Japan's latest celebrity chef is a gay lawyer in hit TV drama

Program airing at midnight reminds viewers to enjoy time with loved ones

Kenji Yabuki, played by Seiyo Uchino, left, shares dinner with his partner, Shiro Kakei, played by Hidetoshi Nishijima. (Courtesy of Kino Nani Tabeta Production Committee)

SAYAKA HAYASHI and CHIE MATSUMOTO, Nikkei staff writers

June 1, 2019 20:22 JST

TOKYO -- A gay TV couple is making Japanese viewers fall in love with cooking, and with everyday life at home.

The fictional couple also has viewers staying up early into Saturday morning, as "Kino Nani Tabeta?" ("What Did You Eat Yesterday?") starts Fridays at midnight.