Midnight Diner

I actually don't really like it when stories revolve around food. I don't like watching people cook, I don't even like cooking shows. But this is different. It's friendly, warm, welcoming, simple. And it's not so much about cooking as it is about enjoying the food. And there are also stories of people who go out to eat after midnight in a pub in the backstreets, where they definitely don't get more than three drinks. It's pleasantly peaceful and, I would say, nostalgic. You have to be in the mood for it. (03/10/2017)

All the seasons are essentially the same, but that doesn't detract from them. On the contrary, I always enjoyed the quiet opening, for example. I enjoyed it because it takes a ride through nighttime Tokyo, the music kicks in and it doesn't rush anywhere, and I got carried away every time. You never know if this episode is going to turn out good or bad, but in the end that's not the point, it's the punchline, not whether it's good or bad. After all, whole lives can't happen in that small business, we can't expect big developments; these are just episodic glimpses into the lives of customers, with some going there more often than others. Moreover, each time the viewer can discover a new dish and even be told how to cook it. For me, it's one of those leisurely series that doesn't rush anywhere, where you get swept up in the pace of the narrative and it's no big deal. A strong 3 stars. (07/07/2020)