The slow-burn cross-cultural romance Gimbap and Onigiri has become a weekly comfort watch for viewers around the world. The series, which brings together Japanese and Korean talent both in front of and behind the camera, follows the quiet but deepening connection between a former athlete turned cook and a Korean animation student finding her way in Japan.
Fans who have been following the journey of Taiga Hase (Eiji Akaso) and Park Rin (Kang Hye-won) are now looking ahead to the next chapter. Episode 7 is scheduled to arrive soon, and here is all the confirmed information about when and where to watch it.
When Is Gimbap and Onigiri Episode 7 Coming?
Gimbap and Onigiri follows a weekly release pattern that has remained consistent since its premiere in January 2026. New episodes debut every Monday, and Episode 7 is no exception .
The confirmed release date for Episode 7 is Monday, February 23, 2026 . This continues the show’s regular weekly cadence, with each episode dropping seven days after the previous one.
Exact Release Time for Episode 7
The release timing depends on where you are watching the series. Gimbap and Onigiri is available on both TV Tokyo in Japan and Netflix for international audiences .
For viewers in Japan, the episode airs on TV Tokyo at 11:06 PM JST as part of the Drama Premiere 23 time slot .
For global audiences streaming on Netflix, the episode typically becomes available shortly after the Japanese broadcast. Based on the release pattern of previous episodes, Netflix adds new episodes every Monday by 12:00 AM Pacific Time (PST) . This translates to the following times for viewers around the world:
- USA (East Coast): 3:00 AM EST
- USA (West Coast): 12:00 AM PST
- United Kingdom: 8:00 AM GMT
- Canada: 3:00 AM EST / 12:00 AM PST
- Australia (Sydney): 7:00 PM AEDT
- India: 1:30 PM IST
Where to Watch Gimbap and Onigiri Episode 7
Netflix is the primary streaming platform for international viewers. The series is available with subtitles in multiple languages, including English, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, and Portuguese, making it accessible to a wide global audience . In Japan, viewers can also watch the show on TV Tokyo and streaming service TVer .
What Happened So Far? A Quick Recap
As the story moves past its halfway point, the emotional stakes have grown quietly but significantly. Taiga, who works part-time at the small restaurant Tanomi, once showed promise as a university athlete but lost his direction after falling short of expectations . He now finds purpose in simple responsibilities and the act of cooking.
Rin, a graduate student from South Korea studying animation in Japan, faced a housing crisis early in the series when she was forced to leave her student dormitory . A chance visit to Tanomi, where she tasted onigiri prepared by Taiga, marked the beginning of their connection.
The first few episodes showed their tentative steps toward each other. Episode 2 saw Taiga trying to ask Rin out, only for their plans to be interrupted . Episode 3 explored communication issues between the new couple, while Episode 4 took Taiga back to his hometown for his father’s memorial service, a place he had avoided for years . Most recently, Episode 5 focused on Taiga gaining confidence while running a catering event with a familiar face from his past, as Rin began contemplating her future after graduation .
What Makes the Drama Special?
Gimbap and Onigiri stands out for its restrained storytelling. The drama does not rely on exaggerated conflict or dramatic twists. Instead, it explores how two people navigate uncertainty while leaning on small sources of comfort . Food plays a central role not as a metaphor but as a shared experience. Onigiri and gimbap represent everyday comfort, meals tied to care, routine, and familiarity rather than luxury or celebration .
The series respects silence and routine, trusting the audience to notice emotional shifts without explanation. This approach has resonated with viewers who enjoy character-focused dramas that value mood, pacing, and emotional realism .
The Cast Bringing the Story to Life
The cast features a blend of Japanese and Korean talent :
- Eiji Akaso as Hase Taiga, the quiet cook finding new meaning in life
- Kang Hye-won (former IZ*ONE member) as Park Rin, the Korean animation student
- Moon Ji-hoo as Junho Kang, Rin’s considerate college senior
- Mai Fukagawa as Masumi Miyauchi, Taiga’s former girlfriend
- Seo Hye-won as Lee Yung-yeol, Rin’s supportive friend in Korea
Speaking about the series, Eiji Akaso shared his thoughts on the project :
“When I first saw the title, I was curious about what kind of story it would be. The characters are as warm and approachable, as the title suggests. It is a story about people who live sincerely and love sincerely.”
Kang Hye-won, who previously worked in the South Korean-Japanese girl group IZ*ONE, spoke about how her background helped her prepare for the role :
“Because I had already worked in Japan, the environment did not feel completely unfamiliar. I also think that if I had not gone to Japan back then, I would not have been able to pick up the language to this level in such a short time.”
Music That Complements the Story
The drama features a notable soundtrack that has drawn attention from fans. K-pop girl group aespa performs the theme song “In Halo” . The ending theme is “Shiawase no Iro” by Otona Masanori, while NCT WISH contributes the insert song “Same Sky” . This combination of Korean and Japanese artists mirrors the cross-cultural theme of the drama itself.
What to Expect in Future Episodes
With Episode 7 arriving on February 23, and four more episodes scheduled after that, viewers still have several weeks left to spend with Taiga and Rin . The series will run through Episode 10 on March 16, 2026 .
As Rin’s time in Japan grows shorter and both characters face decisions about their futures, the coming episodes will likely explore how their connection evolves when real-world circumstances create distance. The drama has consistently avoided easy answers, instead showing how wanting something does not mean it arrives easily .
For those who have not yet started watching, the weekly format allows time to catch up before the final episodes air. With its calming pace, cultural authenticity, and focus on ordinary moments, Gimbap and Onigiri offers a viewing experience that feels like comfort food itself.
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