The Way of the Househusband: The Gangster’s Guide to Housekeeping is a self-help book written by Laurie Ulster and Victoria Rosenthal, based on the manga The Way of the Househusband > written by Kousuke Oono.
The manga tells the story of a former Yakuza gang leader who turns a new page in his life by becoming a house husband.
Meanwhile, The Way of the Househusband: The Gangster’s Guide to Housekeeping inspired by the manga and provides detailed instructions on cleaning tricks to keep your home shiny, tips on finding exorbitant deals, a plan to master your territory, keys to care your gang and more.
In these pages you will also find 25 delicious recipes that can satisfy any gluttonous gangster.
Each of these tips can be helpful for everyone and especially those who are living alone.
So without further delay, let’s see what the author has to say about the book!
1. What inspired you to choose “The Way of a Housewife Husband” and what do you think of the idea of a former yakuza member becoming a housewife?
Victoria: I have previously worked with Amanda Ng, editor at Viz, on other cookbook related projects. She reached out to me if I was interested in the possibility of collaborating on any of the Viz series.
I have a long list that includes The Way of the Househusband, one of my favorite series. When she told me the project was about to start, I was really excited about recreating the recipes Tatsu had made but my other household skills weren’t up to his level. This is where Laurie shows up.
Laurie: I was lucky enough to be hired for the project without knowing much about “The Way of the Househusband”. I learned all about the character and his story by raving about every available volume,
and from the start, I thought it was a cool, cool concept.
Having a former yakuza member channel all that energy into running the family—with respect and love for his wife and desire to make things right for her—is both engaging and enjoyable.
2. Tatsu’s dedication to his wife and household chores is the main theme. What’s your opinion on the strong, thoughtful, unconventional male lead role?
Victoria: I think we need to see more of this in the media. It was these caring qualities that made me fall in love with this series.
Tatsu has the cold, intimidating look you’d expect from a former yakuza but when people get to know him, they realize that he puts others first and just wants to make his home perfect. Whether it’s cooking or cleaning.
Laurie: I think this is one of my favorite things about it , the story is about a man who, even though he used to be
a formidable gang leader but has no qualms about being a house husband.
He doesn’t care about stereotypes at all, that’s what makes him all the more charming. He understands that
Housework is valuable work and take pride in all of it…including knowing he’s doing it for the sake of it.
his wife and want her to be happy.
3. The series nicely combines the world of crime and family life. How do you strike a balance between these seemingly contrasting elements with cooking, housekeeping, budgeting, networking, and fitness?
Victoria: This is a relatively easy task as the series is so well written that takes the usual quests and takes them out in this tough yakuza spin.
Using those weapons or secret relationships to get things done is something we all do. We just think it’s a boring job, but Tatsu takes it to the next level and shows how to do it, which is the goal of this book.
Laurie: The truth is, if you’re in charge of a household it’s a battleground. Very easy to
adapt an approach to criminal activities in such a way that a person can deal with housework, budgeting, and
everything else that comes with it.
You have to think through every detail and every possible outcome with each mission, you have to be strong and persistent, and you have to dominate. Tatsu, as we see in the manga, understands immediately.
4. In your opinion, what makes Tatsu, the main character, such an approachable and likable character to readers, despite his unusual background?
Victoria: It is his willingness to solve them and his approach to everyday problems. For example, when he has trouble sleeping, he not only tries something to knock himself out, but also makes an entire dish based on ingredients known to help you fall asleep.
That I have to work harder than usual to get a good night’s sleep but I appreciate his energy.
Laurie: I think it’s his sincerity and commitment, his enthusiasm. He is enthusiastic about everything, he
determined, and those around him were often surprised because they mistook his enthusiasm for intimidation
and then be surprised when they find out he just wants to cook a good meal or have a good bargain bargain or
Arrange the most beautiful flowers.
The comedy has a heart and an outlandish character that lends itself to the everyday lives we face…you can’t help but associate.
5. The series often emphasizes traditional gender roles and challenges them through Tatsu’s actions. What messages or topics do you want to convey regarding gender dynamics and societal expectations? Also, how will this book help single people face the realities of the world?
Victoria: It’s been emphasized throughout the series and I think that’s exactly why more people should read The Housewife’s Way.
Gender norms exist because you were taught and taught that that’s the way it should be. Breaking them down will create a better and more inclusive world, which I fully support.
This book is a great guide to help you improve those skills that you might find a little uncomfortable. It is the perfect companion for those who want to improve their homemaking skills.
Laurie: I feel like Kousuke Oono did all that in the manga. It’s all on the pages! Tatsu defies expectations about
sex drive because he simply doesn’t care. Every job that needs to be done is AWESOME. He doesn’t even need to talk about it. That is the beauty of it.
I think the book will help single people as it covers all the basics of cooking, cleaning and
life skills; if you don’t have anyone else to take on those tasks, you’ll find help here so you know
what needs to be done.
6. Can you share the development of the recipes that Tatsu cooks in the anime and manga? Which of the following recipes do you like?
Victoria: The process begins with reviewing this series and jotting down all the recipes. From there I decided which formula to use and started experimenting.
Any recipes with information in the manga that I guarantee are included. For example, with the Hamburger Steak Plate (p. 95), the manga required the use of minced fishmeal in the mix.
I experimented a bit and ended up adding ground mackerel to the dish and it worked great. It added this deep richness to the dish that I didn’t expect.
My personal favorites are the Honey Lemon Chicken Sandwich (page 92) and the Birthday Cake (page 112). Both are items that I find excuses to make.
Laurie: It’s all Victoria!
7. The manga has gained an international following. Are there cultural nuances or challenges in translating recipes and everyday life situations for a global audience?
Victoria: There are some ingredients that can be a bit difficult to find at your local grocery store and will require going to a specialty grocer or ordering online.
I hope that this will convince readers to learn these ingredients for the first time.
Laurie: I am a Canadian who has lived in the US for decades and although there are slight differences they are
still exists, so it made me realize that there are some life situations that are less common than others.
I have tried to adapt them where possible to make them easy to understand. I can only hope my ignorance of the culture doesn’t get in the way of that.
8. The book often pokes fun at the mundane aspects of everyday life. What do you think attracts readers to find entertainment in these seemingly trivial situations?
Victoria: I think that’s Tatsu’s approach to things. He never does anything less than 100% and that just draws people into the movie. That’s what keeps me reading and makes it easy to understand.
Laurie: I think it’s the contrast: This former powerful gangster who does everything with gusto is now adopting it
energy for the same details of the day that we all have to deal with. There is never a dull moment.
9. Finally, what do you hope readers and viewers learn from The Way of the Househusband: The Gangster’s Guide to Housekeeping after experiencing Tatsu’s unique journey?
Victoria: As With many of my projects, I hope this guide helps new cooks to be a little less apprehensive in the kitchen. With all the great recipes Tatsu has adopted throughout the series, I think that should be pretty easy with this book.
Laurie: I hope they will be entertained; I also hope they continue to feel connected to their favorite characters
in the manga and I hope they feel inspired to tackle some household chores that previously seemed difficult.
Most of all, I hope they enjoyed the trip and learned something along the way.