Ep 39. Episode 39 - Ramen Shops with Long Menus Never Do Well

Gintama season 1 episode 39, titled "Ramen Shops with Long Menus Never Do Well", follows the daily struggles of Sakata Gintoki, a samurai who became a freelancer after the end of the great war between aliens and humans, and his friends as they search for a decent bowl of ramen.

It all starts when Gintoki and his friends stumble upon a ramen shop, only to find out that its menu is incredibly long and complicated. The owner, a stern old man, doesn't seem to care about his lack of customers and instead focuses on perfecting his recipes by adding unusual ingredients. Gintoki and his friends try the ramen, only to find it barely edible due to the overwhelming amount of toppings.

As they leave the ramen shop, the group realizes that long menus don't necessarily attract customers and that simplicity is often key. This inspires them to search for the best ramen in town, leading them to try various ramen shops with different styles and flavors, all while encountering quirky characters such as a fake ramen shop owner and a ramen salesman who uses a unique sales pitch.

Throughout the episode, Gintoki and his friends debate over their ideal ramen, with Gintoki arguing for a simple yet flavorful bowl while his friends prefer more complex options. Their search eventually leads them to a small, unassuming ramen shop run by an elderly couple who specialize in miso ramen. The ramen is simple yet delicious, satisfying everyone's cravings and reminding them of the importance of finding joy in the small things in life.

"Ramen Shops with Long Menus Never Do Well" offers a heartwarming and humorous insight into the characters' daily lives as they navigate the bustling city of Edo in pursuit of a simple bowl of ramen. It emphasizes the value of simplicity in all aspects of life and the importance of finding joy in the small things. With its charming characters, witty humor, and poignant message, this episode is a must-watch for fans of the series.