Chen vs. Kentaro
Originally aired 6/19/98
Iron Chef, the Official Book episode# 235
Iron Chef Collection episode# 621
“Food is fashion.” So says popular food critic Kentaro, son of Katsuyo Kobayashi, challenger in episode 43 (ICOB) / 232 (ICC). The trouble with metaphors is… well… they’re metaphors. But the Chairman explains this statement. Author of four books, Kentaro applies to his food an understanding of aesthetics that he gained in art school. “Well, Kentaro,” urges the Chairman, “show us what you mean when you say, ‘Food is fashion’.” (more…)
Kitchen Stadium Board
10 May, 2008
As many of you know, Fine Living Network began airing the original Iron Chef again this week. If you have that network, I encourage you to watch the show on the channel. (And if they aren’t showing an episode you want to watch, come here and watch it after their broadcast is over.) Perhaps a surge in interest will encourage Food Network to purchase more episodes. Enjoy their broadcasts while we do something a little different this week.
I thought this would be a good week to bring some attention to what I feel is a relatively underappreciated section of our site: our Beyond Kitchen Stadium videos. Most of these clips are short, and many of them let you see some of the familiar faces from Iron Chef in not so familiar settings. I know that some of you may have avoided watching some of the clips because they are in Japanese with no English subtitles, but I would encourage you to give them a try anyway. We’re adding some new clips this week.
- Looney Tunes Aluminum Chef #1 – Elmer Fudd vs. Yosemite Sam
- Looney Tunes Aluminum Chef #2 – Sylvester vs. Tweety
- Akimoto’s Idols – A clip about the popular Japanese Idol group AKB48. They were created and produced by frequent judge Yasushi Akimoto.
- Tenmei Kano – One of Japan’s best photographers takes Purikura pictures with former Morning Musume member Tsuji Nozomi
- Kandagawa and Shu Tomitoku – See Iron Chef challengers cook a treat for former Morning Musume member Tsuji Nozomi
- Kaga Nissan Commercial – The Chairman narrates a Japanese commercial for the Nissan Skyline GT-R
If you know of or have any videos that feature Iron Chefs, judges, or challengers, please let us know.
Next week, we will return to our regularly scheduled Episodes of the Week post with all new episodes for you to watch and download.
Tonight, the Fine Living Network began broadcasting Iron Chef. I encourage everyone who has that channel to watch their airings of our show in the hope that renewed interest in the show will lead to more episodes being purchased and dubbed.
Update #1: We have reached the first commercial break. It seems that all of the Backdraft music is gone. All of the voice work appears to be the same. Since they had to pull the music bed from the intro, we get a dubbed Kaga during the challenger intro. More updates to come.
Update #2: Kobe’s replacement rise music has been replaced. Same style of music as the rest of the new stuff. The music for the theme ingredient rise is, of course, new. Unfortunately, the music that was in the Youtube videos is also present here. It reminds me of a bad 70’s newscast opening.
Final Update: At least the music used for the explanation of the dishes had a feel similar to the original. And I am very glad they did not change the title screens to show “Iron Chef Japan.” It seems that the music later in the show at least tries to have the same feel as the original. All voice-work is the same as are any onscreen graphics. It appears to be simply the Food Network broadcast with different music beds. I will also give them credit for airing the only challenger to specialize in Mexican food on Cinco de Mayo.
My judgement: I will certainly use any missing episodes that Fine Living airs to help complete my personal collection as well as this collection, but I don’t see myself watching these broadcasts on a regular basis. I know why they made the changes they did, but I really don’t like them. The new music lacks any dramatic feel that the original had. (This is my personal assessment of the broadcast. Other staff here may feel differently.)
If you saw the episode, let us know what you thought about it in the comments. If you think I’m being nit-picky, tell me. If anyone who did not see the episode would like me to post some clips, let us know that in the comments as well.