Midnight Diner is a Japanese drama film, directed by Joji Matsuoka and based on the manga of the same name by Yaro Abe. The film follows the story of a master chef, known only as "The Master," who runs a small restaurant in Tokyo that operates solely during the late night and early morning hours, catering to a diverse clientele of patrons who work odd hours or simply cannot sleep.
Throughout the film, The Master prepares and serves a variety of classic Japanese dishes, including omurice, tonkatsu, and udon, as well as special requests from regular customers. Each dish is accompanied by a unique story, shared by the patron who ordered it, that provides insight into their lives and struggles.
The film also explores The Master's own past and reveals the circumstances that led him to open his diner and operate exclusively during the midnight to early morning hours. It is hinted that The Master has a complex relationship with his father, who was also a chef.
As the night wears on and the early morning approaches, The Master closes up shop and heads home, often stopping to help one of his patrons along the way. The film is a heartwarming celebration of food, community, and the bonds that develop between people who share a love for both.