Shin Chuka Ichiban!
Alternate Title
真・中華一番！
Synopsis
Nineteenth century China. Liu Mao Xing is the youngest in history to pass the Super Chef exam. At the recommendation of his master Chouyu, he sets off for southwest China along with his friend Shirou and Chouyu’s daughter Meili in order to broaden himself as a chef. When Mao returns to Yang Spring Restaurant in Guangzhou, he brings along new friends Shell and Leon as well as a new resolve to fight against the Underground Cooking Society, which seeks to dominate people through cooking. Now, to fulfill his mother’s dying wish, Mao sets off on a journey around China with his friends in search of the Legendary Cooking Utensils, which are said to protect the world of Chinese cuisine, to keep them from falling into the hands of the Underground Cooking Society.
Background
Shin Chuka Ichiban! is a new anime adaptation of the original manga Chuka Ichiban! written and illustrated by Etsuchi Ogawa. It was serialized from 1995-99 in Kodansha’s Weekly Shonen Magazine. Thirteen tankobon volumes in total were published. A sequel to the manga titled Chuka Ichiban! Kiwami began on Kodansha’s Magazine Pocket app.
The first anime adaptation for the series was produced by Nippon Animation and aired from April 1997 to September 1998. The second anime adaptation, Shin Chuka Ichiban!, is being directed and written by Itsuro Kawasaki at Production I.G, with Saki Hasegawa handling the character designs and Jun Ichikawa is creating the music. Qaijff is performing the opening theme song "Kofukuron," and Brian the Sun is performing the ending theme “Paradigm Shift.” The anime will premiere in Japan on Oct. 11, 2019.
Characters
Mao (Voiced by: Natsumi Fujiwara)
Mao is the youngest Super Chef in history. His mother Pai was the Master Chef at the restaurant Kikkaro in Szechuan. Mao has unique taste buds and can remember everything he has ever eaten and their ingredients. He is on a journey in search of the Legendary Cooking Utensils and begins training at Yang Spring Restaurant.
Meili (Voiced by: Ai Kayano)
Meili is the daughter of Chouyu, the Vice Chef at Yang Spring Restaurant. During their time together, Meili falls in love with Mao. She is accompanying Mao on his journey to find the Legendary Cooking Utensils.
Shirou (Voiced by: Yukiyo Fujii)
Shirou is a young half-Chinese, half-Japanese boy who meets Mao during his quest to become a Super Chef. He travels with Mao as his apprentice. He is cheerful and can get over-excited, getting himself and the others into trouble.
Fei (Voiced by: Junya Enoki)
Mao’s greatest rival, Fei passed the Super Chef exam along with Mao. Calm and stoic, nothing seems to phase him.
Shouan (Voiced by: Keiichi Nakagawa)
Shouan was Pai’s top pupil, but she betrayed Pai by stealing money from the restaurant and running off. He plotted to take over Kikkaro, but after losing in a culinary duel with Mao joined the Underground Cooking Society.
Ruoh (Voiced by: Shinpachi Tsuji)
At first glace Ruoh may seem like just a drunk old man, but in reality he is the Master Chef at Yang Spring Restaurant and is well respected throughout the Guangzhou region for his skills. He teaches Mao and the others of the Legendary Cooking Utensils and encourages them on their journey.
Leon (Voiced by: Tomokazu Sugita)
Wanting to learn as much as he could as quick as he could, Leon joined the Underground Cooking Society, but after learning the dreadful truth behind the society he leaves and becomes determined to find the Legendary Cooking Utensils which are the only way to oppose them.
Chouyu (Voiced by: Yoshimitsu Shimoyama)
Mary’s father, Chouyu is the Vice Chef at Yang Spring Restaurant and Mao’s teacher. He is known as one of the best chefs in Guangzhou. He rarely shows his emotions but always watches over Mao like a father.
Shell (Voiced by: Yuichi Nakamura)
Called “Steel Staff Shell,” Shell has the qualifications to be a Super Chef and always carries with him a steel staff on which yellow stars are engraved for each Super Chef he has defeated. He is also on a quest to find the Legendary Cooking Utensils.
Shan (Voiced by: Yuko Kaida)
A female chef and member of the Underground Cooking Society, Shan has a dangerous and cruel personality, and she isn’t above using seduction or foul play to win.
International Streaming
- Crunchyroll
Official Links
Staff
- Original Creator: Etsushi Ogawa
- Director: Itsuro Kawasaki
- Series Composition: Itsuro Kawasaki
- Character Designer: Saki Hasegawa
- Music: Jun Ichikawa
- Planning: JY Animation
- Animation Production: NAS
- Animation Production Cooperation: Production I.G