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The tale of an enigmatic band of ramen ronin who guide the widow of a noodle shop owner on her quest for the perfect recipe: Japan House London is delighted to invite its guests to two free screenings of Tampopo, Itami Jūzō’s 1985 film about the pursuit of culinary perfection.Lovingly called a ‘ramen Western’ (a play on the popular genre of ‘spaghetti Western’), Itami’s second feature-length film centres around a widow, Tampopo, whose ultimate goal is to create the perfect bowl of ramen. She enlists the help of a stoic truck driver, Goro, and his unlikely team, each bringing their own eccentric expertise to her culinary journey. Through a series of darkly comedic situations, Itami’s film expands from Tampopo’s ramen shop into a broader satire of food culture and social dynamics, where culinary rituals meet life’s desires, customs, and even absurdities.
While Tampopo revolves around food, its true subject is the philosophy of living and eating to the fullest. Through an exploration of traditions, etiquette, and personal ambition, the film reflects on the pursuit of excellence in even the simplest of tasks. Itami treats food as a complex metaphor for life’s experiences, presenting it as an art form that connects individuals to tradition, cultural norms, and mortality. In one sequence, Itami portrays homeless men as gastronomes, appreciating fine food with the same attention as higher society—a subtle yet incisive observation on class and belonging, as well as a visual send-up of Charlie Chaplin’s Tramp character.
The film’s cast includes Watanabe Ken as Goro’s sidekick, a role that would help establish him internationally, alongside Itami’s wife and muse Miyamoto Nobuko, who plays Tampopo with an endearing blend of resilience and warmth. Miyamoto’s collaboration with Itami spans each of his films, in roles that poke fun at societal stereotypes of womanhood. In addition to these central roles, Yakusho Kōji appears as a white-suited yakuza in surreal, sensuous scenes that skillfully satirize the way both foreign and domestic audiences perceive Japan.
With its nuanced approach to life and food, Tampopo remains an essential work in Japanese cinema, blending comedy and reflection in a way that continues to captivate audiences today.
The screening is part of a film series investigating contemporary Japanese society through the lens of food, held in conjunction with the exhibition Looks Delicious! Exploring Japan’s food replica culture, on display at Japan House London until 16 February 2025.
The screenings are in Japanese with English subtitles. Duration: approx.115 mins.
*Please note that this movie is rated 15 and is therefore not considered suitable for an audience younger than 15 years old unaccompanied.
Booking Essential | Admission Free
Booking opens 6 January at 10:00.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
101-111 Kensington High Street, W8 5SA London, United Kingdom, 101 Kensington High Street, London, W8 4, United Kingdom,London, United Kingdom
