Cooking with Wild Game (異世界料理道, Isekai Ryōridō) is a Japanese Isekai light novel series written by EDA and illustrated by Kochimo. It began serialization online in 2014 on the user-generated novel publishing website Shōsetsuka ni Narō. It was acquired by Hobby Japan, who published the first light novel volume in October 2015 under their HJ Novels imprint. Thirty-one volumes have been released as of December 2023. A manga adaptation with art by Kochimo has been serialized online via Hobby Japan's Comic Fire website since 2018. Both the light novel and manga have been licensed in North America by J-Novel Club.
Synopsis[]
Tsurumi Asuta is a 17-year-old second year high school student. He was an apprentice cook working at the public diner "Tsurumi-ya" that was managed by his father. One day, Tsurumi-ya is hit by fire and Asuta dived inside the burning shop in order to save his father's santoku knife which is said to be his father soul, where he found demise.
When he came to, he was in the midst of a strange jungle. He was then attacked by a beast resembling a boar, but Asuta was saved by a girl named Ai Fa claiming herself as part of the "People of Morihen." It was then that he realized he was in another world.
(Source: Rebirth World Online)
List of Published Books[]
Light Novels[]
The light novel series was originally published by EDA as a free-to-read web novel on Shōsetsuka ni Narō in 2014 and Hobby Japan published the first volume in print with illustrations by Kochimo in October 2015. As of December 7, 2023, thirty-one volumes have been published. The light novel is licensed in North America by J-Novel Club. As of December 2023, twenty-two English volumes have been published.
| No. | Japanese release date | Japanese ISBN | English release date | English ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | February 20, 2015 | 9784798609652 | — | — |
| 2 | April 22, 2015 | 9784798610078 | — | — |
| 3 | June 24, 2015 | 9784798610320 | — | — |
| 4 | September 19, 2015 | 9784798610757 | — | — |
| 5 | December 22, 2015 | 9784798611402 | — | — |
| 6 | March 24, 2016 | 9784798611969 | — | — |
| 7 | June 22, 2016 | 9784798612430 | — | — |
| 8 | September 23, 2016 | 9784798612911 | — | — |
| 9 | December 22, 2016 | 9784798613543 | — | — |
| 10 | March 23, 2017 | 9784798614694 | — | — |
| 11 | June 22, 2017 | 9784798614694 | — | — |
| 12 | November 22, 2017 | 9784798615332 | — | — |
| 13 | February 23, 2018 | 9784798616292 | — | — |
| 14 | May 24, 2018 | 9784798616988 | — | — |
| 15 | September 22, 2018 | 9784798617534 | — | — |
| 16 | January 25, 2019 | 9784798618463 | — | — |
| 17 | April 23, 2019 | 9784798619101 | — | — |
| 18 | July 23, 2019 | 9784798619668 | — | — |
| 19 | November 22, 2019 | 9784798620497 | — | — |
| 20 | March 21, 2020 | 9784798621494 | — | — |
| 21 | June 22, 2020 | 9784798622354 | — | — |
| 22 | September 19, 2020 | 978-4798622996 | — | — |
| 23 | December 22, 2020 | 9784798623764 | — | — |
| 24 | March 19, 2021 | 9784798624402 | — | — |
| 25 | June 19, 2021 | 9784798625126 | — | — |
| 26 | September 18, 2021 | 9784798625898 | — | — |
| 27 | May 19, 2022 | 9784798628417 | — | — |
| 28 | August 19, 2022 | 9784798628974 | — | — |
| 29 | January 19, 2023 | 9784798630007 | — | — |
| 30 | May 19, 2023 | 9784798631837 | — | — |
| 31 | September 19, 2023 | 9784798632759 | — | — |
| 32 | January 19, 2024 | 984798633886 | — | — |
Manga[]
The series was adapted into a manga series by Kochimo and published by Hobby Japan, with nine volumes released as of December 7, 2023. The manga is also licensed by J-Novel Club. As of December 7, 2023, seven English volumes have been published.
| No. | Japanese release date | Japanese ISBN | English release date | English ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | May 26, 2018 | 9784798617008 | — | — |
| 2 | January 26, 2019 | 9784798618500 | — | — |
| 3 | November 27, 2019 | 9784798620558 | — | — |
| 4 | June 27, 2020 | 9784798622408 | — | — |
| 5 | February 1, 2021 | 9784798624129 | — | — |
| 6 | August 2, 2021 | 9784798625591 | — | — |
| 7 | December 28, 2022 | 9784798626512 | — | — |
| 8 | May 1, 2023 | 9784798631035 | — | — |
| 9 | November 1, 2023 | 9784798633381 | — | — |
World Setting[]
Despite being an Isekai (another world) story, it is rare because it does not feature monsters like orcs, kobolds, or man-eating creatures, nor does it include fantasy races like elves. It is set in a different world without elements like magic or similar otherworldly powers. However, there are parts where the content may feel somewhat stretched or have twisted settings to fit the plausibility, which could be a barrier to entry for some readers. Nevertheless, aside from a few elements in the early parts, the story progresses realistically with a solid world-building, making it recommendable for those tired of the convenience-driven plots commonly found in Isekai stories.
While typical Isekai cooking stories often utilize the same ingredient system as the protagonist's original world, this novel features entirely different ingredients from the protagonist's home world, Earth, allowing for a fresh perspective on exploring new ingredients in cooking.
Character[]
The protagonist of this work. 17 years old (second year of high school). 170 cm tall. After losing his mother in childhood in Japan, he was apprenticed to his father, who ran a public restaurant called "Tsurumi-ya." He lived relatively well with his childhood friend Reina, but when gangsters tried to take over the shop and set it on fire, he jumped in to retrieve a family heirloom kitchen knife (santoku knife) his father used and was crushed under the collapsing debris, at which moment he found himself in another world.
When he came to, he was in the midst of a strange jungle. He was then attacked by a beast resembling a boar, but Asuta was saved by a girl named Ai Fa in this new world, he is currently living as a helper in Ai Fa's kitchen. He possesses a level of pride that puts his life on the line for the culinary path. He is working hard to establish butchery methods and cooking techniques for Giba meat by the forest edge, and is also contemplating how to create new dishes using ingredients from this world.
He is aware of the feelings of Vina and Reina, but having already been captivated by Ai Fa and understanding her determination to live as a hunter without marrying anyone, he has resolved not to marry anyone himself. As their relationship deepens, this resolution has changed to a commitment not to marry anyone other than Ai Fa, and if Ai Fa ever decides to stop being a hunter, they would formalize their marriage, effectively living as a couple recognized by everyone, just without the actual wedding ceremony.
Compared to the forest dwellers, he is significantly weaker and in a protected position, but his sense of smell is even more acute than that of the forest dwellers, which has helped him survive life-threatening situations. There, he witnesses the terrible diet of a village that lacks even the technique for bloodletting, and he teaches them about gourmet food, initiating a culinary revolution.
Eventually, he forms a connection with the influential Ruu Clan, and at the suggestion of Camua-Yoshu, he starts a business cooking Giba (a beast resembling a giant boar) in a post town to bring prosperity to the "Forest People" and change the prejudices against them and Giba meat that have existed throughout Genos.
He exposes the grave sins of the Sun Clan, the clan leaders, witnesses the proposal for a tri-chieftain system, and successfully pursues the old grievances of the Turan Count family in an inquiry with his fellow tribesmen. He reconciles with the Marquis of Genos and fosters connections with nobles and people from other countries, bringing prosperity not only to the "Forest People" but also to Genos.
Although he was initially recognized as a "foreigner staying in the forest," he receives permission from a diplomat in the royal capital to be baptized and officially becomes a member of the "Western People." Having discarded his surname upon becoming a family member, he is referred to as "Asuta of the Fa Clan" by those around him. He is referred to as the "Starless People" by the "Eastern People." Asuta was summoned by the Western God, Selva the Fire God. This was discovered after the baptism, but the reason why he summoned the people from another world has yet to be revealed.
Personality[]
"I will cook you a great meal!"
― Asuta Tsurumi
His personality is bright and indecisive. Although a somewhat short-tempered side can be seen in the early stages, due to experience in customer service, he is highly sociable and rarely angry.
Santoku Knife (Asuta Heirloom)
Furthermore, having overcome numerous hardships, his mentality is more stable than their age suggests, and his tone becomes gentler. On the other hand, when comrades are insulted or threatened, they harbor a passion that surpasses that of a hunter. He can intimidating presence can be so dangerous that it instills fear in others on a primal level.
Due to being from another world, they do not possess racial prejudices, especially towards the "Eastern people," whom they view favorably. With a competitive spirit, they have a sense of rivalry with the female members of the "Forest People" they have personally guided, as well as with other chefs they encounter.
Their social circle is wide, with friends of various ages. They speak casually with same-age friends like Rud Ruu and Rau Re but use respectful language with the opposite sex and older individuals. They have a good relationship with Shumiral, who hails from another country and has become a member of the "Forest People."
Interestingly, despite being a high school student, they possess a sensibility that is detached from modernity, showing no longing for convenient electronic devices. However, they sometimes feel nostalgic for various handy cooking tools. Moreover, they live without being shocked by the impoverished lifestyle of the Forest People, displaying an extraordinary adaptability from the beginning.
Regarding relationships with women, they were aware of Reina's feelings before any confession, showing sharpness towards others' affections. Since Asuta themselves have a liking for Ai Fa when they notice affection from other women, they subtly try to avoid it, and if a confession is made, they politely decline.
To be honest, they are remarkably mature for a 17-year-old. And perhaps due to the harshness of their life, they are quite sensitive and prone to tears. The public dining hall "Tsurumi-ya" was set on fire by a violent gang aiming for the land, and in a desperate attempt to save his father's treasured Santoku knife, he rushed into the store and met a tragic death by burning alive. Although he harbors feelings of hatred towards those involved who harmed his father and burned the store, Asuta himself has come to terms with his death as a personal responsibility.
Abilities[]
"I don't need a reason. These many different people have all gathered together to eat food. As a chef, I want to strive to bring them as much joy as I can."
― Asuta Tsurumi
From his experience helping at his family's "Tsurumi-ya," he possesses basic cooking skills. Additionally, through experiences like farm camps, I am capable of butchering wild boar and other animals. At "Tsurumi-ya," we offer a variety of dishes, with a wide range of cuisines including Japanese, Western, Chinese, and Italian. However, while I can make basic sweets, I leave the creative aspects to Tour De and Rimi Ru, as Ai Fa does not prefer them. Furthermore, since my family's establishment was a modest diner, I know refined kaiseki cuisine and French cooking, but I lack the actual skills to prepare them.
The ingredients from this other world differ in appearance, content, and nature, so my primary focus is on "creating dishes I know using unfamiliar ingredients." Therefore, I struggle with ingredients that have no commonalities with those from my hometown and hold study sessions to research them. From the perspective of the people of the Amusuhorn continent, Asuta's cooking methods are considered foreign techniques and are regarded as special, including the dishes themselves.
He possesses an exceptional sense of smell and can identify ingredients by their aroma in the story. He is skilled in handling fire. With experience in the restaurant business, he also has management skills, specialized knowledge, and high mathematical ability. Later in the series, Asuta learns archery to hunt Giba.
Reception[]
Rebecca Silverman of Anime News Network gave the first volume a grade of B−, praising its handling of cultural differences and the quality of the English translation. She wrote: "Cooking with Wild Game isn't the most thrilling of books, but it is setting up to perhaps spend more time on things that aren't excessive amounts of game-preparation... If you enjoy cooking stories, this is an interesting one, even if it has yet to achieve a perfect balance of its story elements."
External Links[]
- Cooking with Wild Game — Web novel at Shōsetsuka ni Narō (in Japanese)
- Cooking with Wild Game — Work information (Light novel official website) | Hobby Japan (in Japanese)
- Cooking with Wild Game — Work information (Manga Official Website) | Comic Fire (in Japanese)
- Cooking with Wild Game — Wikipedia EN
Trivia[]
to be added.