Like all good things, I accidentally stumbled upon the Midnight Diner at my cousin’s recommendation. I instantly fell in love with the show and couldn’t stop watching it.
As someone who doesn’t speak or understand Japanese, this series charmed me to the point that it inspired my trip to Tokyo.
Why is it so special?
The show is about a late-night diner inside a busy, narrow street in Tokyo that’s only open after midnight while most people are asleep. “When people finish their day and hurry home, my day starts. But sometimes, they don’t want to go straight back home. So, they drop in somewhere else on the way home.” the restaurant’s chef, known only as “the Master,” explains.
While his menu is very minimal—usually just pork miso soup, beer, and sake, he’ll cook whatever you want if you supply the ingredients. But most of his regulars, a diverse group of people, such as sex trader workers, celebrities, LGBTQ, Yakuza, and immigrants who are sad, lonely, or restless, looking for a quiet place to take the edge off, come for the company.
A very humble, sincere and stoic Master greets them all with a mysterious scar on his face. He’s an excellent listener and is well-respected and highly regarded for his cooking by all his customers.
It’s particularly touching when regulars ask him to make their childhood favourites—a reminder of the essential comfort that his diner provides.
Midnight Diner is like stories from a place I’ve never lived in or known. Yet it still somehow manages to feel like home. Every episode involves a story that is so beautifully crafted and is so human and universal based on the dreams, wants, hopes or fears of a regular customer of the diner.
It might not be something you’d want to binge on all night, but savour one bite at a time, just like the food the Master cooks, which always looks exceptionally delicious.
The intro makes me feel nostalgic for a place I have never been to, but it still feels comforting. The only bad thing about this show is that it’s not long enough 🙁
Master, more episodes!
Have you watched The Midnight Diner? What shows are you watching these days? I’d love to know 😀
xo
Yachna
P.S.
11 Best Anime Series for Beginners
