“Kinobu - Food, Tradition, and Identity” takes you behind the scenes of a Michelin star restaurant in Kyoto, Japan. Kinobu fuses food, tradition, and Japanese aesthetics to serve its guests exquisite dishes in a beautiful and tranquil setting.

As you enter from the busy street of downtown Kyoto, you experience the serenity of Kinobu. You pass through a long narrow corridor to be greeted by staff, where you take off your shoes, and are led to a private room with a garden view.

The film revolves around Takuji Takahashi, a third-generation owner/chef, who is a forward-looking maverick with contrasting visions. While deeply respecting the cuisine that goes back hundreds of years, he is always exploring new ways to elevate this cuisine. Over 20 years, he has practiced Noh, the oldest form of Japanese theater. Studying Noh has taught him how to simultaneously be intense and calm. This is a mental skill he uses to create delicate and creative dishes while managing the high-pressure kitchen environment. He is also a sommelier working with a Japanese wine maker to produce wine that complements Japanese food.

Watching the film is an immersive experience. You experience a world of culinary art, craftsmanship, and community. You see how different traditional art forms are intertwined with each other. The film reveals how food embodies Japanese aesthetic sensibilities through its presentation, color, and connection to each season.