Food for the Soul

Synopsis

Food for the Soul with Hana Shimano, originally titled 日々は過ぎれど飯うまし, is a heartfelt culinary journey that transcends mere cooking shows. Released in 2025, this series follows acclaimed chef Hana Shimano as she explores traditional and contemporary Japanese cuisine while delving into the cultural and emotional contexts behind each dish. The show beautifully blends food preparation with personal stories, local histories, and generational connections, offering viewers more than just recipes—it provides a meditation on nourishment, community, and the soul-enriching power of food. With stunning cinematography and authentic narratives, Food for the Soul invites audiences worldwide to savor each meal's deeper meaning and unspoken stories.

Cast

• 

  Hana Shimano

  Mako Kawai (voice)

• 

  Ai Kakuma

  Kurea Furutachi (voice)

• 

  Yoshino Aoyama

  Shinon ‌Ogawa (voice)

• 

  Natsune Inui

  Tsutsuji ‌Higa (voice)

• 

  Saya Aizawa

  Nana ‌Hoshi (voice)

Reviews

Food for the Soul has garnered generally favorable reviews for its unique approach to combining cuisine and storytelling. On Rotten Tomatoes, the show boasts an 88% audience score, praised for 'captivating visuals and heartfelt storytelling that engage both food lovers and those seeking emotional depth.' Critics from The Guardian commended Hana Shimano's ability to 'transform simple meals into profound cultural experiences,' awarding the show 4 out of 5 stars. Meanwhile, IMDb rates the series at 7.9/10, with viewers echoing appreciation for its warm, calming tone and insightful exploration of food traditions. However, some critiques from Metacritic note that the pacing can be slow for those expecting a faster, action-driven culinary program, with a score of 72/100 indicating generally favorable reviews but highlighting a niche appeal. Overall, Food for the Soul appeals strongly to fans of thoughtful, atmospheric documentaries and culinary arts.