Game designer Akai grew up in an orphanage. He finds solace in a chicken rice dish that also holds the key to reconnecting with his birth mother.

A retired old schoolteacher reconnects with his former student: diner regular Marilyn. Awkwardly, her high school nemesis also shows up.

In her mid-30s, Chizuru worries her modeling career is ending. An encounter with a high-powered fan gives her a chance to evaluate her priorities.

Businessman Kotani is jubilant at his high school baseball team's success. His joy stirs up memories of his former best friend, the coach of the team.

The Ueharas run a barbershop together. They seem happy, but when his wife goes on a trip, a beautiful kimono instructor catches Mr. Uehara's eye.

Two aspiring voice actresses stop by for lucky bowls of kitsune udon, but six months later, only one of them seems to have had any luck.

A pachinko parlor employee and the middle school classmate he idolized seem to reconnect over curry ramen, but appearances can be deceiving.

A Mr. Lee shows up nightly, ordering rolled omelets every time. He turns out to be a film director fleeing from his own set and his father's legacy.

It's never too late for a fresh start. One year ends and another begins as familiar faces gather to celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Midnight Diner.