A night of stories and food through a Midnight Diner

I enjoy an ASMR video or two. I'm quite particular with the videos I like, but ultimately I am seeking a feeling of gentle relaxation that just washes over me. Midnight Diner is a TV show that delivers that relaxing feeling I want, and serves it up with some good ol' storytelling and heavy feels.

Midnight Diner tells the story of an izakaya that is only open from 12am to 7am, and solely run by man only referred to as "Master". The show doesn't follow a linear storyline with each episode telling a distinct short story. Each episode is centred around a dish (usually a home cooked meal) and its connection to a patron of the diner. For many of us, a homecooked meal transcends the taste or the sustenance we receive, and instead reminds us of a warm memory or a pivotal time in our lives. Midnight Diner captures this perfectly by reminding us that food can be the enabler that allows to relive our fondest and also our saddest experiences.

Kaoru Kobayashi plays the Master perfectly. As a soft spoken and gentle chef, the Master's greatest weapon is to be the adaptable therapist that all his patrons need. He knows when to speak, and when to listen, and delivers wisdom in a way that hides the answer and relies on the patron to work it out for themselves.

Can't recommend this show enough, but beware of the unexpected sad moments...

- Jeff