User Reviews

Based on a comic by Yarou Abe, Shinya Shokudo is a story about a small hole in the wall late night restaurant (literally Shinya Shokudo in Japanese) that operates between midnight and 7:00 a.m. in the morning. The restaurant is run by only one person, the master (Kaoru Kobayashi) of the joint. There are only four items on the menu Tonjiru (pork based stew), beer, sake, and shochu (potato liquor), but customers can order anything the master can make in his kitchen. The restaurant is located in the Hanazono area of Shinjuku, and has only the generic description of "Meshiya" (food place in Japanese) on its lantern.

So far 20 episodes has been on air between 2009 (the first series) and 2011 (the second series). They were all broadcast in the late night slot between midnight and 2:00 in the morning. For a late night program that are considered a "hit" if they average 1% viewers, this program consistently got over 2% ratings that attests to its popularity.

The episodes consists of life stories of customers who frequent the restaurant, but starting in the second series, each episodes consists of new customer who have their own life stories going. Because of the hours the restaurant operates, and the nature of its size, customers who frequents the place have their life in specialized areas of society that includes gangs, construction workers, lady godiva, and also part timer, fast food joint owner, salaried workers, but most of them has special background that makes the story unique and interesting.

Each episodes has particular dish that master makes that relates to the story. The list of foods on each of the episodes are as follows:

Season 1:

1. Baked Sausage and tamago yaki.

2. Bonito shavings and rice

3. Rice with tea

4. Potato salad.

5. Butter rice

6. Katsu Donburi

7. Egg sandwich

8. Yaki soba

9. Broiled Aji

10. Ramen

Season 2:

1. Baked Sausage

2. Chicken Karaage

3. Steamed clam

4. Nikogori (gelatin left from cooking fish)

5. Canned foods

6. Cream Stew

7. Pickeled Bock Choi

8. Cold ramen

9. Potato cooked with beef

10. Gyoza (Pot Stickers)

The series is superb in that it tells the story of the underbellies of the society with emotion, sentiment and love unlike any other stories told. Food designer Nami Iijima designed the foods that appear in this series, and all of these items are common items consumed by Japanese families, but not usually served in ordinary Japanese restaurants.

If you can find a copy of this drama, it will be an interesting watch guaranteed.

Beware, there are two shows on Netflix with a similar name. They are basically the same, but presented separately. Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories, has two seasons from 2016 and 2019, and was commissioned by Netflix, but the original three Midnight Diner seasons ran from 2009 to 2014. I didn't know the difference at first, and couldn't understand why Netflix couldn't remember which episode I last watched, and why the characters use old cellphones in one episode and then a more advanced one in the next! Anyway, regardless of which series you watch, these slow-moving episodes are delightful as you get familiar with the culture, food, eating habits and regular customers of the restaurant dubbed the Midnight Diner, which, as the title suggests, opens at midnight. The owner, known as "Master", is willing to prepare any dish, as long as he has the ingredients. There is a short cooking summary at the end, so stay tuned until the credits. There are recurrent characters in both shows, but each episode can also be a stand-alone. The episodes are short and low-key, so you can watch it to unwind after a hectic day.

I just have no language to communication the story - at all. It is drab, dry and surface deep. Well that would be it from one point of view.

For me though, i just want to say, i was broken hearted when i found out there was no more seasons - more than an other show ever!

I can't for the life of me say why.

Why would i say that, well i felt this series drum up all the naive childish experience and the craving i once had to learn how to be a human .... and crystallized it in a single series.

I can't say it is a moral endeavour but for me it was and well, better than anything else a came across in the past 20+ years. In the scope it was also revealing and heart warming. I will watch this series again more than any other over the rest of my life.

I can't speak to the potential audience in this review because there is just so many points of view, what i can do though is speak to the creators:

SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO thank you from the bottom of my heart, this is beyond magic and had enriched my soul beyond measure. i use this series as healing..... I use it and i want you all to know that it would not be magical if the people involved were not contributors to the magic. This is one of a kind! SO SO SO SO SO SO thank you very much!!!

I was hooked half-way through the first episode. I saw the word "kind" in another review here and, while it's not a word one usually associates with a TV series, kindness is one of the over-arching themes of the series. Kaoru Kobayashi, the main character (everyone calls him Master) has the kind of kindness that comes from inner strength, compassion, and wisdom. The revolving ensemble of characters is wonderful. Great casting! Sometimes the show seems to be a comedy, other times a drama, or a melancholy tale of unrequited. Food, the sharing of, and the making of, is a important part of the show, as well. He cooks simple food, but every dish looks delicious! I see the series was rebooted in 2019. I hope it, too, shows up on Netflix.

50 years. Best gentle teaching of things Japanese EVER!

Ultimately, this is about important moments in our lives and the foods we often associate with them.

The stories are set at the Midnight Diner, a small and comfortable hole-in- the-wall sitdown you wish you could call your own.

Open from midnight until seven in the morning, it attracts an array of regular and casual denizens. The proprietor will make whatever is ordered, so long as he's got the ingredients.

Often what's ordered are comfort foods that remind the patron of the home of their youth, of a parent or someone close, or of a memorable or important life event. Sometimes it's all of the above.

Many of the tales are peculiar, and even if you suspect a direction the story will take, it likely won't.

Everything about the show is simple and unassuming, which of course is akin to most of our comfort foods.

This won't resemble anything you've ever seen. We laughed out loud throughout and shed several tears. Every last second of it is beautiful, thoughtful, and unexpected.

Known in Japan as "Shinya Shokudo", this series is better known as "Midnight Diner" in the US.

The series itself is about the main character "The Master" who is a chef at a diner named Midnight Diner, which is only open from midnight till 7am. The supporting cast is filled with people from all walks of life, such as: hotel workers, cab drivers, exotic dancers, etc as they all order something to eat and drink, sit down and enjoy each other's company, as well as the stories that each customer has to tell.

The opening song to the series is a simple yet elegant Japanese folk song by the artist Tunekichi Suzuki. As you listen to the music it make you feel at ease and make you wonder what is he singing about.

The song titled "Omoide" is translated to "Memories," and by the way, the lyrics go by, he must be talking about memories of his own or memories of our own as we look into the sky. This fits well with Midnight Diner as in there is always a story to be told in a place you least expected and wonder what is that story is about. If you have the time.

It is on Netflix and is worth the watch.

An outline of this unusual show (people eat and meet in an all-night diner in Tokyo) both fails to describe its wonderful, sensual appeal and, at the same time, is as close to perfect as descriptions come. Because this is that rare thing, an unpretentious, beautifully made and acted series of cameo pieces, brought together by the accident of place and time. Part cookery show (with mouthwatering traditional dishes) part mystery series (who is anyone really, especially the mysterious owner and chef?), Midnight Diner plays with the puzzle of how we encounter strangers in our daily (or nightly) lives, and the sometimes significant effects even small encounters can have on us. Whether or not you have a prior interest in Japan and Japanese culture, this is captivating TV - a flavour of how simple storytelling is always the kind that makes the deepest impression and stays with you longest.

The show brings about a serene calm when you watch it. The delicate theme mixed with the intricately flavoured characters, makes it a bowl you just can't keep down.

I can certainly recommend this Japanese series. It brings to life a group of characters and their multi-dimensional life stories. They all are customers of a late night diner, and each story is told to completion, and matched to a favorite dish. It is a very slow but interesting way to tell a story.

While not every episode hit the spot, most were small delights. A series of vignettes to savour.

Midnight Diner 2009-2014. It's a bit of a slow burn to start, but some of the stories become inexplicably emotional. Loving the little cooking lessons after the story too. Feels really intimate, like they are inviting the viewers to be at home in the diner with the regular customers. If you enjoy watching shows set in Japan and don't mind subtitles instead of English, I highly recommend.

Midnight Diner is a simple TV series set mostly at a small restaurant in Tokyo that opens from midnight to 7am daily. Every episode has a different person or collection of people and dives into their lives. It is at once moving and intriguing. You just want to know more. Sometimes you root for these characters and sometimes you laugh at them and at other times you might shed a tear. Each episode also starts with a simple dish like a regular patron who just loves potato salad. You come to find out why he loves it so much and must always have seconds. And the episode will finish by sharing with you what makes good potato salad too. Its almost quirky but it is oh so endearing. Just 22 minutes each time but its bursting at the seams with such personal story telling.

I don't know what brought me to watch this show, but I found myself completely fascinated. The storytelling is phenomenal, and what more can we expect of a show other than a story which makes us feel something. I've watched this show over and over again (each time with some heartwarming meal, mind you), and each time I find it more comforting than the last. Nothing conveys the beauty of flaws, the coincidence of living, and the serendipity of existence better than this show in my opinion. Give it a chance, grab a friend, and a bowl of your favorite heartwarming brothy meal, you won't regret it. :)

Midnight Diner is one of the most funny and touching drama. Every dish of food they introduced has got a memory and meaning connected to the character of each story. Every episode is a delight. Do you like "butter rice" with a touch of soy sauce?

If you like watching the skies, and the sun and the rivers and if you like forests more than skyscrapers, this show is for you. Prepare to F E E L so much. Creators of this show, thank you so much! <3.

What a great tv show this is. After browsing for hours looking for something new and original I came across this and I cannot happier. Can't think of anything else to say but just watch it.

As an english speaking person who loves all Asian cultures especially manners, food & dedication, this is & has been the most uplifting series to watch. The simple yet tasty foods were a bonus. It showed good & bad, happy & sad but kept the storyline's real. Sometimes things don't work out. Sometimes life is hard.

Thank you for a wonderful programme. 👍🏼

I've been trying not to binge this show because to me it is best consumed an episode or two at a time. I normally enjoy watching shows together with my wife but since she doesn't particularly have a taste for it, I find it most enjoyable watching alone at night when everyone is in bed. Although the stories are not particularly groundbreaking, each episode introduces new characters whose stories are reverently, and gently told. The subtle and thoughtful pacing has no equal among western shows and is perhaps due to the culture and setting as much as the story writing.

I'm nearly through the third season and looking forward to slowly moving through the last two. I don't believe there has been, or will be anything quite like it.

The essence of this show is the human condition and the need for some to meet with others and share their world. A wonderful insight into modern Japanese culture and appreciation of the cuisine. The Master indulges his customers to express their daily lives within the intimacy of his diner. A welcoming home from home. Each episode explores aspects of every day life struggles delivered with emotional harmony. An uplifting experience to watch this delightful show.

The show focuses on primary characters from different walks of life but they all have a common desire to return the Midnight Diner to enjoy the calm or company of fellow diners as their culinary desires are served and shared.

Not to be missed.

Midnight Diner has a different regular cast member or guest dealing with a life situation every episode. It has occasional mild violence but relies on interesting plot lines and good writing to hook the viewer rather than loud explosions and special effects. The owner/cook of the diner has some undefined charisma/authority that his customers respect. The episodes are sometimes serious and sometimes amusing. Very much worth watching IMO.

I must say, as rough as 2019- now has been.....I found great comfort in this little gem. At night it brought me such comfort. I had moved out oldest daughter and was now in the process of helping second daughter move out and fix up her new place.... THIS got my mind away from all that wk. And the fact that their father and I are now empty nesters(as they say)..I absolutely LOVE Master. And the people are just what I needed.... Loved every character!!! Every night while everyone slept, I found myself cutting this on, without even a thought! Thank you so much! Loved every minute! I so hope Master sees these!!! Well done.... You became part of my family. And I will treasure all of you always!

North Carolina, USA. Nov.2022.

MIDNIGHT DINER (2009-2014) was an excellent Japanese series about a small diner open from midnight to seven a.m. In the morning (12am-7am). The diner is visited by all sorts of interesting, bizarre and sometimes even shady characters, all with their own backstories, reasons for visiting the diner, along with special memories associated with their choice of dish. Some are Yakuza, some gay night club workers, some are struggling enka singers, but all have stories to share.

Along with the many character's stories that are gradually revealed as the show progresses, this series also features cooking and many different Japanese recipes, making this a unique experience for food enthusiasts, as well as culture aficionados alike.

This is a very mellow and simplistic series, but one that has a very quiet heartfelt and thoughtful atmosphere to it. I really enjoyed this and can thoroughly recommend. I must say however, that this show is for adults only as there is some light nudity present and the content can sometimes be risque and heavy. Overall, this series is a gem and I will be looking forward to watching the sequel series as well.