How ‘The Solitary Gourmet’ became one of Japan’s most enduring TV hits

A lanky businessman ventures into a hole-in-the-wall restaurant and savors his meal alone.

It’s a mundane premise for a TV series, yet “The Solitary Gourmet” has developed a cult following across Asia, captivating millions of viewers with its simplicity, nostalgia and distinctly Japanese sensibility.

Combining culinary discovery with the showcase of local heritage, the show centers on fictional entrepreneur Goro Inogashira, who drives around in his Mini, using brief business meetings as a pretext for his gastronomic wanderings.