Inspirational story. This biographical drama is a heartwarming and sometimes heart wrenching story about a hapless, irresponsible guy who finds his calling as a chef and goes on to become the master chef for the Emperor of Japan. One of the best dramas I've watched yet, this underdog story set in the early 20th century hooked me from the first episode to the last and had me binge watching it all week. Based on a true story, the characters are fleshed out people who support and believe in each other. Sato Takeru portrays Tokuzu so well, I can't believe he is the same guy who plays the assassin swordsman in Rurouni Kenshin. I have a lot of respect this actor who can perform such demanding action scenes and then do such a different role so well. Starting off portraying the younger troublesome Tokuzo, he convincingly shows the character's development as he becomes a mature man with great responsibilities during turbulent times. There is a touching love story, but it is not the focus of the the drama. Foodies will enjoy the attention given to food preparation and the drama and trials of becoming a chef and working in a kitchen. Though it is a historical drama about a chef, anyone can relate to it because really it is about finding your dream, striving for it and the family and loved ones that support you along the way. It reminds you to think about how you are living and working and whether you are putting your heart into everything you do.