Japan TV program of the season

This is the opening of Shinya Shokudo (深夜食堂, season 2), now airing on TBS Tuesday after midnight. It's now in the second season, and it's well worth watching if you have the chance.

The show is about an all night eatery in Shinjuku - Tokyo's old entertainment district, that was once the place to hang out, but is now seen as kind of shady and shabby, where you go to get away from the world, maybe find a hooker or a pachinko parlor, and drink your time away.

The proprietor of the little bar/restaurant (played by Kaoru Kobayashi) is a friendly guy who seems to know everyone, and is probably ex-yakuza. Kobayashi plays the part well, giving the owner of the shop (known only as "Master"), a nice laid back feeling. You get the idea he's seen a lot and knows how to deal with all kinds of people, and he frequently can be seen giving simple life lessons to the pimps, dancing girls, wandering musicians and others who stop in.

Shinya Shokudo is only a half hour long per episode, but it is shot with an exactness and attention to timing and scenes that it feels like you've been watching it longer. The night city scenery is also shot with a crispness and high quality that really draws you in.

And... I just like the show. It reminds me of a different Japan that I wish I'd seen, but now doesn't really exist.