Plot Synopsis

Based on "Maiko in Kyoto: From the Maiko House," a popular comic by Aiko Koyama, THE MAKANAI: COOKING FOR THE MAIKO HOUSE is a nine-episode drama series set in the geisha district of Kyoto, where Kiyo becomes a Makanai (person who cooks meals) at a house where Maiko (apprentice geishas) live together. After graduating from junior high school, 16-year-old Kiyo leaves her home of Aomori and heads to Kyoto with her friend Sumire with dreams of becoming a beautiful maiko. However, she is told she is not suited to being one. As a tearful Kiyo is about to return to Aomori, her skill for cooking is discovered and she is hired as a makanai. During this time, Sumire rapidly grows into a beautiful maiko and becomes famous along the streets of the traditional Gion town. The beautiful, fun, and delicious days of a makanai and a maiko start here. All nine episodes of THE MAKANAI: COOKING FOR THE MAIKO HOUSE dropped on Thursday, January 12, 2023 on Netflix.