If you’re a fan, then you’ll have noticed. I’m sure you will have. Anime food always looks so good. Now, is that down to animators knowing we’ve developed a focus on that particular scene and doing their best to make sure the illustrated food looks excellent?
Or is there something more to it?
Geek Native invited Kelly Choi to make some suggestions. Why Kelly? Kelly is the boss at Kelly Loves, a restaurant-quality home sushi kit site. Kelly was born in Korea, learned in Japan and then moved to Europe. In Paris, Kelly made sushi her business.
Five reasons anime food looks so good
By Kelly Choi, founder of Kelly Loves.
Attention to detail
When depicting food in anime, there is great attention to detail particularly in comparison to other films which see food as more of a background feature. Specific elements of the food in anime can be brought close to perfection – for example, the yellow of egg yolk, the steam from freshly made gyozas and the crispiness of chicken katsudon. Animated dishes are presented in a way that reflects how the food should look to the mind’s bias making it look more appetising.
Vibrant colours
Anime tends to use bright and vibrant colours which makes the food stand out and look even more delicious. The effect of colour on food perception has a massive influence. The brighter the food is in colour, the more people associate it with better nutrition and flavour. Different colours evoke distinct responses in individuals and can influence their dining experience. For example, bright red triggers excitement and enhances the appetite, prompting people to consume more. Green inspires people to opt for healthy, well-balanced meals whereas orange has the opposite effect. Known for its appetite-stimulating properties, it brings about a sense of informality, hence why it is frequently used by fast-food chains. The variety of colours used in Ponyo’s ramen for instance is varied, which based on the above, suggests to viewers its nutritionally well-balanced.
Exaggeration and emphasis
Anime often use exaggerated visual techniques to emphasise the appeal of the food. Close-up shots, steam rising from dishes, and characters expressing over-the-top enjoyment while eating all contribute to the mouthwatering effect. Inori Yuzuriha from Guilty Crown can be seen here enjoying Onigiri. The sushi rice has been blurred with a light cast behind it to give off a halo, angelic effect.
Sound effects
Sound effects play a crucial role in anime food scenes. The sizzling sound of meat on a grill, the crunch of a crispy snack, or the slurping of noodles is crafted to enhance the sensory experience and make the food appear more delicious.
Emotional connection
Anime often uses food as a storytelling device to evoke emotion. The characters’ reactions and expressions while eating, coupled with nostalgic or heartwarming narratives, can evoke a sense of longing or desire for the food being portrayed. This emotional connection is used to translate through our screens so viewers are left with the same feeling.
For more information about the impacts of anime food on popular TV shows and films, please visit the Kelly Loves blog, where you can learn to make dishes from anime in the comfort of your own home.
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