Masayuki Kusumi, renowned author of the popular gourmet manga series Solitary Gourmet (Kodoku no Gourmet), is set to launch a new culinary manga titled Lunch Banchō Hitomi with illustrator Ryō Amei. The new series will debut in Square Enix’s Young Gangan magazine’s 21st issue on October 17.
A New Flavor of Gourmet Storytelling
The upcoming manga, Lunch Banchō Hitomi, shifts its focus to a protagonist named Hitomi Shinōsaka, described as the “Lunch Banchō.” This character possesses an “instinctual lunch antenna” that guides him to delectable and aromatic restaurants for his midday meals. The collaboration brings together Kusumi’s established expertise in food-centric narratives with Amei’s artistic interpretation, promising a fresh take on the gourmet manga genre.
The Vision Behind “Lunch Banchō Hitomi”
Ryō Amei shared the announcement on their X (formerly Twitter) account, expressing their commitment to faithfully deliver Kusumi’s unique worldview. The new series introduces a female “banchō” (a Japanese term often referring to a delinquent leader), adding an intriguing twist to the well-trodden path of gourmet manga. This character-driven approach, centered on Hitomi’s keen sense for finding the perfect lunch, suggests a blend of humor and culinary exploration.
Masayuki Kusumi’s Legacy in Gourmet Manga
Masayuki Kusumi is a prolific Japanese manga story writer, essayist, and musician, born in Tokyo in 1958. He is widely celebrated for his contributions to the gourmet genre, most notably as the original author of Solitary Gourmet (also known as Kodoku no Gourmet).
The Enduring Popularity of Solitary Gourmet
Solitary Gourmet, which Kusumi co-created with the late manga artist Jiro Taniguchi, first began serialization from 1994 to 1996 in Fusosha’s Monthly Panja magazine. The manga follows Goro Inogashira, a middle-aged traveling salesman who explores various eateries across Japan, appreciating his meals in quiet solitude. The series gained immense popularity, inspiring a long-running live-action television drama that has seen nine seasons and multiple TV specials starring Yutaka Matsushige. A live-action film adaptation also premiered in Japan in January 2025. English editions of The Solitary Gourmet manga have also been released, with an anticipated debut in October 2024.
Kusumi’s other notable works in the culinary vein include Samurai Gourmet, which was adapted into a live-action Netflix series, further solidifying his reputation as a master of food-related narratives. He has also been involved in various capacities in television adaptations of his works, sometimes appearing in minor roles.
Ryō Amei’s Contribution
While details on Ryō Amei’s previous manga works are not extensively available in the provided search results, their collaboration with a seasoned author like Kusumi for Lunch Banchō Hitomi marks a significant new project. Amei’s role as the illustrator will be crucial in bringing Kusumi’s culinary visions and the unique character of Hitomi Shinōsaka to life visually for Young Gangan readers.
The announcement has generated anticipation among fans of gourmet manga and followers of Kusumi’s distinctive storytelling, eager to see what new culinary adventures Lunch Banchō Hitomi will serve.
