#Japan #Nagoya #Japanese Cuisine #Tokai Kingdom #Local Supermarkets

Introduction to 'Tokai Kingdom'

Set to air on December 10th at 7 PM, the new variety show 'Tokai Kingdom' brings to the forefront the unique culture and food of the three prefectures in the Tokai region of Japan: Aichi, Gifu, and Mie. A joint production by Sion, a subsidiary of Creek and River Company, and Nagoya Television Broadcasting, the show aims to showcase the compelling contrasts and competition between the Tokai region and other parts of Japan.

This program takes inspiration from historical figures like Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu, aligning its theme with the ambition of making the local charms of the Tokai area known throughout the country. This delicious face-off celebrates the local pride and culinary uniqueness, challenging the area to claim its place in the national spotlight.

Show Segments

The program includes two main themes:

Theme One: Local Delicacies Showdown

In the wake of an unprecedented boom in tonkatsu (pork cutlet) across Japan, the Tokai Kingdom will compare the famous Nagoya-style miso katsu against various creatively presented tonkatsu dishes from regions across the nation. Viewers can expect an engaging and tension-filled competition as remote judges weigh in on the innovations and flavors that represent Japanese culinary art. Guests and hosts will report on the experience of foreign eaters sampling miso katsu, asking, how will it measure up in terms of taste and presentation?

Theme Two: Local Supermarket Face-off

The rise of local supermarkets offering unique and quirky products has captivated many Japanese consumers in recent years. In this segment, local supermarkets in the Tokai region will face off against their peers from other regions, showcasing their individual offerings and how they attract loyal customers. It’s an exciting opportunity for local businesses to flaunt their specialties in an engaging context, as each region’s charm will be highlighted.

Comments from the Cast

After filming, the show's hosts shared their thoughts on the thrilling competition:

• - Kayo Ohkubo noted, "It was a close match! I thought I knew the varieties of miso katsu well, but the show revealed many surprises!"
• - Jun Idota raised intriguing questions about how audiences perceive the competition outcome. "Will viewers from Tokai accept the results with humility or will they feel a sense of pride?"
• - Takeru Senga added, "The regional focus highlighted unique individual traits and a deep devotion to local flavors, making it an enriching experience for everyone involved."

Broadcasting Details

The show is set to broadcast in Aichi, Gifu, and Mie prefectures, with the option to catch up on episodes via TVer and Locipo for four weeks following the original broadcast.

For those curious about what the Tokai area has to offer, this program promises to be both entertaining and informative. Fans of Japanese cuisine, local culture, and community pride won't want to miss out on this exciting competition!

Trust that 'Tokai Kingdom' will reign supreme in bringing forth the best of the Tokai region, sparking a new appreciation for these lesser-known gems of Japan by showcasing local pride and culinary creativity.