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Émile Durkheim

Erina Nakiri

  • Series:Shokugeki no Soma
  • Alias: “God’s Tongue”
  • Occupation: Headmaster of Tōtsuki Culinary Academy, former 10th seat of the Elite Ten Council
  • Family: Member of the prominent Nakiri family, granddaughter of Senzaemon Nakiri

Émile Durkheim
Born
David Émile Durkheim

(1858-04-15)15 April 1858

Épinal, France
Died 15 November 1917(1917-11-15)(aged 59)

Paris,France
Nationality French
Alma mater École Normale Supérieure
Known for Sacred–profane dichotomy
Collective consciousness
Social fact
Social integration
Anomie
Collective effervescence
Scientific career
Fields Philosophy, sociology, education, anthropology, religious studies
Institutions University of Paris, University of Bordeaux
Influences Immanuel Kant, René Descartes,Plato, Herbert Spencer,Aristotle, Montesquieu, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Auguste Comte. William James, John Dewey, Fustel de Coulanges, Jean-Marie Guyau, Charles Bernard Renouvier, John Stuart Mill
Influenced Marcel Mauss,Claude Lévi-Strauss, Talcott Parsons, Maurice Halbwachs, Jonathan Haidt, Lucien Lévy-Bruhl,Bronisław Malinowski, Fernand Braudel, Pierre Bourdieu, Charles Taylor, Henri Bergson, Emmanuel Levinas, Steven Lukes, Alfred Radcliffe-Brown, E. E. Evans-Pritchard, Mary Douglas, Paul Fauconnet, Robert N. Bellah, Ziya Gökalp, David Bloor, Randall Collins, Neil Smelser[1]

Personality and Characteristics

Erina Nakiri is a poised and discerning individual, known for her elegance, high standards, and reserved demeanor. While initially seen as cold and intimidating, Erina’s true personality is revealed to be more complex, showing vulnerability, ambition, and a desire to discover her own culinary identity. Her “God’s Tongue” ability enables her to identify subtle flavors with extraordinary accuracy, making her taste judgment highly valued and often feared by chefs around the world.

As she grows, Erina begins to open up and even question the rigid culinary ideals imposed upon her, partly influenced by Sōma’s unconventional approach. Her progression from a self-assured but isolated individual to a more open and compassionate leader marks her personal development throughout the series.

A collection of Durkheim's courses on the origins of socialism (1896), edited and published by his nephew, Marcel Mauss, in 1928

Exuding confidence and authority, Erina Nakiri sits regally on her throne, capturing her commanding presence and the unshakable poise of the ‘God Tongue.

Skills and Culinary Abilities

  • God’s Tongue: Erina’s famed ability allows her to perceive even the smallest imperfections or nuanced qualities in food, giving her unparalleled culinary insight and an almost impossibly high standard for flavor.
  • Culinary Precision: Erina’s high standards and exceptional taste ensure that her cooking is flawless, refined, and aligned with classical techniques. She is known for her mastery of traditional French and Italian cuisines.
  • Leadership: Despite her initial struggles, Erina eventually proves herself to be a strong and thoughtful leader, guiding Tōtsuki Academy with a vision that balances tradition with culinary freedom.
  • Adaptability: Though initially resistant to change, Erina learns to embrace creativity and unconventional cooking methods, broadening her culinary skills and outlook.

Storyline Highlights

  • Introduction to Tōtsuki Academy: Erina enters Tōtsuki as the academy’s top student with the highest expectations, showcasing her “God’s Tongue” judgment in competitions and evaluations that leave most students nervous.
  • Relationship with Sōma Yukihira: Initially seeing Sōma as an annoyance due to his informal background, Erina gradually develops respect for him. Sōma’s influence challenges her preconceived notions about cooking, pushing her to explore new culinary perspectives.
  • Regimental Shokugeki and New Leadership: During the Regimental Shokugeki, Erina stands with the rebel alliance to overthrow her authoritarian father, Azami Nakiri, whose rigid and oppressive vision threatens Tōtsuki’s spirit. After their victory, Erina is appointed as the Headmaster of Tōtsuki, where she aims to uphold the academy’s prestige while fostering a more inclusive environment for culinary exploration.

Relationships

Senzaemon Nakiri

Erina shares a close bond with her grandfather, Senzaemon, who deeply respects her skills and supports her development. His encouragement allows her to evolve and eventually assume leadership of Tōtsuki.

Azami Nakiri

Erina’s relationship with her father is fraught with tension. Azami’s strict control over Erina’s life, enforcing his own culinary ideals upon her, creates a sense of restriction that Erina must overcome.

Sōma Yukihira

Though initially rivals, Sōma’s resilience and creativity inspire Erina to reevaluate her perspective on cooking. Their dynamic friendship, and eventual partnership as headmaster and student, helps shape Erina’s growth.

Hisako Arato

As Erina’s close friend and assistant, Hisako is deeply loyal to her and provides constant support. Their friendship allows Erina to express her genuine self and find solace amid the academy’s pressures.

Trivia and Insights

  • Refinement and Luxury: Erina’s sophisticated palate means she’s experienced some of the world’s finest dishes from an early age, making her standards exceptionally high.
  • Sōma’s Cooking Challenge: Despite her “God’s Tongue,” Erina has yet to fully enjoy Sōma’s cooking—a continuous challenge that becomes a playful point of rivalry between them.
  • Unfamiliar with Casual Food: Due to her sheltered upbringing, Erina initially has limited exposure to everyday foods, often disapproving of street food and informal cooking, though her stance softens over time.
  • Child Prodigy: Erina’s culinary talents were recognized at a very young age, placing her in the public eye and fueling her drive to live up to her family’s prestigious reputation.

Legacy and Goals

As Headmaster, Erina envisions a new era for Tōtsuki Academy, one that honors culinary tradition while embracing innovation. Balancing her family’s legacy with her newfound perspective, Erina aims to guide future chefs to strive for excellence without feeling confined, promoting a culture where creativity flourishes alongside skill.