Synopsis

Cast & Crew

Episodes

Reviews (5)

In the bustling streets of Tokyo, 45-year-old lawyer Kakei Shiro leads a meticulously organized life. By day, he navigates the rigid hierarchies of a traditional law firm, keeping his personal life tightly under wraps. By night, he transforms into a devoted home chef, crafting elaborate, budget-friendly meals for his live-in boyfriend, Yabuki Kenji, a warm and openly flamboyant hairdresser. This critically acclaimed Japanese series, based on Fumi Yoshinaga's beloved manga, is far more than a cooking show. It is a tender, unflinching portrait of a long-term gay couple navigating the quiet, profound challenges of middle age. Through each episode's delicious dish—from a simple tomato salad to a rich simmered chicken—Shiro and Kenji express love, resolve disagreements, and confront the unspoken pressures of a society that often refuses to see them as a couple. With its A-list cast, gentle humor, and deep humanity, 'What Did You Eat Yesterday?' serves up a heartwarming slice-of-life that celebrates the profound act of caring for someone through the food you share.

Katagiri Kenji

Cast

Nojiri Katsumi

Cast

Nakae Kazuhito

Cast

Yoshinaga Fumi

Cast

Adachi Naoko

Cast

Nishijima Hidetoshi

Cast

Uchino Seiyou

Cast

Makita Sports

Cast

Kaji Meiko

Cast

Chan Kawai

Cast

Nakamura Yurika

Cast

Takaizumi Atsuko

Cast

E01

What Did You Eat Yesterday? Episode 1

Season 1 · Apr 05, 2019

~ min

E02

What Did You Eat Yesterday? Episode 2

Season 1 · Apr 12, 2019

~ min

E03

What Did You Eat Yesterday? Episode 3

Season 1 · Apr 19, 2019

~ min

E04

What Did You Eat Yesterday? Episode 4

Season 1 · Apr 26, 2019

~ min

E05

What Did You Eat Yesterday? Episode 5

Season 1 · May 03, 2019

~ min

E06

What Did You Eat Yesterday? Episode 6

Season 1 · May 10, 2019

~ min

E07

What Did You Eat Yesterday? Episode 7

Season 1 · May 17, 2019

~ min

E08

What Did You Eat Yesterday? Episode 8

Season 1 · May 24, 2019

~ min

E09

What Did You Eat Yesterday? Episode 9

Season 1 · Jun 07, 2019

~ min

E10

What Did You Eat Yesterday? Episode 10

Season 1 · Jun 14, 2019

~ min

E11

What Did You Eat Yesterday? Episode 11

Season 1 · Jun 21, 2019

~ min

E12

What Did You Eat Yesterday? Episode 12

Season 1 · Jun 28, 2019

~ min

7.7

out of 10

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tender_hungry_home

August 2025

10/10

I came for the food but stayed for Shiro and Kenji! There's something so incredibly romantic about a man who expresses his love through perfectly cooked meals and careful budgeting. I didn't miss the kisses at all because every grocery trip and every 'Itadakimasu' felt like a declaration of love. This is the kind of quiet, mature romance we rarely see.

logical_plot_watch

March 2026

7/10

The acting and production value are top-notch, but I found the pacing painfully slow. Whole episodes revolve around a single meal with minimal conflict. I understand it's going for realism, but I needed a bit more narrative drive. That said, the writing is incredibly sharp and the characters feel like real people—just not enough plot for my taste.

society_and_sake

December 2024

9/10

This drama handles consent and identity in such a nuanced way. Shiro's internalized homophobia isn't demonized; it's shown as a product of a society that forces gay men into hiding. Kenji's flamboyance is portrayed without mockery. The scene where Shiro's mother tells him to be open about his sexuality gave me chills. It's a masterclass in showing, not telling, the social pressures LGBTQ+ people face.

cinematography_otaku

January 2025

8/10

Visually, this show is a warm hug. The lighting is soft and golden, especially in the kitchen scenes. The close-ups of ingredients and knives slicing through vegetables are incredibly satisfying. I also loved the muted color palette that reflects Shiro's controlled personality, which slowly warms up as the story progresses. It's not flashy, but every frame is intentional.

manga_reader_jp

July 2025

9/10

As a huge fan of the original manga, I was nervous about the adaptation. But the casting is nothing short of miraculous. Nishijima Hidetoshi IS Shiro—stiff, frugal, and emotionally constipated yet utterly lovable. The series captures the manga's gentle humor and poignant moments perfectly. They even kept the exact recipes! Only minor cuts, but overall a faithful and beautiful adaptation.