"Kimbap and Onigiri" is a new love story airing January 12, 2026, exploring cultural differences between Japan and Korea.
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From January 12, 2026 (Monday, holiday), TV Tokyo will broadcast Drama Premier 23 "Kimbap and Onigiri - The two in love are similar yet different -" (every Monday at 11:06 PM). This work depicts the love story of two people from different nationalities, Japan and Korea, a pure love story. It has also been decided to stream exclusively worldwide on Netflix, starting simultaneously with each episode's terrestrial broadcast. This romantic drama is set to be delivered not only to Japan but to the world. This time, the main visual featuring the protagonist Taiga Hase (Eiji Akaso) and heroine Park Rin (Kang Hae-won) has been revealed for the first time. Taiga and Rin are smiling while holding kimbap and onigiri, snuggled on the grass. "Like kimbap and onigiri, they look similar in appearance and ingredients, but taste different when eaten," this visual symbolizes the world view of the work, depicting the two who are attracted to each other while being confused by their cultural differences. Additionally, six more regular cast members have been revealed, along with their comments. Lee Yungyul, who supports and encourages Rin from Korea, is played by Seo Hae-won, known for her roles in Korean dramas such as "Spring of Four Seasons - Our Season of Love -" and "Run with Sonjae." Rin's mother, Choi Mi-ae, is played by Bang Eun-hee, who has appeared in many works in Korea, including "Beauty and the Beast: The Beast's Beauty" and "Gangnam Scandal." Seo Hae-won and Bang Eun-hee are making their first appearance in a Japanese drama. Taiga's former girlfriend, Masumi Miyauchi (Mai Fukagawa), is portrayed by Ryoko Yuui, known for her wide range of roles including "Code Blue - Doctor Helicopter Emergency Rescue -" (Fuji TV). Taiga's mother, Hiroko Hase (Hiroko Nakajima), has played many notable roles in various genres, including "Hanzawa Naoki" (TBS). Eiji Sakumoto (Makoto Miura) visits a small restaurant "Tano Mi" with Taiga's former classmate, while Asako Hoshimi (Makiko Watanabe) works at the company where Rin participates in an internship, known for her impactful performances in series like "The Second Last Love" (Fuji TV). Taiga, who experienced setbacks in his student days, and Rin, who pursues her dream of becoming an animator, are expected to see how the newly revealed characters will relate to and influence the two. ◆ Seo Hae-won (Lee Yungyul role) I am excited and nervous as this is my first Japanese drama, but I am grateful for this new opportunity. Yungyul is a fun character who brings energy to the story, and I enjoyed reading the script while imagining how to portray him. I believe you can catch glimpses of Korean culture through Yungyul's reactions to Rin's troubles. I hope this drama encourages everyone who lives hard every day. Please watch it! ◆ Bang Eun-hee (Choi Mi-ae role) When I first held the script, I found the differences between the "mothers" of Japan and Korea clearly depicted, yet the love and care for their children are common, which I found very interesting. I actively expressed my love for my daughter Rin in my performance. This was my first time filming with a Japanese team, but even without a common language, I could feel everyone's passion, including the director's. I would be happy if many people enjoy it. ◆ Ryoko Yuui (Reiko Ishida role) When I read the script, I found the way two people from different cultures respect each other very endearing. While it is a love story, it also depicts the struggle of figuring out what one wants to do in the future, so I hope you pay attention to that aspect as well. I hope you enjoy my role as a good advisor to Masumi (Taiga's ex-girlfriend), who tends to get drunk easily and causes trouble for Masumi. ◆ Hiroko Nakajima (Hiroko Hase role) Although the feelings between mother and child are the same, they often struggle to communicate effectively. I hope you enjoy watching the relationship and exchanges between Taiga and Hiroko. "Kimbap and Onigiri" is a gem of a love story that allows you to glimpse cultural differences and shared feelings, and I believe it encourages you that it's okay to challenge yourself at any age. Please watch it! ◆ Makoto Miura (Eiji Sakumoto role) The script is about cultural exchange between Korea and Japan, watching over "dream chasers," and I was eager to perform on set. Taking the first step in anything requires courage. This story will push those who are hesitant to take that step. If you stop challenging yourself, you may miss out on moments of joy from occasional successes. I hope this work inspires your challenges, so please support it! ◆ Makiko Watanabe (Asako Hoshimi role) When I read the script, I thought, "What a cute title!" and I imagined the story would be adorable as well. The emotional turmoil of the two protagonists is depicted very delicately and freshly. I felt my heart flutter while reading the script. I believe you can spend time together while feeling those flutters. - Kang Hae-won and Eiji Akaso from IZ*ONE confirmed to co-star in TV Tokyo's new drama "Kimbap and Onigiri" starting January 2026 - Additional cast for the new drama "Kimbap and Onigiri" featuring Kang Hae-won and Eiji Akaso from IZ*ONE has been announced. ■ Work Overview Drama Premier 23 "Kimbap and Onigiri - The two in love are similar yet different -" Broadcast date: Starts January 12, 2026 (every Monday from 11:06 PM to 11:55 PM) Broadcasting stations: TV Tokyo, TV Osaka, TV Aichi, TV Setouchi, TV Hokkaido, TVQ Kyushu Broadcasting Distribution: Exclusive worldwide streaming on Netflix starting simultaneously with each episode's broadcast! Missed episodes will be available on ad-supported free streaming service "TVer"! Real-time streaming is on TVer. 【Starring】 Eiji Akaso 【Cast】 Kang Hae-won, Moon Ji-hoo, Mai Fukagawa, Rin Kataoka, Shodai Fukuyama, Seo Hae-won, Bang Eun-hee, Ryoko Yuui, Hiroko Nakajima, Makoto Miura, Makiko Watanabe, Mitsuru Fukikoshi 【Series Composition】 Yukiko Sote, Noryu Yamada 【Script】 Na-won Lee, Noryu Yamada, Chitose Yokoo, Miyuki Hatanaka 【Directors】 Hirokawa Hayashida, Miyuki Hatanaka, Ryota Koyama 【Producers】 Kan Nakajima (TV Tokyo), Shiho Kojima (TV Tokyo), Koki Gokaku (BABEL LABEL), Tatsuya Mukai (Lineback) 【Production】 TV Tokyo, BABEL LABEL 【Production Copyright】 "Kimbap and Onigiri" Production Committee ■ Related Links "Kimbap and Onigiri" Official Website "Kimbap and Onigiri" Official X
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