If you've ever seen food in any anime, you'll know that it looks almost dreamlike and tastes certainly better than IRL food.
What makes it even more special is the inherent connection that food has with human emotion in anime. That human element adds to the intimate, caring perception of what is essentially animated food.
In a short film in the Japanese anime style, an elderly man narrates the struggle his wife has been going through after losing her ability to walk properly.
After being the primary caretaker of their house for many years, the woman is forced to reduce the amount of chores she does, due to her ailing legs.
This prompts a discussion with her husband (the narrator) about the possibility of going into assisted care. But they quickly brush that idea aside.
Instead, the man decides to take over house chores, including the cooking. We can only assume from the short film that the man doesn't have as much experience in the kitchen as his wife does. But he perseveres, noting that she's been doing it for so many years.
But it also means she gets to stay with him at home, instead of a nursing care facility. It's at this point that we begin to see the cute old man cook for his doting wife. This includes buying ingredients at the grocery store, rain or shine.
The short film's focus on food and the intricacies that go behind its preparation hits you right in the feels.
It reminds us that food is made with love and care for the recipient. In the man's case, it's almost like the food is the embodiment of a love letter to his wife.
The human connection and the man's loving devotion for his wife behind the seemingly simple miso soup depicted in the film adds to the intangible value.
But what many people seem to forget when watching the short film is the fact that it's actually a commercial for Japanese miso paste.
More specifically, for Marukome miso, a traditional Japanese table sauce made of fermented soybeans. Complete with subtle product placement.
But it seems that people have forgiven all that, even with the product placement.
Why? Because the film pulls you in with its anime flair, while also caging your heart and taking you on a wonderful 'feel' trip.
It makes us want to be better people, especially to the ones we care about the most.
Many Facebook users commented on the video, saying it really struck a chord with them.
Some have even demanded for a full feature film:
While others have pleaded for the creators (if they're even listening) to not expand it, citing the possibility of heartbreak due to what many predict (see previous comment above) will be a bittersweet ending:
I myself am conflicted. Do I really want to endure the heartbreak? Fuck.
But what many people don't realize is the fact that Marukome has an entire playlist of anime commercials for their products.
You can watch them all (and cry wholesome tears) on their YouTube page.
What did you think of the commercial?
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Cover image sourced from Marukome USA.
