Series by 小山愛子

In the heart of Kyoto's vibrant geisha district, Kiyo works as the live-in cook, or "makanai," at a maiko house, preparing meals for the apprentice geishas. Originally aspiring to be a maiko herself alongside her childhood friend Sumire, Kiyo finds her true calling in the kitchen, crafting dishes that bring comfort and joy to the house. As Sumire rises as a promising maiko, Kiyo navigates the daily rhythms of the flower town, weaving bonds with the residents through her heartfelt cooking.

In the bustling port town of Yokohama during the Meiji era, a young girl named Chirori works at Kamome-tei, a small seaside café run by the elegant and enigmatic Madam. As the seasons shift, Chirori's days are filled with quiet moments—serving coffee, observing the town's vibrant blend of cultures, and forming bonds with the café's diverse patrons. Amidst the backdrop of a rapidly modernizing Japan, Chirori's gentle presence weaves a tapestry of small, heartfelt connections.