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Jun 18, 2026 Major2
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Japanese Drama 'Secret Kitchen Tonight' Wraps Filming Ahead of Finale
Fuji TV's Thursday drama 'Secret Kitchen Tonight' concluded on June 18, 2026, after three months of filming. The series, starring Haruka Kinami and Mahiro Takasugi, followed a woman's journey of self-discovery through cooking, culminating in revelations about secrets, a corporate scandal, and a fall accident. Cast and crew celebrated the wrap with emotional comments, praising the warm and dedicated production environment.
Quick Facts
Who
Haruka Kinami
What
final episode aired
When
June 18, 2026
Where
Fuji Television
- final episode aired
- filming completed
- cast and crew wrapped production
- secrets revealed including fall accident and corporate scandal
- the series explored love and rebirth through cooking
The Fuji Television drama series 'Secret Kitchen Tonight' (Konya, Himitsu no Kitchen de) has completed filming, with cast and crew celebrating the wrap of the three-month production. The show, which aired its final episode on June 18, 2026, follows the story of Ayumi Tsubokura, a woman trapped in a toxic marriage who rediscovers herself through her encounters with an Italian chef named Kei Wakabayashi.
The lead actress Haruka Kinami, who played Ayumi Tsubokura, reflected on the challenging yet rewarding experience. 'I really used my head and my heart, and it was tough, but I feel I gave everything I could,' she said upon receiving a bouquet. 'Being able to work together with everyone until the very end to make the drama better were truly cherished days.'
The series, a Thursday night drama slot on Fuji TV, explored themes of love, rebirth, and secrets woven through cooking. Co-star Mahiro Takasugi, who played Kei Wakabayashi, expressed gratitude for the supportive and cheerful set environment, noting, 'I looked forward to going to set. I hope to show you a more grown-up version of myself someday.'
The final episode revealed the truth behind Kei's fall accident, a corporate scandal involving origin fraud at the Tsubokura Group, and the emotional resolutions for the main characters—Ayumi, Kei, and Fujiko (played by Miori Takimoto). Fujiko, a character who won viewers' hearts as she persevered despite hardships, became a fan favorite, with Takimoto thanking her 'Fujiko Guard' fans during the wrap.
Cast member Shunsuke Nakamura, who played Ayumi's husband Wataru Tsubokura, remarked on his intense role, while Mariko Tsutsui, who played Ayumi's mother-in-law Kyoko Tsubokura, thanked the staff and cast for their support. The series concluded with all secrets unveiled, leaving viewers to discover Ayumi's final choice and the fate of the midnight kitchen romance.
Topics
Why This Matters
This drama's wrap signals a complete narrative arc with resolved mysteries, offering viewers closure on themes of personal redemption and resilience. For fans of Japanese TV, it highlights the continued strength of Fuji TV's Thursday drama slot in delivering character-driven stories. The detailed wrap comments also provide insight into the production dynamics, which may interest industry observers. Additionally, the series' exploration of corporate scandal and personal growth could spark discussions on similar real-world issues.
Timeline & Sources
Mar 18, 2026
WireFilming of 'Secret Kitchen Tonight' begins (approx. 3 months before finale)
Jun 18, 2026
WireFinal episode airs and filming concludes with cast and crew wrap party