[Gag × Gourmet] A Crayon Shin-chan Spin-off! Enjoy the Aesthetics of Salaryman Hiroshi's Lunchtime, Blended with Comedy! Nohara Hiroshi Hiru Meshi no Ryuugi!

The dependable father from the anime Crayon Shin-chan, loved throughout Japan, “Nohara Hiroshi.” The spin-off work Nohara Hiroshi Hiru Meshi no Ryuugi, which puts him in the starring role, is not just a side story. This is a unique food manga packed with the “reality of a working man” that you don't get to see at home. How does he manage to arrive at the “best single meal” within the limited time of a salaryman's lunch break and with limited pocket money? This culinary exploration, depicted from the perspective of an average middle-aged man—unlike a gourmet show—will undoubtedly make you reconsider your own lunch customs.

If you think this work is just about eating lunch, you are greatly mistaken. The conflicts and decisions unfolding within Nohara Hiroshi are like watching a drama. You can't help but laugh and sympathize with him as he agonizes, “Is it ramen today, or no, a Japanese set meal, or maybe......?” And his passion for that one meal is a dedication that can truly be called the “Way of the Lunch.” Each time, his thoroughly considered food choice and his emotional state while actually eating are depicted in detail, leading to a strange sense of conviction that “Ah, this is what salarymen think about.”

While Nohara Hiroshi is usually strongly associated with the image of a “slightly sloppy but lovable dad,” this work shifts focus to carefully depict him working seriously at the office and cherishing his own lunchtime moment. It is an experience that can be called an encounter with another “Hiroshi.” This manga is filled with a peculiar charm that warms the heart even as you laugh. In particular, the joy and preciousness of “choosing a meal while thinking alone,” rather than eating with someone else, stands out, and for some readers, it might lead to a realization of “healing” or “the importance of one's own time.”

The appeal of this manga also lies in its readability. Each chapter is short and moves quickly, so you can easily read it during a break, yet the content is surprisingly deep. There are many moments that make you nod and think, “Yeah, that happens,” and you are enveloped in the feeling of finding “seeds of happiness” within everyday life. In particular, while you can read it without thinking, you suddenly find yourself contemplating “food” from Hiroshi's perspective. It is a perfect work for a slightly luxurious lunchtime read, leaving you with such a peculiar lingering feeling.