WASTED CHEF Anime Announced: Pompo the Cinephile Director Returns With Bold Sci-Fi Cooking Film

KADOKAWA has officially dropped WASTED CHEF, a brand-new original anime film from director Takayuki Hirao, best known for his work on Pompo the Cinephile.

Announced on May 31, 2026, the project marks Hirao’s first original feature-length animation, immediately drawing global attention following the release of its teaser trailer and key production details.

The film is already gaining momentum internationally, having been selected for the Annecy Animation Showcase at the 79th Cannes Film Festival.

A Unique Sci-Fi Story Built Around “Taste” and Value

WASTED CHEF introduces a striking concept that blends cuisine with science fiction, setting it apart from traditional anime narratives. The story follows a young chef steering a mysterious world where “taste” itself has disappeared, creating both a literal and emotional void. Through this unusual premise, the film explores deeper philosophical questions about value, creativity, and what gives meaning to human experiences.

The tagline,

“That day, ‘you’ and ‘taste’ vanished from the world,”

hints at a layered narrative that goes beyond food and adventure. Much like Pompo the Cinephile explored artistic passion, this new project appears to center on personal growth and the pursuit of purpose in a transformed reality.

Director Takayuki Hirao is not only directing but also writing the script and overseeing the original concept, making WASTED CHEF a deeply personal project. Known for combining traditional storytelling with experimental visual techniques, Hirao has built a reputation for creating emotionally resonant films with distinct visual flair.

His previous work on Pompo the Cinephile was widely praised for its portrayal of filmmaking and ambition, and expectations are high for his return with a completely original story. The new project is positioned as a natural evolution of his creative style, pushing boundaries both visually and thematically.

Strong Creative Team Reunites for the Project

A still from WASTED CHEF1

The production also brings together a notable team of anime industry talent. Character design is handled by Shingo Adachi, recognized for his work on Sword Art Online and Lycoris Recoil, ensuring a visually appealing and expressive cast. Music for the film is composed by Kenta Matsukuma, whose credits include Kamen Rider Black Sun and 11 Rebels, adding another layer of anticipation.

Animation production is being handled by Studio CLAP, the studio behind The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes, and The Last Blossom. Several staff members who previously collaborated with Hirao on Pompo the Cinephile are returning, signaling a creative continuity that fans of his earlier work will likely appreciate.

Cannes Selection Signals Strong Global Interest

Even before its full release, WASTED CHEF has secured a spot in the Annecy Animation Showcase at the Cannes Film Festival, a program known for spotlighting highly anticipated animated projects. This early recognition suggests strong confidence in the film’s creative direction and global appeal.

The selection places the project among some of the most promising upcoming animated works, positioning it as one to watch in the international animation scene. It also reflects the growing influence of Japanese animation at major global film events.

The newly released teaser trailer offers a first look into the film’s tone and visual style, teasing a surreal world shaped by the absence of taste. While details remain limited, the footage hints at a mix of emotional storytelling and imaginative world-building, consistent with Hirao’s previous work.

With its unconventional premise and strong creative backing, WASTED CHEF is already shaping up to be a standout project. As production moves forward, the film is expected to deliver a fresh take on anime storytelling, combining artistic ambition with a thought-provoking narrative.