How Netflix Japanese drama Gimbap and Onigiri bridges cultures with food and romance

Rather than centring on cultural clashes, the story unfolds through quiet encounters, creating a story of intimacy that is gradual and relatable.

Akaso stars as Hase Taiga, a former college track athlete who loses direction after a major setback. With his confidence shaken, Taiga drifts through life without a clear vision for the future, working part-time at a small restaurant in Japan.

“Taiga meets Park Rin through his part-time job, and the show centres on how he grows after that,” Akaso said at a press conference in Seoul.

“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.”