KINOBU: FOOD, TRADITION & IDENTITY

木乃婦：食、伝統、アイデンティティ

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KINOBU — FOOD, TRADITION, AND IDENTITY offers an intimate look inside a Michelin-starred restaurant in the heart of Kyoto, Japan, where culinary artistry meets centuries-old tradition. The film centers on Takuji Takahashi, the third-generation chef-owner of Kinobu, who honors the deep roots of Japanese cuisine while boldly reimagining its future. A practitioner of Noh theater for over 20 years, Takahashi brings its disciplined intensity and calm precision into his high-pressure kitchen, crafting dishes that are as delicate as they are inventive. As a trained sommelier, he also collaborates with a Japanese winemaker to develop wines that pair seamlessly with his cuisine. The film immerses viewers in the serene experience of dining at Kinobu—from slipping off your shoes in a quiet corridor to savoring exquisite meals in a private room with a garden view. Through stunning visuals and rich cultural context, the film explores how food reflects Japan’s seasonal beauty, aesthetic values, and enduring sense of identity.

The directorial feature debut of former-Honolulu resident Chikara Motomura, KINOBU lives in that hallowed pantheon of filmed Japanese culinary excellence alongside JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI. Experiencing this film is very much a cinematic ASMR journey, where even the room sound will also give you a tingle.

 

*Guests in attendance for post-screening Q&A (both screenings)