The new Japanese romance series Gimbap and Onigiri has begun streaming on Netflix. Viewers who enjoyed the first episode are now looking for details on the release schedule for the rest of the series. Here is the complete guide on when and where you can watch Episode 2 and the full season.
The show follows Park Rin, a Korean animation student in Japan who is stressed by her studies and suddenly needs to find a new place to live. Her life intersects with Taiga Hasegawa, a former university athlete who now works part-time at a small restaurant and finds purpose in creating new menu items. Their connection begins when Rin visits his restaurant and is deeply comforted by the simple onigiri rice balls he makes.
Gimbap and Onigiri Episode 2 Release Date and Schedule
Episode 2 of Gimbap and Onigiri will be released on Monday, January 19, 2026. The series follows a weekly release pattern. New episodes premiere every Monday on Netflix.
The series first aired on Japanese television on TV Tokyo. It took over the Monday night time slot previously held by another show. The broadcast time in Japan is Mondays from 11:06 PM to 11:55 PM. For international audiences on Netflix, the episode is expected to be available for streaming at 12:00 AM Japan Standard Time (JST) when the date turns to Tuesday. This translates to different local times around the world.
For viewers in the United States, the episode will be available on Monday, January 19 in the late afternoon or evening, depending on your time zone. In India, the episode will be available on Monday night. In the United Kingdom and Australia, it will be available in the late afternoon or early evening of Monday. Each episode has a runtime of approximately 38 minutes.
Where to Stream Gimbap and Onigiri Episode 2 Online
Gimbap and Onigiri is streaming exclusively on Netflix globally. This means Netflix is the only platform where you can watch this series.
You can watch it on the Netflix website or through the Netflix app on smart TVs, phones, tablets, and gaming consoles. The series is available on all Netflix subscription plans. This includes the standard plans with and without advertisements. The show is listed with a PG rating and is categorized as a Romance series on the platform.
What to Expect in Gimbap and Onigiri Episode 2
The first episode set the stage. Park Rin, after finishing a difficult school project, receives the stressful news that she must leave her dormitory. At the same time, Taiga is tasked with creating a new dish for the restaurant where he works. Their first meeting at his restaurant leaves a strong impression on both of them.
Episode 2 will likely explore the developing connection between Rin and Taiga. The series focuses on how food brings them together as they deal with their personal challenges. Rin must continue her search for a new home while keeping up with her animation studies. Taiga will work on finding his place and passion through his cooking. The cultural exchange between the Korean student and the Japanese part-timer will be a central theme as their friendship potentially grows into something more.
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The Main Cast of the Romance Series
The series features a mix of Japanese and Korean actors. The lead role of Taiga Hasegawa is played by Japanese actor Eiji Akaso. The role of the Korean student Park Rin is played by Kang Hye-won. The supporting cast includes Moon Ji-hoo, Mai Fukagawa, and Mitsuru Fukikoshi.
The show is directed by Hirokawa Hayashida, Miyuki Hatanaka, and Ryota Koyama. The writing team includes Lee Nawon, Yoshitatsu Yamada, Chisato Yokoo, and Miyuki Hatanaka.
Fan Interest and Early Reception
Since its release, Gimbap and Onigiri has started to attract viewers on streaming charts. Data shows the series is gaining popularity, moving up significantly in daily rankings on some tracking sites. The show offers a gentle, character-driven story focused on cross-cultural connection and simple comforts, filling a specific niche in the romance genre.
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