Ep 8. Saut?ed Yam
- October 21, 2016
The episode Saut?ed Yam from season four of Midnight Diner takes viewers through the story of a young woman named Midori who is struggling with her identity. She works at a bookstore during the day and pursues her passion for music at night, but feels lost in her own life.
One evening, Midori wanders into the Midnight Diner and orders saut?ed yam, a dish she remembers from her childhood. The owner and chef of the diner, known only as "Master," prepares the dish with care and strikes up a conversation with Midori. Through their conversation, Master learns about Midori's struggles and helps her find clarity.
On the same night, two other regulars at the diner, a couple named Shinobu and Kana, also order saut?ed yam. Shinobu, a salaryman, is conflicted about a recent promotion and unsure of his career path. Kana, a stay-at-home mother, feels stifled in her role and misses the freedom she had before having children. As they eat, they discuss their feelings and support each other in finding solutions.
The episode also introduces a new character, a young woman named Yuzu who is searching for her missing cat. She ends up at the diner looking for help and becomes a part of the saut?ed yam group. Through their various conversations, the characters find connections with each other and a renewed sense of purpose.
As with every episode of Midnight Diner, the focus is not on action or drama but on the human connections that are forged over food and conversation. Saut?ed Yam is a story of self-discovery, of finding one's place in the world and embracing who you are. With its heartwarming moments and relatable characters, it is a standout episode in this beloved series.
