Food is the starting point for romance in "Gimbap and Onigiri," a new Japanese drama pairing Japanese actor Eiji Akaso and Korea's idol-turned-actor Kang Hye-won. Set to premiere Jan. 12 on TV TOKYO, the upcoming series follows two young adults as they navigate uncertainty in their lives and experience romance despite their different cultures. Rather than centering on cultural clashes, the story unfolds through quiet encounters, creating a story of intimacy that is gradual and relatable. Akaso stars as Hase Taiga, a former college track athlete who loses direction after a major setback. With his confidence shaken, Taiga drifts through daily life without a clear vision for the future, working part time at a small restaurant in Japan. "Taiga meets Park Rin through his part-time job and the show centers on how he grows after that," Akaso said at a press conference in Seoul, Wednesday afternoon. "When I first saw the title, I was curious about what kind of story it would be. The characters are as warm and approachable, as the title suggests. It is a story about people who live sincerely and