Popular Japanese TV series reaches streaming site tudou.com

Japanese popular late-night food show Shinya Shokudo officially landed on China's video site tudou.com on May 30, fast becoming a hit among Chinese viewers despite the fact that many of them already watched the 2009 TV drama through various unofficial means.

Shinya Shokudo, meaning "late-night café," is based on the Abe Yaro manga comic of the same name about an unusual restaurant which only opens from 12 pm to 7 am. The show, starring veteran actor Kobayashi Kaoru, became an extraordinary hit after its debut in Japan in late 2009. Kobayashi said in a press release that these simply-made but impressive dishes bring back good memories for many people who watch the show.

The story takes place at a small restaurant in the corner of Tokyo's renowned shopping district Shinjuku. Although its standard menu consists of just a single choice, the owner and chef are ready to serve anything customers request. Each 20-minute-long episode depicts the lives of regular customers which include a gangster, an unsuccessful actor, office ladies and a stripper.