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| Akaso Eiji Returns to TV Tokyo, Joined by Kang Hyewon in Netflix-Backed Romance Drama |
TV Tokyo has announced its first big romance drama of 2026, and it’s already stirring buzz across Japan and Korea. Kimbap to Onigiri will premiere on Monday, 12 January 2026 at 11:06 pm in the Drama Premier 23 slot, with leading roles played by Akaso Eiji and former IZ*ONE star Kang Hyewon.
The series follows Taiga Hase (played by Akaso), once the ace of his university relay team whose future seemed limitless, but now working quietly part-time in a small restaurant after falling short of expectations.
His quiet life is turned upside down when he meets Park Rin (played by Kang), a Korean graduate student studying animation in Japan, who suddenly finds herself being asked to leave her student dormitory.
What starts as two people crossing paths soon unfolds into a tender love story about cultural differences, personal setbacks, and finding the courage to face the future together.
Just like kimbap and onigiri – similar in shape yet unique in flavour – their bond captures both contrasts and connections between Japan and Korea.
A First for Kang Hyewon in Japanese Drama
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For Kang Hyewon, this marks her first appearance in a Japanese terrestrial drama.
Known worldwide from her idol days and more recently through Korean dramas like Boyhood and Competition of Kindness, she takes on a demanding role with a mix of Korean and Japanese dialogue.
Kang Hyewon expressed excitement at the opportunity, sharing that she immediately connected with Rin’s struggles of pursuing a dream far from home.
Akaso Eiji on Playing Taiga
Akaso Eiji, who made a name for himself in Cherry Magic and films like 366 Days, admitted that at first the quirky title Kimbap to Onigiri left him wondering what kind of drama it could be.
After reading the script, however, he described it as “a heartfelt story full of warmth, where characters support each other across cultural and personal boundaries.”
He added that watching how Taiga grows after meeting Rin will be one of the drama’s highlights.
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Unlike many darker titles previously featured in Drama Premier 23, this series marks a return to the pure romance genre.
And it’s not just for domestic viewers—Kimbap to Onigiri will stream globally on Netflix, timed alongside each weekly broadcast, making it accessible to fans around the world from day one.
Producer Nakajima Kaname commented that the drama was built around the idea that differences—whether cultural, linguistic, or personal—can both challenge and strengthen human connection.
“Like kimbap and onigiri, what looks similar can hold very different flavours. That’s the beauty of relationships.”
What to Expect
Viewers can look forward to:
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Cross-cultural romance blending Japanese and Korean perspectives.
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Emotional character growth as Taiga finds a new purpose through love.
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Authentic performances, with Kang tackling Japanese dialogue for the first time.
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A heart-warming tone, balancing humour, tears, and plenty of food moments to savour.
With a promising cast, original script, and worldwide release, Kimbap to Onigiri looks set to be one of the most charming new romances of 2026.