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The purpose of this article
In this article, we will review Hideo Shinanogawa's "Mountains, Appetite, and Me" and discuss the themes of "solo mountain climbing" and "mountain food."The value of "alone time" todayWe will avoid spoilers and summarize the appeal and implications of the work in a way that even beginners to mountain climbing can understand.
basic information
- title: Mountains, Appetite, and Me
- author: Hideo Shinanogawa
- Publisher: Shinchosha (BUNCH COMICS)
- Genre: Gourmet manga, mountain climbing manga, daily drama
- Number of volumes: 17 volumes published (as of September 2025, ongoing)
- Serialized media: "Jellyfish Bunch"
- Film adaptation: Already adapted into a live-action film
This work is a story about the protagonist, Hibino Ayumi, who explores the themes of "solo mountain climbing" and "mountain food," and is an exquisite fusion of gourmet manga and mountain climbing manga. In particular, the realistic depictions of mountains that even beginners can relate to, and the delicious cooking scenes are appealing, and it has gained support from many outdoor enthusiasts and food lovers.
Synopsis
The protagonist of the story is Hibino Ayumi, a 27-year-old office worker. She doesn't have the flashy style of a "mountain girl" or "outdoorsy girl," but rather enjoys quietly climbing mountains alone and cooking her own unique dishes.
The reason for climbing mountains is "to eat." That's it. Rather than striving for heights like a stoic mountaineer, the film depicts a lifestyle in which one climbs at a pace that suits them, and the meal they eat at the summit is the ultimate reward.
The story is a series of stories that gently depict the friends she meets, the realizations she gains through her mountain climbing experiences, the harshness and richness of nature, and the "joy of eating." The story doesn't have any major twists and turns, but each time you read it, you'll feel like "I want to go to the mountains" or "I want to try making a dish like that."
The mountain we're about to climb looks steep. I think it would be quicker to just fly...
The charm of mountain climbing is climbing one step at a time. Happiness is different for each person.
The charm of the characters
Ayumi Hibino
The main character is known as the "Mountain Food Girl." She's an ordinary office worker and doesn't stand out in any particular way, but when she climbs a mountain, she comes alive. She's good at cooking, and her imagination is amazing as she creates "mountain meals" by arranging familiar ingredients that can be purchased at convenience stores or supermarkets. Her thorough preparation and aggressive approach to the mountains make her an appealing figure who enjoys the mountains.
This character makes me want to have something I can immerse myself in like this.
Climbing buddies
As the story progresses, Ayumi meets a variety of people. The book depicts the diverse human relationships surrounding mountain climbing, including a man knowledgeable about the outdoors, people who enjoy family mountain climbing, and elderly climbers. These people are a source of inspiration for Ayumi, and sometimes they also teach her lessons.
The mountain itself
Beyond the characters, the other main character of the work is the "mountain." The mountains change their appearance with the seasons, sometimes gentle and sometimes harsh, and give the reader a sense of the greatness of nature. The manga itself is drawn in black and white, but the beauty of the trees, mountains, and stars can be seen in the words and expressions of the main characters.
The main character is of course charming, and there are many different people to meet along the way. The beautiful greenery and the murmuring of the river are some of the best parts of mountain climbing.
Why "mountains" and "appetite"?
1. Solo mountain climbing = time for self-talk
You don't need to keep pace with anyone,It creates space to face yourselfSilence, breathing, footsteps - your senses become sharper and the here and now becomes more intense. There is a process of becoming aware of your own body and mind. It can also be read as a digital detox, distancing yourself from the hustle and bustle of social media.
② Mountain cooking = visualization of ingenuity and a sense of accomplishment
A little extra touch to instant noodles“This experience of turning small ingenuity into the ultimate reward can also be applied to everyday cooking.The joy of "making it yourself and tasting it yourself" is here.
3. The harshness and kindness of nature
You can't choose the weather, the season, or the conditions. But mountain climbing is all about creating "enjoyable conditions" through preparation and judgment. Ayumi's attitude is a model of "enjoying the climb without overdoing it."
Imagery and atmosphere
The illustrations are soft and friendly. The characters' expressions are simple yet rich, and even their breathing and fatigue during the climb are conveyed. The cooking scenes in particular are full of realism, so much so that you can even feel the steam and aroma.
The overall atmosphere is soothing, and readers feel as if they are breathing in the fresh air of nature with each turn of a page. The book also incorporates practical mountaineering knowledge and cooking tips, making it a work that can be enjoyed not just as fiction but as a memoir of personal experiences.
Memorable scenes
- The scene where Ayumi "adds a little something to her cup ramen" at the summit, transforming ordinary instant noodles into an exquisite treat, makes the other climbers blurt out, "I want to eat that!" It's a moment that makes many readers think, "I'll try that next time."
- This is the scene where the protagonist is thinking about what to eat when she gets down the mountain. As the title suggests, it's a scene of full-throttle appetite, "Mountains, Appetite, and Me." Even after falling and getting covered in mud, her appetite gets her back on her feet again. She pushes forward as if to say that delicious food is justice. Rewards are important, aren't they?
What is your reward? - The episode about making "The Powerful Meat Udon" in the snowy mountains captures the harshness of nature and the warmth of the sun in a memorable way. Eating udon in the mountains while basking in the sunlight must be the best.
The food in the mountains is so delicious!
My appetite won't stop
Recommended for:
- People interested in mountain climbing and hiking
- People who like gourmet manga and want to enjoy depictions of food
- People looking for soothing everyday works
- People who like stories about travel and nature
- People who are interested in "camping food" and "mountain food"
Similar works
- "Laid-Back Camp△"(Afro)
This is a story about high school girls enjoying camping. The common theme is outdoors and gourmet food. - "The Solitary Gourmet"(Masayuki Kusumi and Jiro Taniguchi)
It's similar in that it's about enjoying a meal alone. - "Bandit Diary"(Kentaro Okamoto)
A true-life manga that realistically depicts nature and food. - "Cooking Papa"(Ueyama Tochi)
The elements of human drama through cooking are similar.
Q&A
Q: Can people with no mountain climbing experience enjoy this?
A: Yes. Even if you don't have any specialized knowledge, anyone can enjoy it as it focuses on food and everyday life.
Q: Are there many recipes that can actually be made?
A: There are many. There are also recipes that use convenience store ingredients, so they are easy to follow.
Q: Has it ever been made into a live-action film?
A: Yes, it has been made into a live-action film.
summary
"Mountains, Appetite, and Me" is a work that exquisitely combines the extraordinary experience of mountain climbing with the familiar pleasure of eating. Ayumi's down-to-earth attitude teaches readers how to enjoy life without overdoing it. With each page, you'll realize the deliciousness of food eaten in nature and the importance of time spent satisfying your soul.
It's a work where you can encounter the most amazing scenery, people, and delicious food.
Thank you for reading this blog!
Other works by the author
"fine."
Related articles
We also introduce other works with themes of food and mountains.
If you're interested, check out this article too 👇
▶ "Isekai Chanko" - Delicious food awaits you in another world
▶ "Gake" - The beauty and harshness of mountains
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