User Reviews

(Slight Spoilers)

Those of us who have lived in Japan have probably visited an izakaya at some point, and those of us who have lived in a major city there may likely have a favorite izakaya. But unless you are a salaryman, it is unlikely that you frequent a late-night izakaya like the one shown in Midnight Diner - especially one that is uniquely opened from midnight to 7 am.

What makes this particular one special is the non-typical, eclectic group of people who are the apparently mostly one-time customers. In the last season 4, these include a woman taxi driver who was once an actress, a comedian past his prime, a woman who knits, a love-struck scientist, a professional gambler, a lonely and haunted produce store owner, an elderly woman, a married woman with a secret past, and an old attorney with regrets.

While these characters and their stories are interesting, the short-format less than 30-minutes episodes do not provide enough time for the series to explore them fully. This is unfortunate, because it is a missed opportunity to really delve into a side of Japanese society that many people might not know about, especially with sympathetic characters who are both equally flawed and relatable at the same time.

The izakaya itself is also interesting, but not for the sometimes atypical foods that it serves on the whim of its equally quirky customers. The "master" (chef/owner) plays the role of a catalyst, around whom his customers bare all their struggles and angst, but he himself remains enigmatic throughout the series. Like a Buddhist monk perched in his temple, he listens and gives indirect advice while seemingly remaining apart from their world.

This makes for a very interesting setup, but I would have liked to see more about the background of the master over the course of the series. Moreover, although there are a few recurring characters - regulars at the izakaya - used mainly for comic relief, I would also have liked to learn more about them throughout the series - perhaps to see how their stories develop or at least to know more about what became of them.

All that said, I sure would have liked to have an izakaya like this one in my neighborhood :)

Beautiful heart-warming vignettes that leave you feeling good and wanting more. I lived in Tokyo for two years and this brings tears to my eyes. Every episode shows you a dish and how to make it. The nice touch of having the dining guests tell you how to make it and then give you a good night is nothing but class. I wish the 2009 series was available. Same cast, especially Mastah!