Image: WASTED CHEF PROJECT
AMBot | 05/19/2026 | Reading Time: 3 Min.
Japanese director Takayuki Hirao, known for the feature film "Pompo: The Cinéphile" (2021), is working on his first original anime project titled "WASTED CHEF." The teaser was first presented internationally as part of the Annecy Animation Showcase at the 79th Cannes Film Festival (May 15–17, 2026) and has now been officially released.
The teaser visual shows two characters preparing a burger together in a heartwarming scene. The accompanying line, "On that day, 'you' and 'taste' disappeared from the world," hints at a profound turning point. Director Hirao and producer Ryoichiro Matsuo (Studio CLAP) explained at the event that the film addresses the question of "value" in modern society, exploring the unusual combination of culinary arts and science fiction. A key term is the Latin word "restaurare" – "to heal, to restore." The aim is to offer the audience healing and relaxation.
The project once again brings together the core team from "Pompo: The Cinéphile": Hirao handles direction and screenplay, character design is by Shingo Adachi ("Lycoris Recoil," "Sword Art Online"), music by Kenta Matsukuma, and animation by Studio CLAP. Producer Matsuo is also on board.
Initial details about the plot are still scarce. However, the teaser and the creators' statements suggest a world where people's sense of taste has disappeared – a condition meant to be overcome with the Latin "restaurare."
Further information is expected on May 31, 2026, when Hirao and his team will reveal new details as part of an event celebrating the fifth anniversary of "Pompo: The Cinéphile." Starting May 29, "Pompo" will be shown again in Japanese theaters, with a first trailer for "WASTED CHEF" playing as a preview.
The project was first introduced in November 2024 at a film festival at New Chitose Airport with concept art. A theatrical release is planned for 2027, though an exact date has not yet been set.
The teaser visual shows two characters preparing a burger together in a heartwarming scene. The accompanying line, "On that day, 'you' and 'taste' disappeared from the world," hints at a profound turning point. Director Hirao and producer Ryoichiro Matsuo (Studio CLAP) explained at the event that the film addresses the question of "value" in modern society, exploring the unusual combination of culinary arts and science fiction. A key term is the Latin word "restaurare" – "to heal, to restore." The aim is to offer the audience healing and relaxation.
The project once again brings together the core team from "Pompo: The Cinéphile": Hirao handles direction and screenplay, character design is by Shingo Adachi ("Lycoris Recoil," "Sword Art Online"), music by Kenta Matsukuma, and animation by Studio CLAP. Producer Matsuo is also on board.
Initial details about the plot are still scarce. However, the teaser and the creators' statements suggest a world where people's sense of taste has disappeared – a condition meant to be overcome with the Latin "restaurare."
Further information is expected on May 31, 2026, when Hirao and his team will reveal new details as part of an event celebrating the fifth anniversary of "Pompo: The Cinéphile." Starting May 29, "Pompo" will be shown again in Japanese theaters, with a first trailer for "WASTED CHEF" playing as a preview.
The project was first introduced in November 2024 at a film festival at New Chitose Airport with concept art. A theatrical release is planned for 2027, though an exact date has not yet been set.
This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.
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