Just fabulous.

What a wonderful show. Don't go in expecting conflict, overt drama, or interpersonal rivalries. This is a soft yet wonderful look at the Willow World- the world of the Geiko ("Geisha" outside Kyoto) and Maiko, (Hangyoku outside of Kyoto) their apprentices.

It's about two best friends from the north of Japan's Honshu island who travel south to Kyoto to become Geisha. As their training progresses, it's clear one hasn't the chops to make it. She does however, have the golden touch in the kitchen, and when the house's Makanai (cook) takes ill, she subs in for her, and finds her place cooking for the ladies while the other works towards her goal.

That basically it, but it's the journey that is the beautiful part of the show. Every episode has a signature food, and the daily lives of the Maiko and Geiko - and the friendships - are the focus of the show.

If you don't require stuff to blow up, people to hop in the sack, or see blood ropes flung across the screen (not that there's anything wrong with those) to enjoy a show, then relax with this gem. It won't disappoint.

..Joe

PS: I REALLY hope there's a second season.