Hirao Takayuki, the director behind Pompo: The Cinephile, has unveiled a teaser trailer for his new original anime project WASTED CHEF. A manga adaptation has also been announced.
The teaser introduces a boy and a girl. The girl beams with a bright, lively smile amid vivid colors, while the boy looks uncertain. The scene is set at a restaurant called “THE DAY,” capturing a quiet moment between the two.
Inside the girl’s paper bag, fresh green lettuce and red tomatoes peek out. Later, a diner scene shows a thick patty sizzling on a hot griddle. The tagline reads: “A superb entertainment for everyone living in the present!”—and a mouthwatering hamburger appears on screen.
Towards the end, mysterious structures and eerie lights streak across the sky, revealing a desolate, enigmatic world. The ominous text “That day, ‘you’ and ‘taste’ disappeared from the world—” flashes, hinting at a sci-fi twist.
The project has already been selected for the Annecy Animation Showcase at the 79th Cannes International Film Festival, drawing international attention.
Staff and Production Info
Hirao Takayuki serves as director, original creator, and screenwriter. Main character design is by Adachi Shingo, known for Sword Art Online and Lycoris Recoil. Music is composed by Matsukuma Kenta (Kamen Rider BLACK SUN, Eleven Rebels). Animation production is handled by CLAP (The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes, Housenka), with many staff members from Pompo: The Cinephile reuniting.
Distribution is by Shochiku and KADOKAWA ANIMATION.
Manga Adaptation
The manga version will be written by Earo 05, with original story by Hirao Takayuki. It will begin serialization in the July 2026 issue of Young Ace (KADOKAWA), released on June 4, 2026.
(C) WASTED CHEF PROJECT
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