There are only a very few Japanese series I've ever watched.  Midnight Diner might be the best. Why is a bit puzzling.  Low keyed, with a personal relationship focus in each episode.  Really, nothing much more. Based on the manga by Yaro Abe, Sinya Shokudo . 10 episodes/season. Began in 2009 for three seasons.  Netflix produced seasons 4 to 6, beginning in 2016.  Season 6 just began in October 2026, after a 6-year hiatus.  Master now has white hair. Season one got a 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating, while #2-#5 apparently all got 94 scores. Season 6 still unfolding, with the 10th episode to be released on 23December2026. Takes place in a late-night diner in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo, featuring a mysterious chef played by Kaoru Kobayashi, only known as "Master."  He has this major scar over his left eye.  Never explained. Seems to be under Yakuza protection, which might be from where he came. Every episode starts with moving camera shot under a br...