Insep

Explore now...

Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories

2016 • 7.9 • Drama • 24m

JP • Japanese

In an otherwise mundane diner open from midnight to 7 a.m., there is no menu – but the chef cooks anything his customers want. Each episode is about different a different customer, as they find simple yet profound connections with one another based on their shared love of a particular dish.

Cast

Kaoru Kobayashi

as Master

Episodes

Tan Men

E1 24m

A specially prepared bowl of tanmen noodles leads a radio announcer to discover a secret about a beloved television show from his youth.

Corn Dog

E2 24m

A childish fight over a fish-sausage corn dog leads to a schism between an Asakusa comedian and his now-famous former assistant.

Tonteki

E3 24m

An office worker who loves pork steaks knits sweaters for the men she adores, but her affections – and handiwork – are not always appreciated.

Omelette Rice

E4 24m

The shared love of fried rice omelets forms an intercultural bridge between a young Japanese physicist and a Korean girl.

Egg Tofu

E5 24m

A lonely little boy with only a gambler to take care of him hopes to make a connection with a bar girl over a mutual appreciation for egg tofu.

Umeboshi and Plum Wine

E6 24m

Upon finishing the last of his late mother's pickled plums, a man suddenly wonders what will become of his erotica after he passes away.

Hot Pot for One

E7 24m

A diner regular reunites with an old classmate who, despite a good upbringing, now works a menial job to support her troublesome nephew.

Sautéed Yam

E8 24m

A dish of sauteed Chinese yam rekindles the connection between a young wife and her former lover, with whom she shares a hidden professional past.

Ham Cutlet

E9 24m

A breaded ham cutlet brings back an elderly lawyer's memories of playing the board game Othello with his long-lost younger brother.

New Year's Eve Noodles, Again

E10 24m

As December comes to a close and the regulars gather at the diner, the Master takes a look back at his memories of the year.

Chicken Fried Rice

E1 25m

Game designer Akai grew up in an orphanage. He finds solace in a chicken rice dish that also holds the key to reconnecting with his birth mother.

Fried Chicken Breast with Cheese

E2 24m

Writer Yada and hostess Hikaru bond over their love of horoscopes and chicken cheese cutlet. Secretly, Yada tries to use the horoscopes to woo her.

Plum Rice Ball

E3 24m

A retired old schoolteacher reconnects with his former student: diner regular Marilyn. Awkwardly, her high school nemesis also shows up.

Fried Chicken Wings

E4 25m

In her mid-30s, Chizuru worries her modeling career is ending. An encounter with a high-powered fan gives her a chance to evaluate her priorities.

Yakisoba Dog

E5 24m

Businessman Kotani is jubilant at his high school baseball team's success. His joy stirs up memories of his former best friend, the coach of the team.

Salmon and Mushrooms

E6 25m

The Ueharas run a barbershop together. They seem happy, but when his wife goes on a trip, a beautiful kimono instructor catches Mr. Uehara's eye.

Kitsune Udon

E7 26m

Two aspiring voice actresses stop by for lucky bowls of kitsune udon, but six months later, only one of them seems to have had any luck.

Curry Ramen

E8 26m

A pachinko parlor employee and the middle school classmate he idolized seem to reconnect over curry ramen, but appearances can be deceiving.

Sweet Rolled Omelet

E9 25m

A Mr. Lee shows up nightly, ordering rolled omelets every time. He turns out to be a film director fleeing from his own set and his father's legacy.

Crab and Toshikoshi Soba

E10 27m

It's never too late for a fresh start. One year ends and another begins as familiar faces gather to celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Midnight Diner.