Midnight Diner 2 (2011) Series Review

 

Midnight Diner 2 | 2011 | 10 episodes
Genre: Comedy/Drama | Country: Japan
IMDB: 8.6/10
My Rate: 10/10

Season two of Midnight Diner continues with compelling stories from the diverse patrons of Master's late-night restaurant. The stories offer profound and touching messages.

Warning:

Contains scenes of violence, alcohol, smoking, and sensuality.

 
Synopsis:

The second season of Midnight Diner returns. Master runs his small restaurant, open only at midnight.  Only a few menu items are displayed, but customers can request other dishes if Master has the ingredients. Many patrons visit, both regulars and newcomers, interacting and sharing their individual stories.

 

Episode 1: Futatabi Akai Weiner

A high school baseball tournament is underway in Tokyo. Gen faces trouble after being implicated in match-fixing. Detective Noguchi, a friend of Ryu, uses this opportunity to get Ryu to fulfill a request: visiting their old friend Kimi, Ryu's former teacher and lover, who is hospitalized and near death. Kimi is a significant figure in Ryu's favorite food, the sausages.

 
Episode 2: Karaage to Highball

Saya Adachi is a unique customer, always ordering chicken karaage and falling asleep while waiting. Master shows her special consideration, given her exhaustion, even providing her with a low-alcohol highball. Saya works hard to support her boyfriend Shosuke, an aspiring comedian, but Shosuke treats her poorly, prompting Gen to intervene.

 

Episode 3: Steamed Clams

Oren, an elderly alcoholic woman, orders steamed clams with sake. Master contacts Takeshi, Oren's son and a martial arts instructor, to take her home. Oren blames her drinking on Takeshi's unmarried status, claiming it stresses her. Their relationship is contentious, yet their affection is evident when Takeshi has an accident.

 

Episode 4: Nikogori

Shoji, a bento shop owner, falls for Ikumi after seeing her at Master's restaurant. Ikumi regularly orders jellyfish jelly with warm rice—a simple yet unique dish that captivates Shoji. Ikumi unintentionally helps Shoji when his shop faces difficulties. When Shoji confesses his feelings, Ikumi rejects him, claiming to have a boyfriend, but she hides a secret.

 

Episode 5: Kanzume

Genki and Yuki are scouting locations for a film. They find canned food and take a can of pineapple, asking Master to prepare it. They meet Kikuno, who also brings canned food for Master to cook.  After seeing a photo they accidentally took, Genki and Yuki hear stories of a ghost haunting the location and suspect Kikuno is the ghost.

 

Episode 6: Crème Stew

Suzuki struggles to write his novel after harsh criticism from his editor. Hana, a sex worker, frequently visits Master's restaurant for crème stew, reminding her of her mother's struggles after her father disappeared.  Suzuki and Hana meet when Suzuki seeks Hana's services to relieve his stress. Hana is shocked to see a photo on Suzuki's desk, revealing a hidden secret between them.

 

Episode 7: Hakusaizuke

Tsukiko, a famous screenwriter, loves Master's pickled cabbage, a specialty from her hometown.  Tsukiko is embroiled in scandal after photos of her with a married producer surface.  People doubt her writing talent, assuming her success is due to her appearance.  Tsukiko hides for a while, appearing despondent when visiting Master's restaurant.

 
Episode 8: Hiyashi Chuuka

Hitomi, a beautiful woman, has a string of failed relationships, her last boyfriend having exploited her. Hitomi meets Hashimoto at a pet shop, and they become close. Hitomi believes their relationship is going well until another fact emerges. A detective recognizes a criminal who escaped capture after seeing Hitomi enjoying cold noodles at Master's restaurant.

 

Episode 9: Nikujaga

Kanemoto brings his girlfriend, Chiaki, to enjoy beef and potato stew. Chiaki recalls her past, never having used beef in her stew due to financial constraints, using pork instead.  A young woman delivering cakes has a similar story, having come to Tokyo to search for her missing older sister. Could they be connected?

 
Episode 10: Gyoza

Master orders delicious gyoza from Anamori Dumplings. One day, the owner, Murata, can't make the delivery, so his wife, Momoko, brings them. An unexpected encounter between Momoko and Katagiri reveals old memories and hurts. Their past relationship ended due to a misunderstanding. Katagiri wants to reconcile with Momoko, planning to give her a ring he'd saved for her birthday. Murata and his daughter are also preparing a surprise party for Momoko.

 
Review:

"Life is all about timing."

Based on the manga of the same name by Yaro Abe, published in 2006, this series continues the success of its first season with another ten episodes of compelling stories.

The aesthetically pleasing and calming introduction remains consistent, as does the setting—the same restaurant—maintaining continuity with the previous season.

A variety of new and unique dishes are showcased, along with several new characters. Although the first episode features Ryu, also present in the first season's opener, the story is entirely different.

The storytelling remains excellent, with systematically developed plots and clear character backgrounds. Conflicts and resolutions are well-handled, and each episode concludes with a brief explanation of the featured dish's preparation.

The actors' performances feel natural, mirroring typical customer interactions.  The music and sound effects are well-chosen, and the actors' expressions are excellent.

Episode 5, Kanzume, is particularly impactful. It addresses infidelity and the realization of life's preciousness. The main character, a student having an affair with her professor, gains self-awareness. Initially feeling her life was ruined and contemplating suicide, she ultimately chooses a better path.

This series is ideal for viewers who appreciate calming yet engaging and meaningful stories—simple narratives with a lasting impact.

 

(Aluna)