舞妓さんちのまかないさん 1

Good, but I prefer the drama. Good for Kansai-ben

I came from the drama, and found this nice, but a bit too simplistic in comparison. The drama was much more filled out, and added focus to interpersonal relationships, the professional, familial, and household dynamics, maiko training, and various other themes that (at least in volume 1), barely show up. The cooking is much more prominent, but not overly complicated, and not over-emphasized either.

It's good practice for Kansai-ben, and particularly Kyoto-ben (as opposed to the more default Os

A cozy and enjoyable read

I'm really enjoying the series so far, so much that I almost devoured the first volume and already got my hands on the second. The story follows 16-year old Kiyo in her daily life as a makanai in Kyoto: she is responsible for preparing the meals of the young maiko, the apprentice geishas. The story is pleasant, and made me feel like I was standing in the corner of a room, peeking at the daily lives of the characters. It also gives a lot of insight into the cultural aspects and customs of gei