What Is That Sticky Japanese Food in Present Perfect (2017)? Let’s Talk Natto, Karaage & the Real Food Behind BL Films
A film + food article series by COMMETIVE – because sometimes the meal tells the story.
INTRODUCING: “EAT LIKE THE MOVIES” — A COMMETIVE ORIGINAL SERIES
Have you ever paused a movie—not for a kiss scene—but to screenshot the food?
We have.
So welcome to “Eat Like the Movies,” a fun and flavorful article series from COMMETIVE. We’re going behind the scenes of the meals in every one of our films and TV series—starting with Present Perfect (2017).
This isn’t just about what the characters ate—this is about why they ate it, how those meals reflect their emotions, and how you (yes, you!) can make them at home with easy ingredients and kitchen tools from Amazon.
Because food isn’t just a side dish—it’s part of the story.
Episode 1: Japanese Food in Present Perfect (2017)
Shot in the snowy town of Higashikawa, Japan, Present Perfect is a slow, tender love story that uses food to say what words often can’t. Let’s break down the five meals that quietly shaped Toey and Oat’s emotional journey.
And yes—we’ll show you how to cook every single one at home (no judgment if you cry while eating natto).
1. Natto with Rice – The Sticky Stuff of Growth
The Scene:
Toey tries natto—a Japanese fermented soybean that’s, well… an acquired taste. Most foreigners hate it. He tries anyway.
Symbolism:
Trying something new. Being uncomfortable. Embracing the unknown. Natto is basically the love story of the film in food form.
How to Make It:
- Scoop warm rice into a bowl.
- Add chilled natto from the pack.
- Mix in mustard or soy sauce.
- Stir aggressively until it gets stringy.
- Close your eyes. Eat it fast. Reflect on your life.
Ingredients & Tools:
2. Chicken Karaage – Deep Fried Denial (But Delicious)
The Scene:
Toey eats karaage alone—classic Japanese fried chicken. Why? Because it’s safe. Familiar. No seafood, no surprises.
Symbolism:
Karaage = the emotional armor. It’s crispy comfort when you don’t want to feel things yet.
How to Make It:
1. Marinate chicken thighs in soy sauce, sake, garlic, and ginger.
2. Coat in potato starch.
3. Deep fry until golden and crispy.
Must-Have Tools & Ingredients
TIP: Pair with rice, lemon wedge, and unresolved feelings.
3. Bento Box – The Love-At-First-Lunch Moment
The Scene:
They both reach for the same bento. Boom—connection.
Symbolism:
Bento = variety, structure, surprise. Like falling for someone who isn’t your “type,” but feels right anyway.
What to Include in a Classic Bento:
- Rice
- Karaage
- Tamagoyaki (sweet egg roll)
- Pickled vegetables
- A cherry tomato or two
For Your Own Bento Adventure:
4. Shabu-Shabu – Hotpot of Healing
The Scene:
They eat shabu-shabu at home. It’s cozy. It’s quiet. It’s where real trust starts to form.
Symbolism:
Shabu-shabu is about sharing, slowing down, and being present. You don’t rush a hotpot, and you don’t rush healing either.
How to Make Shabu-Shabu at Home:
- Fill a pot with kombu broth or water.
- Dip thinly sliced beef into boiling broth until cooked.
- Add cabbage, mushrooms, tofu, and noodles.
- Serve with dipping sauces (ponzu, sesame).
Full Shabu-Shabu Setup
- Electric Hotpot & Grill Combo
- Beef Slicing Knife (super thin cuts)
- Chopstick Skimmers for Hotpot
Bonus Tip: Invite someone over. It’s impossible to be emotionally distant while cooking hotpot together.
5. Japanese Margherita Pizza – Scene Deleted, Pizza Not Forgotten
The Scene:
In a deleted scene, Toey and Yumi eat Japanese-style pizza and talk about politics. It’s deep. It’s chewy. It’s cheese with feelings.
Symbolism:
Pizza = rebellion. It's Western culture inside Japanese context—like Toey struggling with his own identity in a foreign land.
How to Make Japanese-Style Margherita Pizza:
- Use a thinner crust
- Add more sauce, less cheese
- Top with basil and tomato
- Bake on a pizza stone for that crunchy base
Pizza-Making Gear for Your Home Café:
When Food Speaks Louder Than Words
Food in Present Perfect isn’t random. Every dish says something deeper:
- Natto is fear and bravery.
- Karaage is emotional protection.
- Bento is connection.
- Shabu-shabu is intimacy.
- Pizza is identity.
If you're into BL, food, filmmaking—or just feeling stuff—you’ll find something real in every bite.
Coming Soon: Episode 2 – 2Moons2 and the Flirtiest Thai Snacks You’ve Ever Seen
Spoiler: There’s soup. There’s ice cream. There’s indirect kissing.
