Kodoku no Gourmet Season 11: Goro Inogashira is Finally Back After 3.5 Years
There is some really fantastic news for all the J-drama fans and foodies out there! The wait is finally over because the iconic TV drama Kodoku no Gourmet Season 11 is officially set to return. Based on the legendary original work by Masayuki Kusumi and the late Jiro Taniguchi, this new season will be broadcast on the TV Tokyo network's famous "Drama 24" slot starting from April 3rd. It has been quite a long time since we saw Goro-san going on his regular culinary adventures, and the excitement among the community is just through the roof.
The drama, which has become a cult classic over the years, is being revived for a regular season for the first time in about three and a half years. Although we had "Season 10" back in October 2022 and some special episodes in between, a full-length regular season feels different. Many people who are just starting out with Japanese content often wonder why Kodoku no Gourmet is a must watch for foodies and anime fans alike, and the simple answer is the pure, unadulterated joy of watching someone truly appreciate a good meal without any extra drama or noise.
The Thoughts of Yutaka Matsushige on Returning as Goro
The man himself, Yutaka Matsushige, who has been playing the role of Goro Inogashira for over a decade now, recently shared some of his feelings about this comeback. He mentioned how the series has already reached its 10th milestone, and we even saw the spin-off "Each Sodoku no Gourmet" recently. Not to forget, last year the theatrical film The Solitary Gourmet was also released in theatres. Matsushige-san jokingly said that it might have been the perfect time for him to leave the role, but due to various circumstances and the love from fans, he is going to continue playing Goro. It is truly hard to imagine anyone else walking those quiet Tokyo streets looking for a hidden restaurant.
What We Know About the New Season
Producer Yukitoshi Komatsu from the TV Tokyo Drama Production Department has promised that they won't be changing the soul of the show. Even after the 3.5-year gap for a regular season, they plan to run through the 12 episodes by simply exploring delicious gourmet food without any unnecessary worries. This "back-to-basics" approach is exactly what the fans want. Here are a few things to look forward to in the upcoming broadcast:
- 12 New Episodes: A full run of Goro-san exploring different wards and maybe even areas outside Tokyo.
- The Return of 'Flatto QUSUMI': The popular segment where the original creator, Masayuki Kusumi, visits the real-life shops featured in the episode is also coming back after 3.5 years.
- Late Night Cravings: The show will continue its tradition of "food terrorism," airing late at night and making everyone incredibly hungry.
Why the Series Continues to be a Global Phenomenon
It is quite amazing how a show about a man eating alone has gained so much international fame. Whether you are watching the live-action or reading the original manga, the story of the traveling salesman who imports European goods and finds solace in food is very relatable. If you are still on the fence, understanding why Kodoku no Gourmet is a must watch for foodies and anime fans alike is essential to appreciate the "slice of life" genre in its purest form. The way Goro-san talks to himself through internal monologues while dissecting the flavors of a simple katsu-don or a bowl of ramen is just therapeutic to watch.
So, make sure you keep your snacks ready for April 3rd. We really can't wait to see what Mr. Kusumi chooses to eat and which hidden gems Goro-san discovers this time around. It is going to be a very delicious season indeed!
