A new series blending Japanese and Korean cultures has arrived on Netflix. Gimbap and Onigiri premiered on January 12, 2026, introducing viewers to a story about food, unexpected connections, and the stress of adult life in a foreign country. The first episode, titled “Episode 1,” sets up a cozy world where a simple rice ball can change everything.
The show follows Park Rin, a dedicated Korean graduate student in Japan, and Taiga Hase, a part-time cook searching for direction. Their worlds collide at a small restaurant, sparking a story about finding comfort and inspiration in surprising places.
The Main Characters and Their First Meeting
Park Rin, played by Kang Hye-won, is a graduate student from South Korea studying animation in Japan. The first episode shows her as deeply committed to her art, working hard to incorporate her professors’ feedback even when language barriers make it difficult. Her life is thrown into disarray when she receives a sudden notice that she must leave her student dormitory. This housing crisis adds a heavy layer of stress to her already demanding academic workload.
“Rin is talented, but sheโs overwhelmed by mundane, day-to-day tasks,” one review notes, highlighting a relatable moment where Rin confesses to a friend that ordinary activities like checking the mail now feel like major challenges.
Meanwhile, Taiga Hase, portrayed by Eiji Akaso, works part-time at a small, traditional restaurant called Tanomi. He was once a promising track-and-field athlete at his university but had to give it up. Now, he finds a quiet sense of purpose in the kitchen, where the restaurant’s owner gives him the freedom to help create new dishes for the seasonal menu.
Their first meeting is unplanned. Exhausted and hungry after a long day of apartment hunting, Rin stumbles into Tanomi. Taiga serves her his handmade onigiri, a Japanese rice ball. The simple, heartfelt food touches her, providing a moment of peace and satisfaction she desperately needed. For Taiga, Rin’s genuine enjoyment and her unique perspective as a foreign student present an inspiring new challenge in the kitchen.
How Cooking Bridges Two Different Worlds
The core of Gimbap and Onigiri Episode 1 is the connection that forms through food. Rin’s stressful situation makes her appreciate the comfort of Taiga’s cooking even more. The warm, inviting atmosphere of the wooden restaurant becomes a safe haven for her.
But the exchange is not one-sided. Rin’s presence also pushes Taiga creatively. In one key scene, he attempts to use okra, an ingredient known for its slimy texture, to create a dish that will appeal to her Korean tastes. This moment symbolizes the show’s theme of blending different culinary backgrounds and personal experiences to create something new and delightful.
The episode carefully builds their relationship not on grand gestures, but on small, meaningful interactions. Rin’s smile gives Taiga confidence. Her specific needs as a customer inspire him to be a more thoughtful cook. For Rin, Taiga’s food and his calm presence offer stability during a chaotic time.
Streaming and Release Schedule for Global Viewers
Gimbap and Onigiri is available to stream globally on Netflix. The first episode, with a runtime of 38 minutes, premiered on Monday, January 12, 2026.
The series originally airs on TV Tokyo in Japan, taking the Monday night time slot at 23:06. New episodes are expected to be released weekly. For international audiences on Netflix, the release schedule will follow the Japanese broadcast, meaning viewers around the world can watch each new episode at the same time.
The show is a joint production between Japan and South Korea. The main cast includes Eiji Akaso as Taiga Hase, Kang Hye-won as Park Rin, and Moon Ji-hoo in a supporting role.
Also Read:
Fan Reactions and Initial Response to Episode 1
Early viewers who have caught the premiere have shared positive first impressions. On social media and forum discussions, the show is being described as “cute” and a “cozy selection” perfect for relaxation.
One viewer commented on a drama forum, “Caught the first episode of J drama Gimbap and Onigiri. FL is Kang Hye Wonโฆ She bonds with part time chef ML over his food. Cute so far.”. This sentiment reflects the general appeal of the show’s low-stakes, comforting vibe.
Reviewers have praised the performances of the two leads, noting that Eiji Akaso brings a gentle nature to Taiga, while Kang Hye-won makes Rin’s struggles feel relatable and grounded. The chemistry between them is seen as developing sweetly, setting a strong foundation for the romance to come.
The production design of the Tanomi restaurant has also received compliments for its warm, wooden interior and soft lighting, which creates an instantly inviting and comforting setting for the story.
Also Read: The Night Manager Parents Guide: Violence, Content, And Age Ratings For The Spy Thriller
