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Pure Enjoyment! Relish the experience with Wakako!
It’s incredible how just being present with the experiences of Wakako can really enhance the viewing of this drama. If you’re looking for a plot, there isn’t really one. The whole point is to relax and enjoy the experience. It is an experiential show, almost like a VR experience where all you have to do is be present with her and then it feels like you’re really there enjoying the food with her. You get to live as Wakako, as a local Japanese young woman and feel what it would be like to go into these places- the sights, the sounds, the dialogues, the tastes! If you’re distracted and playing games on your phone while watching in the background, you miss the beauty of this series. When I was truly present, I enjoyed each episode thoroughly. The Takoyaki party felt truly like I was there, and it was a delicious experience, as if I was having a girls night there with them and cooking and eating the takoyaki.
The dashimaki tamago episode (#7) was truly epic. The wonderful taste of the tamago made her happily dream of all the characters in the restaurant as if they were dancing to classical music. It was a true food high that I could practically taste the dish with her even though I’m not sure if I’ve had that particular dish before (maybe as a part of a Japanese breakfast set in Japan in the past but I wasn’t paying close enough attention). But I sure could taste it while watching this episode! It put a big smile on my face.
It’s funny how she (and many others in J dramas) toss French stuff into other cuisines. French influence in string in Japanese culture apparently- there’s not a single j drama where the love affair with France is hidden. Like “we’re gonna make it an Italian night!” And then whips out the Brie cheese for a “stylish snack.” Ahhh whatever it’s still a good time and she is very playful. But omg she drank a whole bottle of wine, then whiskey then two cans of beer. How is she still alive? I couldn’t even drink one of those. But I guess that’s what it means to live vicariously through Wakako- my altar ego who likes alcohol.
Do not make the mistake of watching the Korean remake- all of the beautiful presence and experiential magic was totally lost in nonsensical, meaningless, and unnecessary office drama.
Wakako Zake is such a simple series, but don’t underestimate the power of its experience. Be present with it, and you will understand. Truly one of a kind, and I had wonderful experiences and good times along with Wakako.
***I felt her characterization in the first season was okay, but in subsequent seasons Wakako gets more annoying with their childish behavior and trying too hard to be cute. It gets old when your whole personality is “I’m really cute aren’t I? Watch me do cute things like a child eager to grow up! Aren’t I cute now? Am I lovable now?” Yeah but you’re 26, remember?
The dashimaki tamago episode (#7) was truly epic. The wonderful taste of the tamago made her happily dream of all the characters in the restaurant as if they were dancing to classical music. It was a true food high that I could practically taste the dish with her even though I’m not sure if I’ve had that particular dish before (maybe as a part of a Japanese breakfast set in Japan in the past but I wasn’t paying close enough attention). But I sure could taste it while watching this episode! It put a big smile on my face.
It’s funny how she (and many others in J dramas) toss French stuff into other cuisines. French influence in string in Japanese culture apparently- there’s not a single j drama where the love affair with France is hidden. Like “we’re gonna make it an Italian night!” And then whips out the Brie cheese for a “stylish snack.” Ahhh whatever it’s still a good time and she is very playful. But omg she drank a whole bottle of wine, then whiskey then two cans of beer. How is she still alive? I couldn’t even drink one of those. But I guess that’s what it means to live vicariously through Wakako- my altar ego who likes alcohol.
Do not make the mistake of watching the Korean remake- all of the beautiful presence and experiential magic was totally lost in nonsensical, meaningless, and unnecessary office drama.
Wakako Zake is such a simple series, but don’t underestimate the power of its experience. Be present with it, and you will understand. Truly one of a kind, and I had wonderful experiences and good times along with Wakako.
***I felt her characterization in the first season was okay, but in subsequent seasons Wakako gets more annoying with their childish behavior and trying too hard to be cute. It gets old when your whole personality is “I’m really cute aren’t I? Watch me do cute things like a child eager to grow up! Aren’t I cute now? Am I lovable now?” Yeah but you’re 26, remember?
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