Oishinbo (1988)
A beloved Japanese anime series celebrating food, culture, and the quest to craft the ultimate culinary legacy.
Oishinbo - Series Information
- Original Title: 美味しんぼ
- First Air Year: 1988
- Last Air Year: 1992
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (23 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 136
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: October 17, 1988 (Australia - PG)
- Networks: tv asahi
- Alternative Titles: 美味大挑戰 (TW), おいしんぼ (JP), 맛의 달인 (KR), The Gourmet (US), Le Gourmet (FR)
- Production Companies: Shin-Ei Animation
- Production Countries: Japan
Oishinbo - Plot
The newspaper office, Tozai Shinbun, plans to publish the Ultimate Menu to commemorate their 100th anniversary. It would not only describe foods but also pass on dietary cultures for many generations to come. Despite its importance, Shirou Yamaoka, a lazy employee, and Yuuko Kurita, a company newcomer, are selected as the editors.
Oishinbo - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Kazuhiko Inoue
- Mayumi Shou
- Chikao Ohtsuka
- Osamu Saka
- Seizo Kato
- Shunsuke Shima
- Osamu Kato
- Koichi Yamadera
Oishinbo - FAQs
Is Oishinbo based on a manga?
Yes, Oishinbo is based on the long-running manga of the same name by Tetsu Kariya and Akira Hanasaki, serialized in Big Comic Spirits since 1983. The manga is one of Japan's most celebrated food-themed comics, and the anime adaptation faithfully brings its culinary stories and characters to life.
What is Oishinbo about?
Oishinbo follows Shirou Yamaoka and Yuuko Kurita, two editors at the Tozai Shinbun newspaper, tasked with compiling the Ultimate Menu for the paper's 100th anniversary. Each episode explores Japanese food culture, culinary philosophy, and the personal stories behind dishes, blending drama with gastronomic education.
Who are the main voice actors in Oishinbo?
The main voice cast includes Kazuhiko Inoue as protagonist Shirou Yamaoka, Mayumi Shou as Yuuko Kurita, Chikao Ohtsuka as Yūzan Kaibara, Osamu Saka as Daizō Ōhara, Seizo Kato as Kyōichi Koizumi, Shunsuke Shima as Hideo Tanimura, Osamu Kato as Tomio Tomii, and Koichi Yamadera.
When did Oishinbo first air?
Oishinbo first aired on October 17, 1988, on the Japanese television network tv asahi. The series ran for 136 episodes over four years, concluding in 1992, and remains one of the most iconic food-themed anime productions in Japanese television history.
How many episodes does Oishinbo have?
Oishinbo consists of 136 episodes across its main run, along with 2 additional special episodes. The series aired on tv asahi from 1988 to 1992, making it a substantial and long-running anime adaptation of the beloved manga source material.
What is the rivalry between Yamaoka and Kaibara about?
One of Oishinbo's central tensions is the culinary rivalry between Shirou Yamaoka and his estranged father, the legendary gourmet Yūzan Kaibara. Their opposing philosophies about food and life drive much of the drama, with each episode often framing their disagreements as philosophical debates about Japanese culinary culture.
What genre is Oishinbo?
Oishinbo is an animated drama series, originally classified as seinen anime — content aimed at adult male audiences. It blends slice-of-life storytelling with culinary education, workplace drama, and cultural commentary, making it appealing to viewers interested in Japanese food culture and character-driven narratives.
Is Oishinbo worth watching for non-Japanese audiences?
Oishinbo offers a fascinating window into Japanese food culture, culinary traditions, and social values of the late 1980s and early 1990s. While its pacing reflects its era, viewers with an interest in Japanese cuisine, anime history, or character-driven storytelling will find it a rewarding and culturally rich experience.
More About Oishinbo
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