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The new drama "Gimbap and Onigiri," starring Eiji Akaso and Kang Hyewon (ex-IZ*ONE), premiered on TV Tokyo and Netflix on January 12, 2026. This highly anticipated Japan-Korea collaboration is making waves globally with its exclusive Netflix release.
This article will be updated weekly with episode summaries, highlights, and must-watch points through to the finale (Updated: Episode 7).
👉Watch "Gimbap and Onigiri" on Netflix now!
The Heartwarming Story of "Gimbap and Onigiri"
This series is a pure-hearted romance exploring the connection between two people from Japan and Korea. Just like their namesakes—onigiri and gimbap—the protagonists appear similar at first glance but carry unique "flavors" shaped by their respective cultures. The drama beautifully captures their journey as they navigate cultural nuances and find common ground through the simple joy of sharing a meal.
A Star-Studded Cast & Crew from Japan and Korea
The buzz surrounding this series isn't just about Eiji Akaso and Kang Hyewon. The supporting cast features rising star Moon Jihu and the versatile Seo Hyewon, both beloved by K-drama fans for their standout performances.
Adding to the show's authenticity, the script is co-written by Lee Nawon, the acclaimed Korean screenwriter behind the TBS hit "Take Me to the End of Hell." This collaboration ensures a perfect blend of Japanese and Korean storytelling styles, making every episode feel both realistic and deeply moving.
Episode 7 "Me to You, You to Me" Synopsis
Taiga is told by Rin that they should break up. While both still have feelings for each other, days pass without any contact.
During this time, Taiga receives another catering request from his ex-girlfriend, Masumi. Her request is for "Dakgomtang," a Korean soup that Rin once taught him about. Standing before the pot, Taiga recalls how Rin supported him when he was uncertain about his future. He delivers the finished soup to her room but cannot bring himself to hand it over directly, instead leaving it hanging on the doorknob before walking away.
Meanwhile, Jun-ho is by Rin's side. However, realizing that Rin's heart belongs to Taiga, he decides to step back. It was also he who noticed the Dakgomtang hanging on the door and informed Rin.
After the catering, Masumi confesses to Taiga that she wants to get back together. But Taiga's mind is filled only with thoughts of Rin. Around the same time, as Rin tastes the Dakgomtang, she sheds tears, remembering Taiga's kindness.
Confirming their mutual feelings, the two start running and reunite inside a train. During their conversation, Rin reports that she has secured an internship at a Japanese company. This meant she now had a reason to stay in Japan—and the possibility of choosing a future with Taiga had been born. Taiga expresses his feelings once more, and Rin responds in kind.
Then, the two finally open a bottle of Ramune together—the drink they couldn't share during that trip.
Three Must-Watch Highlights in Episode 7
Episode 7 reached a happy development with their reconciliation. However, many viewers likely felt their hearts ache for the bittersweet figure of Jun-ho. Here are three highlights to watch for this time.
1.Is karaoke the universal remedy for heartbreak?
After encouraging Rin, Jun-ho sings his heart out at karaoke to "Me to You, You to Me," an OST from "The Classic" (Japanese title: Love Story). This is the song Rin mentioned in Episode 1 and serves as the subtitle for this episode.
Singing at karaoke after a breakup is a common occurrence in Japan as well. Pouring one's emotions into a song is a cliché, but that is exactly why it is so relatable.
2.Tucking hair behind the ear is a classic heart-fluttering scene
A staple of Korean dramas is the gesture of gently tucking hair away from someone's face. It is a classic scene that emphasizes physical proximity.
This time, it was Jun-ho who did this for Rin. This classic romantic direction, performed while knowing his love would not be returned, made the scene even more poignant.
3.Similarities between Japanese and Korean
As Rin pointed out, there are many similar words between Japanese and Korean, such as "Ramen," "Kazoku (Family)," "Yakusoku (Promise)," "Mushi (Ignore)," "Muri (Impossible)," and "Muryo (Free)."
In the previous episode, the "differences" between Taiga and Rin caused a misunderstanding. However, in this episode, focus is placed on their "similarities" as a contrast.
While struggling with their differences, they actually have a foundation for understanding each other—it was a scene that provided a sense of hope.
Episode 6 Recap: "Out-of-Season Lovers"
Rin catches Taiga meeting with his ex-girlfriend, Masumi. Although Taiga promises to keep contact strictly professional and never meet her alone again, Rin’s anxiety remains unsoothed. Despite the tension, they head on their planned hot spring trip—a journey meant to fulfill Rin’s simple wish of soaking in the water and drinking Ramune. However, her expression stays clouded. She is secretly haunted by another worry: the results of her job applications to Japanese companies. If she passes, she has a reason to stay. If not...
The next day at an art museum, Taiga casually asks, "If you had infinite money and time, what kind of work would you want to create?" Rin finds herself unable to answer, realizing she has lost sight of her own creative passion. During the awkward silence, a message from Masumi flashes on Taiga’s phone. Seeing it’s unrelated to work, Rin’s distrust boils over. Taiga reacts emotionally in return, widening the rift between them.
Back at the inn that night, Rin receives a rejection letter. Taiga finally learns about her job hunt in Japan, but his response—"I have no right to stop you" even if she returns to Korea—strikes Rin as cold abandonment rather than the honesty he intended. "I can't do this anymore. Let's break up," she cries before bolting from the room. Taiga, left behind with the bottle of Ramune he bought for her, chases after her and grabs her hand, only for her to shake him off.
Three Must-Watch Highlights in Episode 6
The latest episode ended on a heartbreaking note. Here are three points to deepen your understanding of the story.
1. Is "Not Holding Back" True Kindness?
The friction here might stem less from cultural gaps and more from gendered communication styles. Does "respecting" someone mean staying out of their business? At the very least, Rin likely wanted to hear Taiga’s true feelings.
2. The Japanese Tendency to "Read the Room"
When the wrong dish is served at lunch, Rin tries to point it out, but Taiga stops her. This is a common Japanese trait: prioritizing the feelings of others and the harmony of the environment over direct confrontation.
3. The Heavy Influence of Mothers
Rin’s desire for her mother’s approval reflects how maternal influence is often stronger in Korea than in Japan. In Japan, parental opinions tend to play a smaller role in a child’s adult decisions. This difference adds a complex layer to Rin's inner conflict.
Episode 5 Recap: "What is the meaning of fulfillment?"
After successfully managing the restaurant alone for several days, Taiga feels a growing confidence in his skills as a chef. He is soon entrusted with a catering job requested by a regular customer; however, the person he reunites with at the venue is his ex-girlfriend, Masumi (Mai Fukagawa). As they face each other through their work, an awkward tension lingers in the air.
Meanwhile, Lin is hitting a wall regarding both her career path and her creative work. She is torn between the thought of returning to Korea and her desire to stay in Japan for Taiga. Seeing her struggle as her work fails to receive the recognition she hoped for, Taiga encourages her with handmade onigiri (rice balls) filled with his sincere support.
On the day the catering job and the cultural festival overlap, Taiga feels a sense of relief seeing the smiles on his customers' faces, while Lin successfully completes her artwork themed around rice balls. Finally able to catch their breath, the two promise to go on a trip together, hinting at a happy future ahead.
However, just as Lin is heart-fluttering with anticipation for the trip, she receives a phone call from her mother in Korea urging her to return home. Feeling rushed, Lin impulsively mails out the resumes she had been drafting in hopes of finding employment in Japan. She heads straight to see Taiga, but what she witnesses is the sight of Taiga and Masumi talking intimately.
"If only I could have seen my future more clearly..." Taiga confesses to Masumi his honest feelings for Lin and his own sense of immaturity. But to Lin, watching from the shadows, the way Masumi looks at Taiga appears far too intimate.
Three Must-Watch Highlights in Episode 5
Just when it seemed Taiga and Lin’s peaceful happiness would continue, the appearance of his ex, Masumi, has begun to stir the waters of the story. Here are three highlights to watch for this time.
1."Distance" from an Ex-Partner
In the story, Lin’s senior, Junho, firmly states, "I don't meet up with exes." This is actually an eternal debate that divides opinion in Japan as well. According to one survey, while about 50% of Japanese people say they "cut ties completely," 30% say they "return to being friends or stay in touch."
2.The Popular Tourist Spot "Kappabashi Street"
The "Kappabashi" area Taiga visits to prepare for his catering job is a holy land for kitchenware known to every chef. Recently, it has gained immense popularity among foreign tourists. According to Lin, a similar district of specialty kitchenware shops called "Hwanghak-dong" exists in Seoul, Korea.
3."Job Hunting for International Students" in Japan
While the employment rate in Japan is not bad compared to other Asian countries, it is a different story when it comes to foreigners working in Japan. The "business-level Japanese language requirement" is a particularly high wall. Furthermore, Japanese corporate culture remains unique even after joining a company. Given how fluent Lin is, language might not be a concern, but the courage she showed in mailing those resumes to work in a foreign land must have been considerable.
Episode 4 Recap: Nurungji's Tears
After overcoming their first-ever argument, Taiga Hase (Eiji Akaso) and Park Lin (Kang Hyewon) wake up to a peaceful morning in Lin’s new apartment. However, the happy afterglow is soon interrupted by a phone call from Taiga’s brother. He is summoned back to his hometown for his father’s memorial service—a heavy and melancholic call that Taiga dreads facing.
Staring out the window of the bus heading home, Taiga is forced to confront the past he had kept locked away. He was once a promising athlete carrying the weight of high expectations. However, at the university he entered on a scholarship, his times stagnated, and he was heartlessly abandoned by his coach. Seeking an escape from this failure, he moved to Tokyo, becoming estranged from his mother and brother due to the guilt of betraying their hopes.
Back at home, Taiga tries to share that he is working hard at a restaurant, but his brother sternly questions his commitment: "Do you have the resolve to see this through to the end?" When Taiga can only mutter, "I don't know," his brother’s cold reply—"You haven't changed at all"—cuts deep into his heart.
Returning to Tokyo in low spirits, Taiga confesses his feelings of inadequacy to the owner of "Tanomi," the restaurant where he works, lamenting that he has achieved nothing at 27. Without many words, the owner quietly invites him to join the early morning market run. In the world of Japanese craftsmanship, teaching new tasks is a silent sign of expectation and trust. Feeling the owner’s quiet kindness, the clouds in Taiga’s heart begin to clear.
Meanwhile, Lin, who dreams of becoming an animator, is facing her own struggle. Her mother is pressuring her to return to Korea after graduation, insisting that "a stable life is best." Lin finds herself wavering in the painful gap between her dreams and reality.
During this time, Taiga is entrusted with a major responsibility when the owner asks him to run the shop alone for a few days. While managing "Tanomi" by himself, a former university classmate visits with a man named Sakumoto. Deeply impressed by Taiga’s meticulous work, Sakumoto offers warm encouragement: "It’s a wonderful thing to see you moving steadily on a new path after leaving the field."
Upon leaving, he hands Taiga a business card that reads "Sports Nutrition & Dietary Management Department." In that moment, Taiga feels a spark of hope—the past he thought he had abandoned might finally be connecting with his current path in cooking.
Three Must-Watch Highlights in Episode 4
Episode 4 is a bittersweet yet heartwarming story where Taiga faces his own "weaknesses." Let’s dive into the cultural details that make these scenes so special.
1. The Affectionate Gesture of "Shielding the Sunlight"
When the couple wakes up in the morning, Taiga gently shields Lin’s face with his hand to keep the sun out of her eyes. This is a classic romantic gesture frequently seen in Korean dramas. While it’s rare in Japanese shows, it perfectly highlights Taiga’s naturally gentle and caring personality.
2. The Self-Introduction Staple: MBTI (Personality Test)
There is a scene where Lin’s mother asks someone she just met, "What’s your MBTI?" While this personality test has become a trend in Japan as well, its level of integration in Korea is immense. Nowadays, it is considered a more vital indicator for understanding someone than blood type or zodiac signs.
3. The Japanese Artisan "Leading by Example"
The owner of "Tanomi" is a man of few words but deep affection, embodying the classic spirit of a Japanese craftsman. In this world, there is a tradition of "teaching by showing your back"—meaning you learn by observing the master’s actions rather than through verbal instruction. The owner inviting Taiga to the market was his own way of giving him a warm, silent vote of confidence.
Episode 3 Recap: "Saeng-il chukha-hae!"
Now officially a couple, Taiga Hase (Eiji Akaso) and Park Lin (Kang Hyewon) successfully find the apartment they searched for together. Eager to share her joy, Lin sends a message to Taiga, but to her disappointment, he is slow to reply. "I want you to know more and more about me"—facing Lin’s honest expression of anxiety, Taiga promises, "I’ll make sure to contact you at least once a day." However, those words feel more like an obligation to Lin, leaving a small, lingering ache in her heart.
In reality, Taiga wasn't neglecting her at all. With Lin’s birthday fast approaching, he had been busy scouring bookstores for an out-of-print book by an author she mentioned she loved.
On the day before her birthday, Taiga heads over to Lin’s new place to help her move, with the gift hidden in his bag. Suddenly, Lin’s mother arrives from Korea for an unexpected visit. Caught off guard, Lin half-pushes Taiga out the door, telling him, "I’ll call you later!" While waiting for her call, Taiga receives an urgent request for help from his part-time job at "Tanomi" due to a large group reservation, and he soon finds himself overwhelmed with work.
As the countdown to her birthday begins, Taiga doesn't even notice the heartfelt messages from Lin, who desperately wanted him by her side at that moment. Crushed by the disappointment, Lin coldly pushes Taiga away when he shows up the next day with the gift.
However, the moment Lin opens the package Taiga quietly left behind, she realizes something profound. Inside was proof that Taiga had remembered a small preference she had only mentioned in passing. She realizes that she had been prioritizing her own loneliness, failing to see just how much he was thinking of her and trying to understand her.
Unable to stay still, Lin opens her door to run to Taiga—only to find him standing there, having come to her with those same feelings in his heart.
Facing each other once again, Taiga expresses regret for making her feel anxious by not replying, while Lin apologizes for pushing her own emotions onto him without considering his situation. After baring their clumsy but deep affection for one another, the two overcome this misunderstanding and take yet another step toward becoming a couple in the truest sense.
Three Must-Watch Highlights in Episode 3
In Episode 3, the new couple faces a "wall" built from differences in culture and habits. Here are three key points to help you enjoy the story on a deeper level.
1. Different Perspectives on "Communication Frequency"
There is a scene where Lin becomes increasingly anxious over Taiga's slow replies. In Japan, it’s not uncommon for couples to only message when they have a specific reason. However, for many Korean couples, communication is the "barometer of love" itself. It is standard to share updates multiple times a day—whenever they are moving between places or having a meal. Taiga’s promise of "once a day" felt like a lack of passion to Lin, triggering her feelings of loneliness.
2. Birthday Traditions and "Seaweed Soup"
While birthdays are important in both Japan and Korea, Korea places a much higher emphasis on celebrating at exactly midnight. Lin's shock stemmed from missing out on sharing that special moment. Additionally, it is a staple to drink "Seaweed Soup" (Miyeok-guk) on birthdays in Korea. Since this is the same nutrient-rich soup mothers eat after childbirth, drinking it on one's birthday carries the beautiful meaning of remembering and thanking one's mother for the gift of life.
3. Expressing Affection Through Food
In one scene, Lin’s mother casually places a side dish onto Lin’s rice bowl during their meal. This is a very characteristic Korean way of showing love. Whether it’s parents to children or between romantic partners, deboning fish or sharing side dishes is a sign of care. Perhaps in a future episode, we might see a scene where Lin affectionately looks after Taiga in the same way.
Episode 2 Recap: "Wish Upon a Gaori"
"Should I help you look for a place?" That rainy night, inside the vintage train where they shared a sudden moment of closeness, Taiga Hase (Eiji Akaso) offers to assist Park Lin (Kang Hyewon) in her apartment search.
As they visit various apartments together, the distance between them steadily narrows. However, during this time, Taiga learns the reality that Lin is set to return to Korea in one year. Showing him her "Bucket List," Lin talks joyfully about how she wants to complete everything on it before she leaves. Faced with her straightforward determination toward her goals, Taiga—who harbors his own anxieties about the future—feels an increasing sense of distance and quietly suppresses his growing feelings.
Meanwhile, Lin is also secretly feeling down because Taiga, despite the good chemistry they seemed to have, hasn't invited her out again. Her best friend, Lee Yungyeol (Seo Hyewon), warns her that "dating someone from another country isn't easy." Despite this, Lin’s desire to see Taiga only grows stronger. As if her feelings reached him, Taiga—who had been lost in hesitation—plucks up the courage and invites her on a date to the aquarium.
On the day of the date, Taiga is fired up, having carefully planned everything to ensure Lin has a great time. However, reality doesn't go quite as planned. The sea lion show they were looking forward to is canceled, and the sweets they wanted are sold out... Just as Taiga begins to feel completely dejected by the crumbling plan, he is saved by the misshapen onigiri that Lin had worked hard to make for him.
Touched by her warmth, Taiga finally regains his confidence. Standing before a massive tank with stingrays—called "Gaori" in Korean—gracefully swimming in the background, the two quietly confirm their honest feelings for one another.
Now officially a couple, they visit a park where Taiga tells her, "I think I’ll try making a bucket list too." As he gives Lin a gentle kiss, she smiles happily and whispers, "Things like this... they aren't meant for a bucket list."
Three Must-Watch Highlights in Episode 2
Episode 2 was a momentous chapter where the romance between the two took a giant leap forward. Many viewers surely felt their hearts flutter at the sight of the early kiss scene. Here are the key points to help you appreciate the story even more deeply.
1. Housing Realities: In Japan, You Bring Your Own Appliances
During their apartment search, there is a scene where Lin looks uneasy, saying, "There’s no fridge or washing machine..." In Japan, it is standard for tenants to provide their own appliances. In contrast, "Full Option" rentals are mainstream in Korea, where properties come furnished with everything from appliances to furniture. This depiction highlights the high hurdles of starting a new life in a different culture.
2. The Timing of Introducing a Partner
Immediately after they officially become a couple, Lin brings her university senior, Kang Junho (Moon Jihoo), to "Tanomi" to introduce him to Taiga. Taiga seems a bit bewildered by this. While introducing a partner to friends is common in Japan, the "speed" of doing it right after starting a relationship might surprise some. It’s a moment where you can feel the straightforward emotional expression of Koreans, who are often said to be more direct than Japanese people.
3. A Second Lead? Junho’s Tears
Behind the scenes of Taiga and Lin’s newfound happiness, one moment left viewers feeling a bit unsettled: the tears of university senior Kang Junho. As he drinks soju alone and cries, his feelings for Lin—which seem far deeper than those for a "close junior"—are clear. Will he become the "second lea
Episode 1 Recap: "The First Bite"
Taiga Hase (Eiji Akaso) was once the "ace" of his university’s ekiden (long-distance relay) team, a runner with a promising future. Now, having lost his dreams, he spends his days working at a small restaurant called "Tanomi." One day, the owner challenges Taiga to develop a brand-new menu item.
Meanwhile, Park Lin (Kang Hyewon) has moved from Korea to Japan to study animation. Exhausted from the pressure of her assignments and the struggle of house hunting, she wanders into "Tanomi" late one night. The sight of Lin happily devouring the onigiri Taiga prepared—her face lighting up with a radiant smile—leaves a lasting impression on him.
Seeking inspiration for his new menu from Korean cuisine, Taiga asks Lin for her feedback during her next visit. As they finally introduce themselves, Lin asks about his dreams. After a moment of hesitation, Taiga admits, "I don’t have any dreams. I only started this job as an extension of my part-time work." Lin responds with an innocent smile, "So you are in training. Just like me." This unexpected perspective softens Taiga’s heart, and they exchange contact information. However, Taiga later spots Lin talking intimately with another man and finds himself hesitating to reach out.
A week later, a message from Lin leads to a reunion where they clear up the misunderstanding and confirm they are both single. When a sudden rainstorm begins, they take shelter inside a vintage train car glowing with decorative lights. There, Taiga learns about Lin’s housing difficulties. As a sudden clap of thunder startles them, bringing them closer together, Taiga offers to help her find an apartment.
Three Must-Watch Highlights in Episode 1
Episode 1 is packed with charming moments that highlight the subtle cultural differences between Japan and Korea, along with respectful nods to iconic K-drama tropes.
1. Cultural Contrasts in Exchanging Contacts
A particularly memorable moment occurs when the two exchange contact information. Taiga is momentarily bewildered when Lin hands her smartphone directly to him. While it is standard in Japan to scan QR codes on apps like LINE, in Korea, it is often the norm to type your number directly into the other person's device. Discovering these small, realistic cultural nuances is one of the true joys of this drama.
2. The "Jacket Umbrella" and an Homage to a Classic
The scene where Taiga spreads his jacket to shield both of them from the sudden rain is a quintessential "K-drama move." In the show, Lin herself mentions that it feels like the movie "The Classic". This is a beautiful homage to a masterpiece of Korean romantic cinema—a legendary motif that continues to inspire romance stories today.
3. The Enchanting Lights of the Night Train
At the climax, the lights suddenly flicker on inside the train where they have taken shelter. The breathtaking beauty of the glowing carriage floating in the quiet night park evokes the lyrical visual style characteristic of high-end Korean dramas. It serves as a perfectly romantic backdrop as the distance between Taiga and Lin finally narrows.
Main Cast of "Gimbap and Onigiri"
Taiga Hase / Eiji Akaso
Once famous as the "ace" of his university's ekiden (long-distance relay) team, Taiga is now a young man without dreams, working at the small restaurant "Tanomi." Meeting Rin becomes the spark that gets his stalled life moving again.
Lead actor Eiji Akaso starred in the drama "Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!", which became a massive social phenomenon across Asia. To convincingly play a former runner, Akaso reportedly dedicated himself to intense strength training even between shoots to build a runner’s physique.
Park Rin / Kang Hyewon
A graduate student who moved from Korea to Japan to study animation. Although she struggles with the challenges of living abroad, she finds comfort and healing in the food Taiga prepares.
The heroine is played by Kang Hyewon, a former member of the global sensation IZ*ONE. Now focusing on her acting career, she impressed the crew by communicating almost entirely in Japanese with Akaso on set, showcasing her incredible professionalism.
Kang Junho / Moon Jihu
A Korean friend who supports Lin in Japan. Lin affectionately calls him "Oppa" (a term Korean women use for older brothers or close older male friends), and their close bond hints at a potential rivalry for Taiga’s heart.
Moon Jihu, a talented actor beloved by young fans in Asia as a "prince" of web dramas, brings a smart and charming presence to the role.
Shigeo Taguchi / Mitsuru Fukikoshi
The owner of "Tanomi" and a mentor figure to Taiga. He encourages Taiga’s growth by entrusting him with the new menu and offering wise life advice.
Mitsuru Fukikoshi is a veteran Japanese actor known for his profound performances across theater, film, and TV. His unique presence provides a solid emotional foundation for the story.
Lee Yungyeol / Seo Hyewon
Lin’s best friend living in South Korea, with whom she talks online almost every day.
Seo Hyewon is a scene-stealer whose charming performances in hits like "Business Proposal" and "Alchemy of Souls" are still fresh in fans' memories. Her bright energy makes her an indispensable presence in any drama she joins.
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