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'The Way of the Hot & Spicy' review: In chili peppers we trust
The Way of the Hot & Spicy is something that both warms the heart and burns the tongue.
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Spicy Tokyo: The series' protagonist Kenta Sarukawa (played by Akito Kiriyama) grows a fondness for hot and spicy food when he moves to Tokyo. Source: The series' official Twitter. (Netflix) (Netflix/Courtesy of Netflix)
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em>From Japan, The Way of the Hot & Spicy is a fresh and fiery breath of fresh air for Netflix audiences who are looking for something that both warms the heart and burns the tongue.
Japanese drama series — also called doramas — have yet to reach worldwide popularity and recognition in the vein of Korean titles such as Hospital Playlist and Squid Game. Nonetheless, international media have started taking notice of some of the Japanese series aired on Netflix, going so far as to recommending under-the-radar gems such as Midnight Diner, Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories, The Naked Director and Kotaro Lives Alone.
Another Japanese series recently premiered on the global streamer: The Way of the Hot & Spicy (known in Japan as Gekikaradou), a 12-episode series about how hot and spicy food empowers a gawky Japanese salaryman to overcome all the challenges he faces in the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.
The slice-of-life series stars Akito Kiriyama (Blazing Transfer Students) in the leading role, with a supporting cast that includes Reia Nakamura (Ninja Drones?), Mitsuru Hirata (Fukushima 50), Yasuyuki Maekawa (24 Japan), Kanro Morita (Talking the Pictures) and Rika Izumi (Queen). The series’ cowriter, Yosuke Masaike, was the cowriter of Hulu Japan-HBO Asia’s 2018 acclaimed miniseries Miss Sherlock. First aired on TV Tokyo on Jan. 6, The Way of the Hot & Spicy concluded on March 24. It premiered internationally on Netflix on Sept. 2.
Not for the faint of tongue
Kenta Sarukawa (played by Akito) is an Osaka native who works in sales support at a beverage manufacturing company named Lonron. The company decides to transfer him to the Tokyo branch and have him join the city’s sales promotion department. To Kenta’s astonishment, his brand new team consists of colorful individuals: the mild-mannered but voracious Yuya Yamazaki (Kanro), the debonair and supportive Masato Akiyama (Yasuyuki), the icy and competitive Yuma Okochi (Rika) and the whimsical chief Kazuhiko Tanioka (Mitsuru). Rounding up Kenta’s department is the witless support member Ryosuke Shinomiya (Reia).
Having a new job in metropolitan Tokyo proves difficult for Kenta. His first attempt at a sales pitch goes awry, plummeting his confidence immediately. His team decides to throw a welcoming party for him in a Korean food eatery, revealing their intense love for extremely hot and spicy food. Kazuhiko then introduces Kenta to “The Way of the Hot & Spicy”— a self-described philosophy in which overcoming professional challenges are no different from enjoying fiery hot meals. Per the chief’s philosophy, the team has a habit of sorting their prospective sales clients based on their level of "spiciness". Initially apprehensive, Kenta eventually decides to embrace his chief’s quirky philosophy, gradually growing a fondness for all things hot and spicy.
Perhaps the most important note that the audiences should keep in mind before watching the series is that The Way of the Hot & Spicy is not a typical "food porn" show. Unlike other food-oriented drama series such as the South Korean production Wok of Love, this Japanese series does not romanticize food with Pinterest-like filters and impeccable lighting. The whole series is predominantly shot with a blend of blush and sepia coloring tone, visually doubling down on its sole focus on hot and spicy food. Viewers might not instantly find the food appetizing due to its realistic presentation and a massive dose of chili pepper; but then again, the purpose of the series is not to satiate viewers with a mouth-watering food fantasy.
As the series progresses, Kenta — and perhaps, the viewers as well — realizes that there is a rational correlation between stumbling blocks at work and extremely spicy food. The latter is not what most people might consider comfort food, but instead, it’s cathartic. Once we embrace its spiciness, the food will show its true nature: a distinctive luscious taste that begs for more. While finishing comfort food feels like a vacation, finishing spicy food to its last bite — at least from Kenta and his new team’s point of view — feels like an empowering motivation they need to crush those stumbling blocks.
The writers of The Way of the Hot & Spicy did an excellent job of convincing viewers that spicy food has the magical power of bringing about both emotional catharsis and lessons in sales. Episode six makes a case for never underestimating what may seem like an easy sales pitch with the help of stuffed tomatoes dressed in habanero chili. Episode nine deftly presents how Bhut Jolokia Chili Cheeseburger gives Kenta and Yuya the idea to make a convincing sales pitch to a prospective client who favors American values. Episode 10 feels like a love letter for all young Japanese salarymen who are unsure of their line of work, delivered with gentle empathy and a heavy dose of white Ezo wasabi.
A spicy life
The Way of the Hot & Spicy is a well-earned star vehicle for Kiriyama. Mostly known by the public from his idol work as a member of J-pop boyband Johnny’s WEST, the 32-year-old proved his capability as a mature leading man while retaining his signature boyish charisma. Notwithstanding schmaltzy dialogues every now and then, Akito manages to deliver each line with sheer commitment and gusto, turning his overtly earnest character into a worthy man to root for.
The award for the series’ scene-stealer goes to Nakamura, who perfectly balances his character’s goofiness with understandable weariness. Episode 11 is a lovely comedic showcase by the veteran actor Hirata as his character introduces Kenta and the gang to his offbeat family — possibly the only modern household in Tokyo that grows green peppers in their backyard. That being said, the veteran’s charisma — molded after more than 40 years of acting experience — often overpowers the relatively fresh-faced leading man.
Indonesian audiences, in particular, might find The Way of the Hot & Spicy a memorable watch. Considering Indonesia is one of the most prolific countries in the world in terms of production and consumption of chilis and spices, the country’s audiences might find the series both endearing and educational. Western audiences who might be more accustomed to cutting-edge fantasy series and complex dramedy might be intrigued by the series’ campy premise, especially considering the slice-of-life genre might not be what they are accustomed to seeing on television. Ultimately, it’s the series’ life lessons that will keep all kinds of viewers tuning in until the heartwarming final episode. To quote the sage of advice given by the chief to Kenta: “Life is a series of extremely spicy situations. Don’t run away from it and make the best use of it.”
The Way of the Hot & Spicy is available to stream on Netflix.
