Today I will talk about one of the ancestors of modern food battle animes: Chūka Ichiban(中華一番) aka True Cooking Master Boy. It’s a popular manga and anime series created by Etsushi Ogawa. The series is set in fictional 19th-century China and follows the culinary adventure of a young and talented chef named Liu Mao Xing. 

One of the highlights of Chuka Ichiban is the intense and exciting cooking battles. These culinary showdowns are not just about food; they are depicted as epic battles where chefs use their skills, creativity, and knowledge to outdo their opponents. The presentation of the dishes, along with the intricate cooking techniques and strategies, adds a unique dimension to the series, making it especially enjoyable for food enthusiasts and fans of cooking shows.

Anime Adaptations:

• A 1997 anime television series adaptation(52 episodes) was produced by Nippon Animation and aired on Fuji TV from April 27, 1997, to September 13, 1998.
• In 2019, it was announced that the sequel manga, "Shin Chūka Ichiban!," would receive a new anime television series adaptation(12 episodes). This series was produced by NAS and animated by Production I.G. It was directed and written by Itsuro Kawasaki, with character designs by Saki Hasegawa and music composed by Jun Ichikawa.
• The 2019 series aired from October 12 to December 28, 2019, on MBS's Animeism programming block. Total of 12 episodes.
• Following the first season's conclusion, it was announced that the series would receive a second season(another 12 episodes), with the same staff and cast reprising their roles. The second season aired from January 12 to March 30, 2021, on Tokyo MX, MBS, and BS-NTV.

Introducing Chinese Culinary Globally

The series showcases a wide variety of traditional & unrealistic Chinese dishes, ingredients, and cooking methods, making it a fascinating culinary exploration. It has inspired many fans to try their hand at preparing Chinese dishes and appreciate the art of Chinese cooking.

The franchise includes an anime adaptation, as well as a manga series. The anime is known for its vibrant and detailed depictions of food and cooking, which leave viewers craving the delicious dishes featured in the series. 

One particular Korean YouTube content creator called 암흑요리계(Dark chef) has gained popularity recreating the foods from the anime and adding original dark chef version of the dish in the following video. It’s also known for recreating anime effects with cheap props, and receiving compliments from the original author!

Chuka Ichiban is a captivating manga and anime series that blends adventure, culinary artistry, and Chinese culture with a touch of fantasy. It has gained a devoted following and has left a lasting impact on both anime fans and food enthusiasts. The series emphasizes the commitment and enthusiasm needed to become a true culinary master, along with its mouth watering portrayal of Chinese cuisine, making it a cherished part of the manga and anime world. Additionally, it has served as an inspiration for many food-themed anime series that followed.

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