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Émile Durkheim

Senzaemon Nakiri

  • Series:Shokugeki no Soma
  • Position: Former Director of Tōtsuki Culinary Academy
  • Family: Grandfather of Erina Nakiri, father-in-law of Azami 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

Senzaemon is a highly disciplined and authoritative figure, deeply respected within the culinary world. Known as the “Gastric Godfather,” he upholds a strict adherence to culinary excellence and encourages chefs to develop unique cooking philosophies. Though he appears stern, he has a warm and caring side, especially toward his granddaughter, Erina. Senzaemon values tradition but is open-minded about changes that will elevate Tōtsuki’s legacy.

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

Commanding and dignified, Senzaemon Nakiri stands tall with his powerful presence and steely gaze, embodying the strength and legacy of the Nakiri culinary dynasty.

Skills and Culinary Abilities

  • Expert Taster: Senzaemon has an exceptional palate and is known for his dramatic, sometimes theatrical, reactions to food, earning him the nickname “Gastric Godfather.”
  • Authority on Culinary Arts: His extensive knowledge of global cuisine and his high standards have made him a respected authority in the culinary world.
  • Leadership and Vision: As Director of Tōtsuki, Senzaemon built a competitive and elite culinary academy that produced some of the finest chefs in Japan. His foresight helped him guide Tōtsuki through critical changes.

Storyline Highlights

  • Director of Tōtsuki: As the long-serving Director, Senzaemon led Tōtsuki Academy with a focus on cultivating individuality and high culinary standards. He was known for instituting rigorous practices that challenged students to excel.
  • Clash with Azami: Senzaemon’s traditional values clashed with his son-in-law, Azami Nakiri, whose authoritarian vision for Tōtsuki resulted in a hostile takeover. During Azami’s rule, Senzaemon supported the rebel alliance that resisted Azami’s oppressive influence on the academy.
  • Appointing Erina as Director: Following Azami’s defeat, Senzaemon appointed Erina as the new Director under Sōma Yukihira’s suggestion, believing her unique skills and leadership would uphold Tōtsuki’s values while embracing positive change.

Relationships

Erina Nakiri

Senzaemon cares deeply for his granddaughter, Erina, and has high expectations for her as a Nakiri. He believes in her potential as both a chef and a leader, ultimately entrusting her with Tōtsuki’s future.

Azami Nakiri

Senzaemon’s relationship with Azami is strained due to their opposing philosophies on culinary education. Senzaemon’s concern for Tōtsuki’s legacy drives him to challenge Azami’s strict and oppressive methods.

Sōma Yukihira

Senzaemon has a great deal of respect for Sōma’s tenacity and ingenuity. Sōma’s influence on Erina and his suggestion to appoint her as Director aligns with Senzaemon’s belief in fostering freedom and creativity at Tōtsuki.

Trivia and Insights

  • “Gastric Godfather”: His intimidating presence and dramatic reactions to food have earned him this fitting nickname.
  • Supporter of Culinary Innovation: Though Senzaemon values tradition, he believes that true greatness in cooking comes from pushing boundaries while respecting culinary art.
  • Unorthodox Teaching Methods: Senzaemon supports unorthodox methods, including intense food battles (shokugeki) to cultivate chefs’ skills and resilience.

Legacy and Goals

Senzaemon’s impact on Tōtsuki is seen in the rigorous standards he set and the lasting emphasis on creativity and individuality. By appointing Erina as Director, he envisions a Tōtsuki that evolves without losing sight of its core values. Senzaemon’s legacy lies in his unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of chefs who will carry forward Tōtsuki’s esteemed reputation.