About Midnight Diner

Explore:

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music
• Soundtrack

About

Midnight Diner is a Japanese television drama series that first premiered in 2009. It is based on the manga series "Shinya Shokudo" by Yarō Abe. The show is set in a small, cozy diner that opens from midnight until dawn. The owner, Master, is a skilled chef who serves a variety of simple yet delicious dishes to his customers.

The episodes of Midnight Diner focus on different customers who visit the diner, each with their own unique story and personal struggles. The diner becomes a comforting and safe space where people gather to share their joys, sorrows, and memories while enjoying a warm meal.

Making / Production

Midnight Diner is known for its intimate atmosphere, which is achieved through specific production choices. The show is primarily shot in a single location, the diner, and often uses minimal lighting to create a cozy and intimate ambiance. This approach helps to emphasize the personal interactions and emotional depth of the characters.

The series is directed by Joji Matsuoka and features a strong ensemble cast. The storytelling style of the show focuses on character development and relies on dialogue-driven narratives to convey the emotions and experiences of the various customers who visit the diner.

Actors

• Kaoru Kobayashi as Master - The owner and chef of the midnight diner who listens to his customers' stories with empathy and understanding.
• Saki Takaoka as Chieko - A regular customer who often seeks comfort and advice from Master.
• Joe Odagiri as Manabe - A successful businessman who finds solace in the diner and forms a bond with Master.
• Misa Shimizu as Yūko - A mysterious woman who often visits the diner late at night.
• Kosuke Toyohara as Kōsaku - A regular customer who always orders the same dish and shares anecdotes from his life.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The midnight diner set is based on an actual restaurant in Shinjuku, Tokyo.
• The show is known for featuring an array of delectable Japanese dishes, often providing recipe instructions during episodes.
• The series has been highly regarded for its portrayal of Japanese culture and society, showcasing different generations and their distinct values.
• Midnight Diner has spawned multiple adaptations, including a manga, a stage play, and a Korean television series.

Awards

Midnight Diner has received critical acclaim and has been recognized with several awards, including:

• 54th Television Drama Academy Awards - Best Drama Series
• 55th Television Drama Academy Awards - Best Drama Series
• 59th Television Drama Academy Awards - Best Drama Series

Quotes

• "Good food brings people together and creates lasting memories." - Master
• "The diner is always open to anyone who seeks comfort and a warm meal." - Chieko
• "The stories of ordinary people can be extraordinary and deeply moving." - Manabe

Music

The music in Midnight Diner is carefully chosen to enhance the emotional impact of each episode. It consists of a blend of original compositions and a curated selection of popular Japanese songs.

Soundtrack

• "Midnight Diner Theme" by Yoshida Yo
• "Diner no Hana" by Ai Otsuka
• "Shanghai Honey" by Orange Range
• "Osozaki Girl" by Chocolove from AKB48