A true gem. Very educational about Japan and its culture, but its magic comes from the way the writers reveal the wonder and beauty in each person. Many of the episodes have a "villain" who upsets or harms one or more of the regulars, but the owner encourages each visitor to his café, bringing out the good in each. The cooking recipes are a nice extra, but the true community that's found at the Midnight Diner draws forth every viewer's yearning for such in their own life.