“Kinobu - Food, Tradition, and Identity” takes you behind the scenes of a Michelin star restaurant in Kyoto, Japan. Kinobu fuses food, tradition, and Japanese aesthetics to serve its guests exquisite dishes in a beautiful and tranquil setting.

As you enter from the busy street of downtown Kyoto, you experience the serenity of Kinobu. You pass through a long narrow corridor to be greeted by staff, where you take off your shoes, and are led to a private room with a garden view.

The film revolves around Takuji Takahashi, a third-generation owner/chef, who is a forward-looking maverick with contrasting visions. While deeply respecting the cuisine that goes back hundreds of years, he is always exploring new ways to elevate this cuisine. Over 20 years, he has practiced Noh, the oldest form of Japanese theater. Studying Noh has taught him how to simultaneously be intense and calm. This is a mental skill he uses to create delicate and creative dishes while managing the high-pressure kitchen environment. He is also a sommelier working with a Japanese wine maker to produce wine that complements Japanese food.

Watching the film is an immersive experience. You experience a world of culinary art, craftsmanship, and community. You see how different traditional art forms are intertwined with each other. The film reveals how food embodies Japanese aesthetic sensibilities through its presentation, color, and connection to each season.

「木乃婦 - 食、伝統、アイデンティティ」は京都にあるミッシェラン星付きレストランの舞台裏に密着。京料理の老舗、木乃婦は食、伝統、日本の美的感覚を織り合わせ、美しい、静寂な空間と雅びやかな料理でお客様を魅了。

忙しい京都の中心街に居しながら、暖簾をくぐると心休まるゆとりの空間。細長い通路を抜け、靴を脱いで庭付きの個室へ。