Maison Prison

Skilled chef Yoko Ginbayashi unexpectedly takes a job as a nutritionist at a men's prison. Though mainly assigned to desk work such as menu planning, she is also called into the kitchen to instruct inmates directly. As prison officer Sugiyama explains the prison's unusual rules, Yoko faces one surprise after another. On her first day, croquettes suddenly explode before her eyes. © NHK / Shochiku

Yoko prepares for a monthly menu planning meeting. She must meet the daily budget of 543 yen per person for three meals, and not use ingredients like mirin. At the meeting, associate warden Irie opposes her fried squid with lemon idea, but warden Natori gives her the green light. Bito complains that Hamazaki Prison serves less barley rice than other prisons. © NHK / Shochiku

Yoko plans to make donuts for inmates working long hours in the prison kitchen, but budget cuts force her to create tofu donuts from leftover ingredients. Meanwhile, tensions between the kitchen crew and other inmates lead to trouble, and the donut plan is canceled. As her daughter Akari continues staying out overnight without a job, Yoko faces problems at work and at home. © NHK / Shochiku

Yoko is saddened by the news that Umekawa is rearrested following his release. Sugiyama tries to hide his shock at work. Kawaguchi opens up to Takeda about the crime he has committed, wondering how difficult it is for people to truly change. As another menu planning meeting approaches, Yoko proposes making non-frozen karaage fried chicken from scratch for a Christmas menu. © NHK / Shochiku

Yoko is shocked by the sudden death of inmate Takeda. Sugiyama tells her Takeda had intended to write to his daughter about making homemade fried chicken after his release. Yoko decides to move forward. Later, at the annual correctional exhibition where inmates and staff interact with the public, the kitchen team opens a booth. Yoko creates a new version of her prison donut. © NHK / Shochiku