Midnight Diner

[Drunk Monk]

New Series of Drama *Midnight Diner* Confirmed After 7-Year Hiatus; Staff & Cast Reunite, Kaoru Kobayashi Issues Statement
March 17 (Tue), 1:00 PM JST



Production of a new series of the drama *Midnight Diner* confirmed. © Yaro Abe, *Midnight Diner* / Shogakukan *Big Comic Original* | © Yaro Abe / Shogakukan / *Midnight Diner 6* Production Committee

On March 17, the production of a new series of the drama *Midnight Diner*—starring actor Kaoru Kobayashi—was announced. Marking the first new installment in seven years, the series is scheduled to air in the autumn of 2026 within the "Dramaism" programming block on MBS and TBS.

*Midnight Diner* is based on the eponymous manga by Yaro Abe—a work known as one of Japan's quintessential "food" comics, boasting a cumulative global circulation of over 9 million copies. It was first adapted into a live-action drama starring Kaoru Kobayashi in 2009. Set in "Meshiya" (The Diner), a small eatery tucked away in a corner of the city's nightlife district, the series depicts the intimate, small-scale stories that unfold at the counter as a diverse array of customers—differing in gender, age, and background—visit the establishment.

Despite airing in a late-night time slot, the drama garnered significant buzz and evolved into a popular franchise, followed by *Midnight Diner 2* in 2011 and *Midnight Diner 3* in 2014. From 2016 onward, *Midnight Diner 4* and *Midnight Diner 5* were produced as Netflix Original Series, becoming available for streaming in 190 countries worldwide.

Furthermore, the franchise has expanded beyond television with two feature film adaptations—*Midnight Diner* (2015, directed by Joji Matsuoka) and *Midnight Diner 2* (2016, directed by Joji Matsuoka). Its popularity extends far beyond Japan's borders; the series has been remade in countries such as China and South Korea, captivating fans across the globe.

Now, seven years after the previous installment, the original staff and cast have reunited to produce this new series. Filming is currently in full swing in preparation for the broadcast scheduled for this coming autumn. ■ Kaoru Kobayashi (Role: "Meshiya" Master) — Comment
The *Midnight Diner* drama series is making its return after a seven-year hiatus. In the time that has passed, we have also lived through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The regular cast members have aged just a little bit, too (laughs). I also feel like the Master’s hair has grown a bit whiter since our last season.
However, there is absolutely no reason for me *not* to be delighted by this reunion. We have heard so many voices eagerly awaiting these new episodes.
Above all else, it brings me the greatest joy and excitement to be able to deliver a brand-new, even more powerful incarnation of *Midnight Diner* to all of you. We look forward to welcoming you to the *Midnight Diner*.