Bridging the gap between popular franchise anime and a more distinct shojo anime feel, Takayuki Hirao has established a reputation for himself as one of the most accomplished theatrical anime directors working today. Now, he’s been confirmed to be directing an all-new, original IP anime film.
The director of the TV anime series and OVA of Namco-Bandai’s God EaterRPG adaptation, theJunji Itohorror manga adaptationGyo, and the shojo-fantasy animeYoyo and Nene, Hirao has developed a distinct usage of color and composition from his wide-reaching projects. With his most recent film, 2021’sPompo the Cinephile, he cemented his affinity for theatrical animation that takes shojo-feeling and frames it for wide appeal.
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While many details have yet to be revealed, a report from Anime News Network has confirmed that Hirao is writing and directing an original theatrical anime film, currently known only by the codename of “Wasted Chef.” While this title certainly invites speculation, the potential cooking theme is likely. WhereasPompo the Cinephilebrought Hirao’s distinct style to the difficulties and joys of live-action filmmaking, is it right to assume that his next project could explore the creative aspects of the culinary world?
Also worth noting is that “Wasted Chef” is Hirao’s first completely original project rather than being an adaptation of a pre-existing IP, allowing for a prized look into his own creative imagination at its fullest expression. While a formal release date hasn’t been set either, it’s presumable to estimate a 2024 or early 2025 release date in Japan, with international distribution to come soon after.
Also worth noting is that several of Hirao’s most trusted collaborators will be returning to work with the director on “Wasted Chef.”Pompo’s musical composer Kenta Matsukuma, who has since gone on to do music composition for the 2022 live-action tokusatsu series,Kamen Rider Black Sun, is returning for “Wasted Chef.”
Likewise, character designer Shingo Adachi, who is known for his work on theSword Art Onlineseries, is on-board to design the characters. The animation itself is from Studio CLAP (not to be confused with CLAMP, the manga creatives behindCardcaptor Sakura), who are known for Pompo in 2021 and the theatrical light novel adaptationNatsu e no Tunnelin 2022.
While more details on the project are sure to come soon, Hirao has also been confirmed to be visiting the United States soon, hosting a two-year-anniversary screening of Pompo at Anime Expo 2023 in Los Angeles.
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