Fans of the beloved iyashikei anime Non Non Biyori have reason to celebrate as key staff members from the series are reuniting for a brand-new original anime titled Hibi wa Sugiredo Meshi Umashi, also known as Food for the Soul. This upcoming series promises to deliver the same heartwarming and comforting atmosphere that made Non Non Biyori a fan favorite, but with a focus on delicious food and the joys of culinary exploration.
A Comforting Return
The announcement of Hibi wa Sugiredo Meshi Umashi has generated considerable excitement among anime enthusiasts. The original creator of Non Non Biyori, Atto, is heavily involved in this new project. Atto is credited with the original story, character concepts, and even the storyboard layouts for the tie-in manga. This ensures that the new anime will maintain the same cozy and charming feel that fans have come to love from Atto’s work. The involvement of key staff members from Non Non Biyori further solidifies this promise.
Key Staff and Production
The anime is being produced by the acclaimed studio P.A. Works, known for their high-quality animation and visually stunning works like Shirobako and Skip and Loafer. The series is being co-directed by Shinya Kawatsura, who previously served as an episode director and unit director for several episodes of Non Non Biyori, and Tohru Harumi, a unit director on The Quintessential Quintuplets the Movie. Their combined experience is expected to bring a unique and engaging directing style to Hibi wa Sugiredo Meshi Umashi.
Other notable staff members include:
- Character Designs & Chief Animation Director: Hajime Mitsuda (Akiba’s Trip: The Animation, Kiratto Pri☆Chan). Mitsuda is adapting Atto’s original character designs for animation.
- Series Composition: Yoshihiro Hiki (Akiba Maid War). Hiki is responsible for overseeing the scripts.
- Music: Hiromi Mizutani (Non Non Biyori). Mizutani’s return ensures that the anime will have a similarly soothing and memorable soundtrack, reminiscent of Non Non Biyori‘s iconic tunes.
- Sound Director: Takeshi Takadera (Oshi no Ko)
This powerhouse team of creators is set to bring a captivating and visually stunning anime to life.
Plot and Premise: A Taste of Life
While the finer details of the plot are still emerging, Hibi wa Sugiredo Meshi Umashi will follow the culinary journey of Mako Kawai, a first-year college student with a passion for cooking. The tagline of the series, “Cuteness + Deliciousness = The Ultimate Meal,” suggests that the anime will focus on the joy of food and the comforting feeling of sharing a meal with loved ones.
The teaser trailer and promotional visuals highlight the importance of food in the series. It seems the anime will be similar to other gourmet slice-of-life series like Gourmet Girl Graffiti or Today’s Menu for the Emiya Family. It will likely showcase a variety of dishes while exploring the characters’ lives and relationships. The series is poised to be a relaxing and heartwarming experience, emphasizing the simple pleasures of life.
Manga Adaptation
In addition to the anime series, a manga adaptation of Hibi wa Sugiredo Meshi Umashi is also in the works. Quro (Asteroid in Love), will be illustrating the manga, which is set to be published on Kadokawa’s Alive+ website in 2025. This tie-in manga will further expand the world and story of the anime, offering fans another way to engage with the characters and their culinary adventures.
Release and Anticipation
Hibi wa Sugiredo Meshi Umashi is slated to premiere sometime in 2025. A specific release date has not been announced. The anticipation for this new anime is very high, with many fans eagerly awaiting its release. Social media platforms have been abuzz with discussions and excitement for this upcoming series. Many fans are already predicting it may be a top contender for anime of the year.
The series is seen as a comforting return for fans of Non Non Biyori. It provides a similar tone and creative team, while also offering a fresh story focused on food and a new main character. This combination has led to a large number of people adding the series to their must-watch lists for the year.
What to Expect
Based on the available information, fans can expect:
- A heartwarming and relaxing slice-of-life anime.
- A focus on delicious food and the joys of cooking.
- Beautiful animation from P.A. Works.
- A soothing soundtrack composed by Hiromi Mizutani.
- Character designs from Atto.
Hibi wa Sugiredo Meshi Umashi is poised to be a comforting and enjoyable series for fans of the iyashikei genre and those who simply enjoy watching good food. The reunion of the Non Non Biyori staff, coupled with the unique theme, makes this anime a highly anticipated release for 2025. The series promises a heartwarming and delicious adventure that fans will not want to miss.
Conclusion
As the release of Hibi wa Sugiredo Meshi Umashi: Food for the Soul draws closer, the excitement continues to build. With the creative minds behind Non Non Biyori at the helm, fans can look forward to another cozy, comforting, and visually stunning anime experience. This series is set to be a celebration of the simple joys of life, good food, and the connections we make over a shared meal.
