The new Japanese drama Gimbap and Onigiri, a story blending food and romance, is now available worldwide on Netflix. The show premiered on Japanese television and started its global streaming run today, January 12, 2026. The series follows a weekly release format, with new episodes dropping every Monday.
For international viewers, Netflix is the exclusive global platform to watch the show. New episodes are scheduled to arrive at the same time they air on TV in Japan.
Gimbap and Onigiri Episode Release Schedule
The series is planned for a ten-episode season. Each new episode is scheduled for release on Monday, with the season finale set for March 16, 2026.
Episode 1: January 12
Episode 2: January 19
Episode 3: January 26
Episode 4: February 2
Episode 5: February 9
Episode 6: February 16
Episode 7: February 23
Episode 8: March 2
Episode 9: March 9
Episode 10: March 16
Please note: This schedule is based on current plans and could be subject to change.
How to Watch Gimbap and Onigiri Worldwide
Netflix holds the worldwide exclusive streaming rights for this drama outside of Japan. This means a standard Netflix subscription is the only way to watch the show legally in most countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, India, and across Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
For viewers in Japan, the drama airs on TV Tokyo and its network channels every Monday at 11:06 PM JST. It is also available for catch-up viewing on local services like TVer and Lemino.
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What is Gimbap and Onigiri About?
Gimbap and Onigiri is a cross-cultural romance. It tells the story of Park Rin (played by Kang Hye-won), a Korean animation student in Japan who is struggling to find a new place to live. Her life intersects with Hase Taiga (played by Eiji Akaso), a former college athlete now working part-time at a small restaurant. Their connection begins when Rin finds comfort in the onigiri (rice ball) Taiga makes, sparking a gentle romance between two people from different backgrounds.
As actor Eiji Akaso shared in a statement:
“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.”
Key Show Details
- Main Cast: Eiji Akaso and Kang Hye-won. The supporting cast includes Moon Ji-hoo, Fukagawa Mai, and others.
- Music: The drama features a notable soundtrack, with the theme song “In Halo” by the global K-pop group aespa. The insert song “Same Sky” is performed by NCT WISH.
- Alternate Titles: The show is also known by its full Japanese title, Kimbap to Onigiri: Koisuru Futari Wa Nite Ite Chigau, and its Korean title, Cheotibe Banhada (์ฒซ์ ์ ๋ฐํ๋ค).
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