I love this NHK series with Naoto Takenaka. “Samurai Gourmet” is set around protagonist (Takeshi Kasumi), who has just retired from his job of 30 plus years. He goes on an adventure of self discovery and rediscovery now that his life is no longer consumed by the rigorous demands of work. In the series,  moments of self reflection and discovery often take place during his solo dining experiences. His alter ego is expressed through a fictitious ronin samurai who has no inhibitions confined by social norms. Self awareness is achieved as a result of his adventures and experiences that touch upon mindfulness.

Mindfulness is a popular term thrown around these days, but often misunderstood or complicated. I believe some people think mindfulness as meditation, sitting quietly, or a perfect state of mind, and I believe it incorporates those elements.

There are many programs that exist guiding people to mindfulness practices to boost performance along with improved appreciation of life. Companies like Google and Microsoft have implemented mindfulness programs within their company.

In my opinion, mindfulness is simply enjoying the moment. This comes as a result of being fully engaged in your activity or inactivity. Watch the series with Naoto Takenaka and you will get a better grasp. I think Kasumi’s, (the protagonist) reflection and inner dialogue gives us a glimpse into the process and action of mindfulness. Kasumi’s adventures lead him to a new place or to rediscover his carefree self from his youth. I believe the process of mindfulness is an act that leads us to discovery. His outer discover of different locations, restaurants, and activities guides him in the inner discovery of himself.

Although I don’t like to portray drinking alcohol as a blissful activity, (I believe you can experience the same feeling with a glass of water or sparkling water for that matter) the opening drama shows him drinking beer at lunch with deep satisfaction and fulfillment. There is a sense of appreciation as he contemplates ordering a beer, pours himself a glass, and drinks it down with the appropriate thirst quenching gulp. All of this followed by his post drink reflection. It’s minutes, probably seconds, but the drama is able to skillfully depict the elements of mindfulness into this short scene. Simply, Kasumi is fully devoted to the moment, his senses fully stimulated (sight, tastes, sound, smell, touch) and his mind directly in tune with those senses. In my opinion, mindfulness couldn’t be better conveyed.

Kasumi’s fictional ego, the Samurai called Nobushi, is also a portrayal into the exploration of mindfulness. Mindfulness, is often emphasized as being “in the moment,” or a “state of awareness,” but there is also an element of self realization through the process of mindfulness.  Mindfulness is also the process of being real. Being true to yourself and allowing your actions to reflect who you are. It’s being in touch with your fears and moments of courage, your comfort zone and discomfort, your ability or inability to express yourself.

In your exploration of mindfulness and getting in touch with who you are, I strongly recommend Samura Gourmet! At the very least, you will get to take a trip into the subcultures of food in Japan with the drama that ensues Kasumi and his samurai self, Nobushi, on their adventures.