Samurai Gourmet Season 1 Episode 3 Mackerel in the Morning

The episode titled "Mackerel in the Morning" is the third installment of the Japanese comedy-drama television series Samurai Gourmet. The series is based on Masayuki Kusumi's essay manga "Kuya Shokudo," which depicts the retired salaryman Takeshi Kasumi, who discovers his inner samurai after retirement. Throughout the series, Takeshi embarks on culinary adventures, discovering new foods and the joy of eating out.

In "Mackerel in the Morning," Takeshi's wife surprises him with a rare treat - a day off from work. Being a devoted husband and loyal employee, Takeshi is initially uneasy about what to do with all his free time. But after some encouragement from his inner samurai, he decides to go fishing early in the morning.

At the market, Takeshi immerses himself in the atmosphere, observing the different fish and sellers. Finally, he decides to purchase a mackerel, which he plans to cook and eat for breakfast. Takeshi takes his freshly caught fish to a nearby restaurant, where he requests the chef to cook it in the most popular local style - salt-grilled.

While waiting for his food, Takeshi gets into a conversation with another customer at the restaurant. The fellow patron tells him about the morning routine of many locals, who establish a personal and spiritual connection through fishing. As they talk, Takeshi begins to realise that he too is connecting to nature and that there's more than just fishing and cooking. The discussion proves cathartic, and Takeshi finds a new sense of joy and relaxation that he hadn't experienced before, thanks to the beauty of the outdoors.

The chef brings Takeshi his mackerel, grilled to perfection and served with a light sprinkle of salt and some soy sauce. Takeshi takes a bite, and the expression on his face says it all - it's delicious. He savours every morsel, enjoying the subtle flavours and the crunchiness of the fish. The experience proves transformative, deepening his love for food and nature, and broadening his horizons.

The episode culminates with Takeshi returning home, eager to share his experience with his wife. He goes into detail about the tranquillity and calmness that he experienced while fishing in the morning. He relives the journey, recalling the spectacle of the marketplace, his exchange with the other customer, and the palate-pleasing taste of the salt-grilled mackerel. Takeshi concludes that he will make this a regular hobby, and his wife is delighted to see her husband rejuvenated.

In conclusion, "Mackerel in the Morning" is an emotional and introspective episode that shows Takeshi's love for food and a new-found appreciation for nature. The episode highlights the importance of making time for oneself, letting go of one's worries, and embracing the moment. It also illustrates the beauty of getting lost in the ambiance of the marketplace and exploring new cuisines. Ultimately, this episode explores the meaning of inner peace and the importance of taking care of oneself. The subtext is that, through a simple activity such as fishing, a person can connect with others, nature, and themselves - a valuable lesson in today's frenetic world.