED SQUID WITH LEMON

What's "Fried Squid with Lemon"?

It's a regional dish.

Does anyone know from where?

Wait!

There's no zenzai bowl!

Zenzai bowl?

What, don't you know?

It's the star of prison meals!

At prisons all across Japan, this meal continues to rank number one.

The one and only zenzai bowl.

That rich, sweet red bean soup filled to the rim of the bowl.

About 400 g per bowl.

The more anko paste, the greater my joy.

Throw in some margarine, that dash of pure bliss.

Dunk that bread roll into a sea of happiness.

And then...

Ninety-two points!

So tasty.

Seconds, please.

All these boys have a sweet tooth.

For some reason, they all develop a sweet tooth here.

You gotta include it.

We can't go on without zenzai bowl!

Maybe next time.

-What! -Come on!

Quiet down!

In that case,

at least increase the amount of rice.

Rice?

We get served less barley rice here.

I've been at other prisons, so I know.

The prison up north served more rice.

Bito, the amount of rice is the same everywhere--

No, Hamazaki Prison is skimping out on rice!

We're just gonna let bigwigs cheat off of prisoners, huh?

The amount of rice is the same.

Wrong! It's less than the prison up north.

What's gone into you?

Calm down, Bito.

Well, well, well. Ms. Ginbayashi.

Are you studying?

Yes, I'm looking up the amount of rice.

I'm impressed.

Do feel free to ask me anything--

Mr. Sugiyama.

What do "A" and "B" here mean?

MEAL A, MEAL B, MEAL C

"A" is a standing job.

"B" is a sitting job.

Next.

The prison staple is rice with barley. That's 70% rice and 30% barley.

Mishima. A.

Better known as "barley rice."

The amount is determined by job type and categorized as A, B, or C.

If you work standing, you get "meal A."

If you work sitting, you get "meal B."

If you do tasks in your room, you get "meal C."

Next.

If you're taller than 180 cm, the amount increases even more.

Bito. A-180.

Next.

Takeda. A-180.

Huh?

I see.

Are you actually looking that up for Bito?

I am.

But looks like it's the same across Japan...

PENAL INSTITUTION STAFF STATUTES

Bito always challenges the staff here.

What?

He's just trying to test you.

He's just being selfish, so no need to take it seriously.

But still...

Mamoru.

Did you lose some weight?

Are you eating enough?

Yeah.

Oh, the other day, I bumped into Mrs. Yamada.

Apparently, Takashi is getting married.

Remember him? You were good friends.

Who the hell is that?

You don't remember?

You were both in soccer club, and you played together a lot--

Did you talk about me?

Oh.

Just a little.

Don't go blabbing around about me!

Why are you so angry?

You made me angry.

It's my fault again?

That's how you always treat me.

Oh, do I get another lecture?

Go home.

Never come back.

We're making fried squid with lemon, the perfect main dish to go with rice.

You have two goals.

First, do not explode the fried squid.

Second, drizzle the lemon sauce while it's still hot.

Yes, ma'am!

The trick to not exploding these is not overheating the frying oil.

We set the temperature to 170°C.

Here, have a look.

I see little bubbles.

That means it's time to fry.

A few at a time.

Oh, this aroma. It makes me so nostalgic.

Take them out once they're golden brown,

and let them cook through as they rest.

Go ahead.

Is that it?

Yup. Isn't it easy?

Yes, the oil didn't splash at me.

Okay, good to go!

The key to deliciousness is drizzling the sauce at the right time.

If the sauce is hot, the fried squid stays warm and absorbs the flavor.

Love fades when it cools off, but fried squid with lemon stays tasty.

-Sauce crew! -Yes, ma'am!

Keep it hot!

-Yes! -Okay!

Yabe, let's be a bit more generous.

-Generous? -Yes.

I'll add 5 ml more to each scoop then.

Tsuji, that's too much! We'll run out.

Oh, I'm sorry.

We need to use the same amount for each piece.

No more, no less.

Focus on being equal and be strategic with the sauce.

Dietitian, no one is strategic here.

If we were, we wouldn't be here.

That's true.

Huh, just some plain old fried squid.

Wait?

Crispy yet fluffy on the inside.

The squid's sweetness harmonizes with the sweet and salty sauce,

each bite delivering even more umami.

It's a perfect match with the barley rice. Oh, spot on!

I can't stop reaching for more rice.

-Two inmates from the suijo . -Confirmed.

Here you are.

Thank you.

Thank you, both.

You're right, G-Rice. It's still good even if it's cold.

Feelin' a high, like I'm ridin' a tide

Lemon sauce and fried squid, so fly

That hits different.

Gosh, I'm hungry.

Maybe we'll have fried squid with lemon at home too.

-Oh, good evening. -Good evening.

Today's meal smells amazing.

It tastes amazing too.

-Have a good night. -You too.

Oh! Tabata.

Yes?

I have a favor.

Huh?

HAMAZAKI PRISON

Here.

-Dietitian. -Hm?

Yesterday's fried squid with lemon was so good.

Oh, I'm from Aichi. From Nishio!

You are?

Then...

The moment I bit in, I thought of my buddies there.

It took me back.

Didn't think I'd get to eat it here.

Well, I'm glad.

You know,

I never missed a day they served fried squid with lemon at school.

That's how much I like it.

Let's make it again.

Got it.

Here.

Tsuji came to me.

He said, "It was so good."

Tsuji's the first one to say such a thing.

We barely had any leftovers yesterday.

Really?

It was the right meal to go with.

Keep this up with menu planning for next month.

Did you forget?

I haven't forgotten. I was going to start today.

Will it be in time?

Mr. Sugiyama.

May I talk with the inmates?

I'm going to start planning the July menu,

so tell me what meals you all like.

-Mishima. -Yes?

-Any thoughts? -Well, um...

Z-zenzai ...

simmered beans, sweet potato paste...

Sweet potato paste.

Fried squid with lemon.

And everyone likes bread, right?

Food was better at the old prison, right?

Yeah, the prison up north was the best.

They lower the salt, but up the cost

Less meals on my plate So lame, mate

I would say anything with bold flavors. Like curry.

Oh yeah, curry's good. You can actually taste it.

Right, this is for July...

A summer vegetable curry?

Summer?

Vegetables have seasons?

-What? -Huh?

Like goya , bell peppers, zucchini, and the myoga we used.

Those are summer vegetables.

Isn't curry something you eat at a restaurant?

You eat it at home too.

Right? Mishima?

Me? Um, well...

Since I'm the oldest brother, I would make it for my little brothers.

Pork, carrots, potatoes, and onions.

But the carrots and potatoes always turned out hard.

And you, Bito?

Huh? I don't remember.

Curry?

I hate it.

That makes sense.

Bold flavors...

Hm?

Flowers might look the same,

but if you take a close look, the colors and shapes differ, right?

You're right.

Just like those men.

The inmates come from different cities, backgrounds, and home environments.

They are a diverse group.

That's why their memories around curry rice are so different too.

I've noticed that.

I want to make something that resonates with them.

But listening to their stories,

I'm not really sure what kind of curry I should make anymore.

Perhaps, something that's true to you?

True to me?

Yes.

That fried squid with lemon was delicious.

Never had such a meal here.

There's still a lot of dishes for me to learn about.

Oh boy, is it hot.

Ms. Ginbayashi.

Yes.

I'm looking forward to next month's meals too.

Yes, sir!

What's this?

It's your curry!

Lorenzo?!

Have you forgotten about the staff meal you made?

It was neither Western nor Eastern.

Curry from the Land of Gold.

Oh!

Using an egg as the moon? The Japanese are quite the romantics.

It really looks like the moon.

Oh, yeah. It was right around the moon-viewing season.

Not bad.

You pass.

JULY 7TH

-Chef Ginbayashi. -Yes?

What's this...

JULY MENU PLANNING MEETING

..."Tanabata Curry" on July 7th?

Oh, this is a summer vegetable curry that features zucchini.

And these?

TANABATA CURRY

Zucchini and carrots.

Is this a joke? Rejected!

But it's the "star festival" so--

Tango Supplies Chief!

Yes, I do apologize deeply.

Revise this immediately.

I don't want to.

Why is it getting rejected even though it's under budget?

Ms. Ginbayashi, this is not kindergarten.

I personally think it's interesting.

The zucchinis I understand,

but what will you do with the scraps from the star-shaped carrots?

Right, there'll be waste.

There won't be.

We'll mince it up and add it to the curry. The nutrients and calories won't change.

You have my vote.

It's not a matter of waste.

What's the rationale behind cooking Tanabata curry at a prison?

Rationale?

If there's no rationale, we can't accept your idea.

Memory is linked to food.

What?

Huh.

One inmate from the suijo really enjoyed the fried squid with lemon the other day.

He only went to school when they had that. That's how much he liked it.

Is this just a brag?

That's not it.

When they didn't serve fried squid with lemon

I wonder what he ate to get by?

Anything. Food from his parents, the supermarket, or convenience store.

Are you suggesting there could be a link between crime and what you eat?

That I don't know.

But food is a way of living.

We cook.

We eat.

We clean up.

This is our daily life, a part of our lifestyle.

Some just go for convenience and take food lightly.

But food... the act of eating is actually something really sacred.

I want the inmates to feel just how sacred eating is.

And what does that have to do with carrots shaped like stars?

Stars.

Right.

Oh, they're fun!

Isn't that playing?

Playing with your food is unacceptable.

I won't approve such a ridiculous meal.

There are no seasons in prison.

I praise Ms. Ginbayashi for trying to incorporate Tanabata in her menu.

When the inmates are able to feel the passing of seasons,

they might think about someone special waiting for them outside these walls.

Or, they might wonder, "Why am I in prison right now?"

It gives them the ability to reflect on such things.

But Ms. Ginbayashi.

Yes?

Are the inmates capable enough

to perfect this unique Tanabata curry?

They are!

They made fried squid with lemon.

Isn't that just frying?

That's right.

Warden, Ms. Ginbayashi has not given us any clear rationale.

Mm... That's true.

At home,

the 25th of every month was curry day.

Sugiyama, you okay?

My dad was away for work a lot.

But the 25th was payday, and he'd always come back home.

I knew.

Whenever it got closer to the 25th,

I'd see my dad soon.

I'd count down the days till I see him.

I waited for him.

What about a prison?

They live in the same place.

They wake up at the same time.

Wear the same clothes and do the same tasks.

The seasons and days start to blur into each other.

If they continue to live the same,

nothing will change in their hearts.

But...

At the suijo right now,

something is starting to shift.

Ever since Ms. Ginbayashi came to Hamazaki Prison.

I ask you all

to support her challenge.

Grazie .

No issues, please.

My life as an officer is on the line.

That's a lot of pressure.

Back then...

You made curry a lot.

In this massive pot.

You loved curry, didn't you?

I'm home.

I didn't want you struggling while I was at work,

so I made sure to make you plenty.

I just kept on eating that curry.

I was always alone when I ate curry.

If I ate everything,

I thought you'd come home earlier.

There were days I ate loads.

But you didn't come home.

I hate curry.

I hate curry days.

But you would tell me, "It's so yummy!"

'Cause that made you happy.

Silly boy.

You should've just told me the truth.

When exactly?

You weren't at home.

You never listened to me!

You're right.

You're totally right.

But you know,

I was desperate.

Trying to take care of you.

I never wanted you to go hungry.

So that's why I worked so desperately.

But...

in doing so, I made you feel lonely.

I'm sorry, Mamoru.

Today we're making Tanabata curry rice, a Hamazaki Prison special!

We're going for a simple curry that everyone likes.

Simple is best.

Then, we'll add in the Milky Way,

to give it that flair and make it unforgettable.

Yes, ma'am!

Tonight is Tanabata.

I hope this curry becomes a classic for all of us.

Now, let's get to it!

Yes!

Sauté the onions until they caramelize.

Browning the onions develops a sweet deep flavor and aroma.

Ah, the Maillard reaction. Amino acids react with sugars.

Yes, cooking is chemistry.

-"Cooking is chemistry"? -Yup.

Rad!

Kuga, let's pick up the tempo.

Yes.

That's like a lullaby.

Can you try a rock rhythm?

May I do hip-hop?

Sure.

Slicing with all my might Tanabata's tonight

Let's cut along the beat Like A-B-C-D-E!

Yes, cooking is about the beat!

-Yeah, yeah! -Yeah, yeah!

Carrots are cut up, sir!

Good work.

Gather around.

Three slices per person times 120 meals is 360 slices.

If the six of us make 60 stars each, we'll have enough.

Got it!

Mishima, are you okay?

I'm just clumsy.

Hey, turn that frown upside down.

Each and every star has to shine.

Think of the Milky Way in the night sky.

Yes ma'am!

We're approaching the finale!

Don't rush, be neat, cut to the beat.

-Almost there, you guys got it! -Yes, sir!

-Kawaguchi, good work. -Thanks.

What about mine?

Benissimo!

Looking good.

-Watch out for that oil. -Yes.

Nice job. How cute!

Phew.

Good work.

Keep up that rhythm!

Turn out delicious.

Turn out delicious.

What was that?

Just some finishing spices.

Turn out delicious.

Turn out delicious.

Let's see.

Wow.

Tanabata, huh?

One more year till I get out...

Only little brats would like this.

Oh!

How stupid.

Shinpei, eat.

Thanks!

They all ate every last bite.

Yup.

I wonder what kind of curry we should make next time.

You're on fire.

Seeing how happy they all looked,

I've just got to do it.

Right.

Thank you again.

Ciao!

Good evening.

Tanabata curry, huh?

Your idea, I assume?

Yes...

Come with me.

Huh?

You're funny.

I like you.

What?

Wait, Yoko, you're from Nagoya?

I'm from Okazaki.

You're from Okazaki?

We're from the same area!

Oh, now I get it.

-Fried squid with lemon. -Yup.

I'm surprised they agreed.

That was not easy.

The associate wardens are so picky.

Oh, the Wind God and Thunder God?

What gods?

Unacceptable!

Reject, reject!

Redo it!

You know, Irie and Saito.

They hold the reins at Hamazaki Prison.

If they don't agree, they won't open the gates.

Such a pain.

They were so nitpicky with my menu.

Especially the Wind God. He's like this.

"No rationale? Unacceptable!"

So annoying.

Good one.

-But you know, Yoko. -Hm?

Don't give up.

Keep putting out new dishes.

-Really? -Go for it!

You'll be okay, Sugiyama's at the suijo.

Oh, you mean Wasabi.

I don't know.

Hey, did he eat the curry?

No. Why?

Oh, he has the taste buds of a child.

He can't do anything spicy or bitter!

-What, seriously?! -Yup.

He can only eat mild curry.

Well, I guess that's kinda cute.

-Right? -Huh, I didn't know.

Good morning, Ms. Ginbayashi.

Good morning.

As requested, a souvenir from my work trip.

Thank you, Tabata!

Here's the bowl Bito talked about, the one from the prison up north.

And this

is Hamazaki Prison's.

Takeda, would you serve an A-180 portion of rice into each bowl?

Okay.

Here.

-And here. -Thanks.

There.

Whoa.

This one has more.

No, the amount is the same.

It just looks that way because the bowls are shaped differently.

You actually remembered what I said.

It got me thinking, so I checked.

Didn't realize it was the bowls.

You're the first person to actually listen to what I had to say.

Are you convinced?

Yes.

Thank you for going to lengths to look that up for me.

Sure.

Also, about the Tanabata curry from the other day...

I'd give it 74 points.

What?

Dietitian.

Seventy four's a high score around here.

Yes, it's been 26 days since Bito gave a score in the 70s.

Be proud!

I say 78.

Gotta beef up the meat. If they were chunkier, I'd say 80!

Hey... hey!

Don't be rude to the dietitian.

Listen up. Stop nitpicking my food!

I'll never make it again!

-No! -But please.

Mishima!

While Mom's into sweet donuts,

the daughter's into her sweet life.

She'll sabotage herself soon enough.

I might not eat it ever again.

Makes me wonder if we're really listening to them.

We can't lose hope.

Those donuts are our bonus