The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House – Episode 5 “Choice” Recap & Review

Choice

Episode 5 of Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House is all about Sumire and Momoko. It starts off with Sumire watching admiringly as Momoko performs a mournful and meaningful dance called kurokami which expresses how her lover will not come to her side.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Kiyo is frying shrimp while the women chatter about what their “type” is. A tense moment occurs when Kiyo is asked who she likes, and Sumire waits worriedly for her reply. When Kiyo jokes that she is in love with her frying pan, Sumire resumes a relaxed expression.

Then a man appears asking to see Yoshino. It turns out he is Yoshino’s husband, who is trying to take her back home, but Yoshino refuses. Mother Azusa is on another walk with Mr. Tanabe, and they discuss Iwai’s failed proposal to Momoko. Then the conversation turns to when Mr. Tanabe will propose (to Mother Azusa).

Momoko and Mother Azusa have a conversation, and Momoko reveals her conflicted feelings toward Iwai and being a geiko. Later, Momoko confirms her decision to be a geiko when she performs kurokami in front of Iwai and Mr. Tanabe.

Because Sumire is doing so well, Mother and Mother Azusa decide to let Sumire officially debut as a maiko early. Sumire is so excited that she runs to the bathhouse where Kiyo is to tell her the news. Kiyo screams with delight and hugs Sumire. Kiyo promises Sumire that she will make her the special maiko/geiko sandwiches that are cut small so that lipstick is not ruined.

The episode ends with Sumire’s mouth full of kaarage chicken that Kiyo made especially for her, and there are smiles all around.

The Episode Review

Kiyo kind of stepped into the background this time, and it was a little slower-paced than in prior episodes.

People who like the food element of this show might also find this chapter a little disappointing because there weren’t many detailed food scenes this time around either.

It also would have been nice to get a little bit more into the thoughts of Kiyo this time around and know what her perspective is on Momoko’s situation or what else she may be thinking about, other than food, of course.